Explore all sections of the currently existing Ridge Trail loop.

Circumnavigation.

All You Need to Know.

When you’ve decided to go the distance on the Ridge Trail.

Looking for the ultimate trail adventure? Here are all the resources you need to complete the entire 390 miles (for now) of Bay Area Ridge Trail. Be sure to check out our Trail Tools page for more resources.

Whether you’ve already 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, resources and maps to help you with your journey, plus a chance to connect with others at virtual Circumnavigator Happy Hours to share stories, ask questions and get advice. Register HERE.

Backpacking Trips.

Backpacking SF / Marin
View Trip

Backpacking South Bay
View Trip

Backpacking East Bay
View Trip

Backpacking North Bay
View Trip

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.

Other Resources.

Ridge Trail Map Explorer
Visit the Explorer

Trail Trekkers Community
Join the Facebook Group

Parks Contact List
Land Agency Partners

FAQ
Circumnavigator FAQ

Spotlight Stories.

Stories of people who have hit the trail, hard.

Molly and Donna's 3-year section hiking adventure Read full story
Don Nolan bikepacks Ridge Trail in 13 day sprint Read full story
Completing the Ridge Trail on a Whim Read full story

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.

Join the Ridge Trail eNews, for all the latest events and trail news.

@bayarearidgetrail

DONATE TO SUPPORT THE TRAIL

We're a membership organization built of trail
lovers like you. Become an important part of the Ridge Trail community.

Donate to complete the trail