Start training for Ridge to Bridge
Ridge to Bridge is the Bay Area’s most gorgeous hike and ride through Marin to the Golden Gate Bridge. Hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians all join the fun with moderate to challenging options.
Want to sign up for a long hike, trail run, or mountain bike ride, but aren’t feeling 100% prepared?  These are 3 long (over 10 miles), challenging trails are designed to get you in shape and ready for the big day! If you haven’t already, register for Ridge to Bridge now!

NEW! Get Ridge Trail maps on OuterSpatial Mobile Map: 
Download OuterSpatial

1. Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve: Mount Umunhum
County: Santa Cruz
Mileage: 8.1 miles one-way (Jacques Ridge Parking Area to summit) 16.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,435 feet/385 feet one-way (from Jacques Ridge)
Difficulty: Difficult
Accessibility: Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers

The Mount Umunhum Trail provides an opportunity to experience the mountain’s ecosystem before arriving at the 3,456-foot summit. Most of the well-graded uphill trail is in a bay, oak, and madrone woodland with sections opening up to fantastic views of the Santa Clara Valley. The summit provides unparalleled views of the Bay Area and the ocean, and an opportunity to learn about the mountain’s cultural and natural history through numerous interpretive panels. Be prepared for extreme temperatures and wind on the summit.

Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve: Mount Umunhum
Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve: Mount Umunhum Map

Recharge at some of our favorite nearby spots:
Budget – Pomodoro Pizza
Moderate – Elements Contemporary Vietnamese Cuisine
Splurge – La Forêt

2.Mission Peak Regional Preserve and Ed R. Levin County Park
County: Alameda/Santa Clara
Mileage: 9.9 miles one-way, 19.8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,190 feet/2,030 feet one-way
Accessibility: Hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers

Climb through high grasslands past three lofty peaks that top a rugged ridgeline. You have views of rippling hills, tree-filled canyons, and bayshore marshlands from these exposed and often windy trails. You encounter some very steep segments in the final 4-mile descent to a pretty lake in a quiet valley. The side trip to Mission Peak’s summit is on a narrow, steep, and rocky trail; expect to see many people on their way to and from Mission Peak. Get an early start to do the climb before the day warms.

Mission Peak Regional Preserve and Ed R. Levin County Park
Mission Peak Regional Preserve and Ed R. Levin County Park Map

Recharge at some of our favorite nearby spots:*
My Shabu House
Naan-n-Masala
The Pizza Box

3. Lake Merced to Stern Grove, Stern Grove to the Presidio, San Francisco Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco via Ridge Trail!)
County: San Francisco
Mileage: 13.4 miles one-way, 26.8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,320 feet/1,190 feet one-way
Accessibility: Hikers and mountain bikers

These 3 connected trails are the entire Ridge Trail route in San Francisco, crossing the city south to north. This first segment offers an opportunity to experience the natural side of San Francisco. On a mostly level route, you travel the length of Lake Merced, pass through residential neighborhoods, walk or ride by another freshwater lake in a sunny and protected glen, and visit iconic Stern Grove. In the next segment, San Francisco’s spectacular bay and ocean views reward you on gradual climbs along city streets and park paths. Visit a number of parks, playgrounds, and unique residential and commercial neighborhoods. The route takes you near Twin Peaks and Sutro Tower, and through Buena Vista Park and the Panhandle.
In the last segment, explore the charm, seclusion, natural wonders, and historic and cultural variety of the 1,491-acre Presidio. Stunning views await you on this trip through forests and along coastal bluffs that ends at the Golden Gate Bridge. Interpretive panels along the route provide information about the Presidio’s unique natural and cultural history. Be prepared for San Francisco’s foggy and breezy weather.

Lake Merced to Stern Grove
Lake Merced to Stern Grove Map
Stern Grove to Presidio via Twin Peaks, Mt Sutro and Golden Gate Park (reroute)
Stern Grove to Presidio via Twin Peaks, Mt Sutro and Golden Gate Park (reroute) Map
San Francisco Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge Map

Recharge at some of our favorite nearby spots:*
4.8 miles – West Portal
Sports Bars
Dubliner
McCarthy’s

Get out for Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year (January 25) is a big day of excitement and celebration. It’s an important time to reunite with family, have fun with friends, and start a new journey of growth. This “year of the Rat” brings opportunities for new beginnings, growth, and prosperity.

