What: The Ridge Trail is working to connect the eastern and western stretches of the Ridge Trail through a critical gap in Coyote Valley, just south of San José. In March 2021 we kicked off the redesign of the Bailey Avenue overpasses. This project will design a separated trail along the existing Bailey Avenue overpasses and connect Coyote Ridge Open Space to the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas. This project was identified in our North Coyote Valley Ridge Trail Route Feasibility Study, published in November 2020. By using existing infrastructure, we can protect natural resources and minimize the trail impact in this critical wildlife corridor – a win-win for conservation and public access!
North Coyote Feasibility Study Results – Map of Potential Ridge Trail Route
Download the North Coyote Valley Ridge Trail Feasibility Study here.
Why: Coyote Valley is considered one of the most important conservation areas in the country as it is a critical link for wildlife and water between the two biodiversity hot spots of Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range. Partners in the area are conserving large swaths of land, most notably the acquisition and expansion of the Coyote Valley Conservation Area by the City of San José, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (OSA).
In the past several years significant progress has been made to connect the Ridge Trail in Santa Clara County. When the Ridge Trail is completed through Coyote Valley, you will be able to travel on uninterrupted trail from Santa Teresa County Park in San José, through Almaden Quicksilver County Park, and all the way up to Mount Umunhum in Sierra Azul Preserve.
Funding need: This is a complex multi-phase project and we are currently seeking additional funding for design, environmental review, permitting and construction of connections along Bailey Avenue across U.S. 101.
Voice Your Support: OSA is beginning the master planning process to determine how this land will be conserved and what kinds of access will be allowed. Now is the time to advocate for the Ridge Trail route to be included in the Coyote Valley Conservation Area Master Plan! This trail will serve as a critical linkage through the valley.
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