Explore all sections of the currently existing Ridge Trail loop.
Circumnavigation.
Looking for the ultimate trail adventure? Here are all the resources you need to complete the entire 400 miles (and growing) of Bay Area Ridge Trail. Be sure to check out our Trail Tools page for more resources.
Whether you've completed the entire Ridge Trail, you're currently in progress or just pondering the idea, we want to connect with you! We'll send you tools, tips, and resources to help you on your journey, plus a chance to connect with others to share stories, ask questions and get advice. Register below!
Watch this Ridge Trail Circumnavigation Webinar to learn more about how to make your way around the entire Ridge Trail. A panel of folks who've hiked, run, biked, or horseback ridden it all before also offer inside tips to help you take on this exciting journey. Want to know more? Join the free the Ridge Trail Circumnavigator Circle (link above) for more resources, invitations to special events, and a community of other trail-lovers like you.
Resources
Ridge Trail Map Explorer
Visit the Explorer
Trail Trekkers Community
Join the Facebook Group
Parks Contact List
Land Agency Partners
Bike Packing Trips
Don Nolan's 12 day Plan
Download the Plan
Bike Packing South Bay
View Trip
Bike Packing Peninsula
View Trip
Backpacking SF / Marin
View Trip
Three Day Basecamps.
Whether you are staying in a hotel or in a tent setting up a "basecamp" is a great way to complete several sections of Ridge Trail over a weekend.
Spotlight Stories.
Stories of people who have hit the trail, hard.



Gear Essentials.
Suggested items to help you on your way.
Overnight essentials for backpacking, cycling, and horseback.
Permits:
- Camping/Fire etc.
Navigation:
- Map
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
- Altimeter (optional)
Sun protection:
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Sun-shielding hat
Insulation:
- Jacket/Vest
- Hat, cap, skullcap, balaclava or headband
Illumination:
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Extra batteries
Safety:
- First-aid kit
- Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat
- Whistle
Tools:
- Knife or multi-tool
- Duct tape strips
Nutrition:
- Meals
- Snacks
- Extra day's supply of food
Emergency shelter:
- Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket
Sleeping:
- Sleeping bag
- Stuff stack
- Sleeping Pad
Cooking:
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookset/pot
- Bowl/Utensils/Cup
Personal Items:
- Camera
- Route description or Guidebook
- Small amount of cash
- Toothbrush & toiletry kit
- Quick-dry towel
- Camera/Phone
Warm Weather Clothing:
- Wicking T-shirt (synthetic or wool)
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
- Bandana or Buff
Cool Weather Clothing:
- Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
- Wicking long underwear (good sleepwear)
- Gloves or mittens
- Rainwear (jacket, pants)
- Fleece jacket or vest
Backpacking Specific
Gear:
- Backpack
- Trekking poles
Special clothes:
- Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
Cycling Specific
Special clothes:
- Helmet, bike gloves, cycling shorts, windshell, cycling socks & shoes
Tools:
- Multi tool, tire levers, spare tube, patch kit, bicycle pump, (tire boot, plugs if tubeless), zip ties, spare bolts, (stem, chainring bolt, brake and shoe) quick link for chain
Personal:
- Chamois butter packets
- Helmet cam
Horseback Specific
Special clothes:
- Helmet, gloves, riding boots, long pants
For your horse:
- Hoof pick, Currying equipment, Treats, Equine first aid kit, Fly spray, Emergency boot, Shipping boots or leg wraps, Copy of health papers
Tack:
- Halter and lead, Bridle, Saddle and Pad, Cinch or girth, Saddlebag, Portable Paddock
Trail Running (Single day)
- Light weight Backpack
- hydration pack
- Trail running shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- GU gel, bars
Day Hike
- Light weight Backpack
- hydration pack or water bottles
- Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool)
- Trail snacks (GU gel, bars, trail mix)
Stay in the loop.
DONATE TO SUPPORT THE TRAIL

lovers like you. Become an important part of the Ridge Trail community.