Some qualities “rats” have are friendliness, prosperity, and curiosity. Take advantage of new opportunities to build healthy habits, (getting outside, spending time with family) with these 3 hikes.  Each hike embodies a “rat-like quality” in its essence. The Lynch Canyon hike in the North Bay embodies curiosity due to its irregularly shaped rocks along the trail.  The trail at Coyote Creek in the South Bay embodies friendliness in all the birds and wildlife “friends” you could make on the trail. The trail through Five Canyons Open Space in the East Bay embodies prosperity by the abundance of stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

NEW! Get Ridge Trail maps on OuterSpatial Mobile Map:
Must have the OuterSpatial app for the link to take you directly to the mobile map page.

1. Lynch Canyon Open Space and McGary Road
County: Solano
Mileage: Lynch Canyon segment, 4.3 miles one-way (plus 4.3-mile return to trailhead)
Difficulty: Moderate
Rat-like quality: Curiosity

Go as far as you like on this out-and-back or make a loop with some of the the adjacent trails. In Lynch Canyon, the Ridge Trail climbs and descends a series of grassy hilltops, and offers stunning 360-degree views. A distinctive feature along the spine of the preserve is a loose aggregation of irregularly shaped rocks graced by wind-sculpted live oak and bay trees.

Solano Land Trust is offering a docent-led hike on Lunar New Year, Saturday, January 25,  to discuss plant communities, landforms, and birds at Lynch Canyon.  Free registration here.

Lynch Canyon Map
More info on Lynch Canyon Open Space

Recharge at some of our favorite nearby spots:*
Chaats Cuisine Indian Food
The Loft Thai Fusion
Hinata Japanese Steakhouse

2. Coyote Creek Parkway North
County: Santa Clara
Mileage: 9.3 miles one-way
Difficulty: Easy
Rat-like quality: Friendliness

Coyote Creek travels 31 miles from the Diablo Range to San Francisco Bay. On this trail segment, follow the creekbed through shady riparian cover, parks, developed areas, and open fields to Metcalf Park’s freshwater lagoons, the habitat for many year-round and migratory bird species. The wide paved trail travels a nearly level course and is an excellent bike ride, popular with families on bicycles, especially on weekends.

Coyote Creek Parkway North
More info on Coyote Creek Parkway

Recharge at some of our favorite nearby spots:*
Julio’s Fresh Mex
Niji Sushi and Ramen

3. Don Castro and Five Canyons Parkway to Garin or Dry Creek Regional Parks
County: Alameda
Mileage: 10.6 or 11.2 miles one-way (includes a 0.2-mile connector on northern end and a 2.9- or 3.5- mile connector on southern end)
Difficulty: Moderate
Rat-like quality: Prosperity

This long stretch of trail is primarily on old ranch roads along the main ridge above Castro Valley, Hayward, and Union City. Mostly on open grassland, the trail offers unparalleled views of the bay and its surrounding mountains, as well as views out to the east. This section is best done as a car shuttle as it is about 11 miles one-way. Two miles of the trail’s midsection pass through the Stonebrae Country Club on golf paths and roads. Because Stonebrae is a gated housing development, it cannot serve as a trailhead for the general public.

Don Castro and Five Canyons Parkway to Garin or Dry Creek Regional Parks Map
More info on Don Castro and Five Canyons

Recharge at some of our favorite nearby spots:*
Boulevard Burger
The Burrito Shop
Pad Thai Cusine

*Do you have a favorite spot we missed? Let us know! Email us at info@ridgetrail.org

Looking for more curated adventures? Check out the Official Guide Book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail – it’s packed full of useful information for planning hikes, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips with maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more.

Just because the days are short, doesn’t mean you can’t fit in a little time outside. Explore the Ridge Trail with these four short and sweet outings–perfect for a quick respite from the holiday bustle. A great introduction to discovering your local wild on the Ridge Trail and fun for people of all ages.

NEW! Get Ridge Trail maps on OuterSpatial Mobile Map:
Must have the OuterSpatial app for the link to take you directly to the mobile map page.

