Very Important Trails (VITs) or Managed Access Trails are sections of the trail that the Ridge Trail Council is able to gain special access for outings. This includes a mix of property types: private land, land trust or park agency properties not open to the public, and properties that require a special permit or training to access. Each managed access trail segment is unique. Some require permits, some require a docent, and others require an orientation. Some others are accessed only through occasional outings the Ridge Trail coordinates in partnership with the land manager.
Below is a helpful guide to exploring these trails:
Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail
San Mateo County
In this remote open space, explore dense forests and hilly grasslands with extensive views of the entire Bay Area. This is a unique opportunity to experience the 23,000-acre watershed, home to the highest concentration of rare, threatened, and endangered species in the Bay Area. To protect this sensitive habitat, the Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail is accessible with a docent-led group.
Access: Hikers, Bikers, and Equestrians
Ridge Trail map: ridgetrail.org/san-francisco-watershed-skylawn-trail
Access Requirement(s): Accessible with guide; register for an outing at sfwater.org/trails
Cost: Free
Wildlake Preserve
Napa County
This preserve encompasses visually stunning rocky outcrops, pine and Douglas fir forests, oak woodland, and chaparral in northern Napa Valley. Since this trail crosses an ecologically-sensitive preserve, visitors need to attend an orientation conducted by the Land Trust of Napa County to access the property.
Access: Hikers and Bikers
Ridge Trail map: ridgetrail.org/wildlake-preserve
Access Requirement(s): Public access through orientation. Register for an orientation at napalandtrust.org/land-trust-public-access
Cost: Free
Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve
Santa Clara County
This stunning 1,859-acre preserve, managed by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, protects sensitive habitat and hosts almost 4 miles of Ridge Trail to explore. Visitors can travel through low grasslands up to the ridgeline for sweeping views of Coyote Valley and beyond. You might catch sight of a herd of tule elk, the threatened Bay checkerspot butterfly, or enjoy brilliant wildflower displays in the spring.
Access: Hikers and Bikers
Ridge Trail map: ridgetrail.org/mayyan-ooyakma-coyote-ridge
Access Requirement(s): A Butterfly Pass is required to fully access the Tule Elk, Bay Checkerspot, and Serpentine Trails. Access is restricted to certain days of the week to protect sensitive species.
Cost: Free
Upper La Honda Creek Preserve
San Mateo County
La Honda Creek Preserve is one of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's largest and most diverse preserves, and is planned to feature Ridge Trail miles in the future. It offers immersion into a historic ranchland with grazing cattle, views of the San Mateo County Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains and pockets of redwood forest.
Access: Hikers and Equestrians
More information: openspace.org/preserves/la-honda-creek
Access Requirement(s): No-fee permits are required for access to Upper La Honda. Find more info and get a permit at https://www.openspace.org/where-to-go/permits
Cost: Free