1. Tilden Regional Park
County: Alameda
Mileage: 1.8 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
This out and back hike starts at the Seaview trailhead in Tilden Park near Berkeley. The Seaview trail to Vollmer Peak offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels.  Dogs on leash are allowed. Explore the wilderness through eucalyptus and redwoods groves. Benches along the route offer opportunities to take in vistas of the East Bay Hills and San Francisco. Want something more? Plenty of extended treks are available.

If you do this hike on a Saturday, and you have any train enthusiasts in your group, be sure to visit Redwood Valley Railway (Tilden Steam Train.)  The train is across the street from Seaview Trailhead and costs $3 per person. On December 19th and 20th of this year, Winterfest (holiday lights and crew in period costume) is taking place. The trains are running from 11 am – 7 pm.
Ridge Trail Tilden Park map including Inspiration Point and Steam Trains
Ridge Trail Tilden map on OuterSpatial
East Bay Regional Parks District map

2. Christmas Tree Farm Trail
County: Santa Clara
Mileage: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Starting at the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve/Horseshoe Lake main parking lot, take the Horseshoe Loop trailhead, make a left at the first intersection of the Horse Loop Trail. Follow the trail 0.4 miles, then turn left and follow the Tree Farm Trail 0.6 miles through the Skyline Ranch Tree Farm. This part of Skyline Ridge Preserve is scattered with the remains of an old Christmas tree farm. From 2003-2010, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District worked to restore this habitat. Many of those old trees still remain, and hikers can enjoy a unique view of coastal hillsides dotted with oversized Christmas trees.

If you don’t get your fill, the trail continues through the Skyline Ranch Tree Farm – a family-owned business that began in 1958 and continues to operate on 63 acres, where you can harvest your very own Christmas tree.
Ridge Trail Skyline and Russian Ridge Map
Ridge Trail Skyline map on OuterSpatial App

3. Helen Putnam Park
County: Sonoma
Mileage: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
This hike begins at the south trailhead on Chileno Valley Road near the playground, bathrooms, and picnic area.  Expect to cross grassy hillsides, weave through oak woodlands, and pass coast live oaks, coyote brush, and California buckwheat. Ridge-top trails provide panoramic views of Petaluma and the southern Sonoma County countryside. The trail ends at the bottom of the hill at Oxford Court.
Ridge Trail Helen Putman and Petaluma Map
Ridge Trail Helen Putnam map on OuterSpatial App

4. Mount Sutro Clarendon Loop
County: San Francisco
Mileage: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and step into a fantastic San Francisco oasis on Mount Sutro. Take in views through the eucalyptus of Golden Gate Park, the Sunset & Richmond neighborhoods, and the Marin Headlands. Start at the Stanyan and 17th St. trailhead, hike along the Historic Trail towards Clarendon Trail. Return via the Fairy Gates Trail, back to the Historic Trail, and back to the Stanyan trailhead.  Let your kids burn their extra energy off at nearby Grattan Playground.
Ridge Trail Stern Grove to Presidio Map
Ridge Trail San Francisco map on OuterSpatial App
Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve

Looking for more curated adventures? Check out the Official Guide Book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail – it’s packed full of useful information for planning hikes, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips with maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more.

County: San Mateo
Distance:
Day 1: Skyline Ridge to Windy Hill: 8.6 miles
Day 2: Purisima Creek Redwoods to Purisima Creek Open Space Preserve: 7.3 miles
Day 3: Skyline Trail to Wunderlich and Huddart County Parks: 5.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.

Explore the Peninsula on the Ridge Trail
These trails offer a chance to see the wide variety of natural beauty the Peninsula has to offer. Book lodging in nearby Los Altos and make it a fun mini-vacation. Below are guides for each day, using 2 cars. If you’re not up for a multi-day trek, try any of these as a standalone hike. Each day you will need a lunch, plenty of water, and sun protection. Warning: many of these trailheads are somewhat difficult to locate as you are driving on Hwy 35.
Car Shuttle, Parking and Turn-by Turn Directions and Pro-Tips – This assumes you will have 2 cars

Day 1: Skyline Ridge Open Space to Windy Hill – 8.6 Miles
Enjoy the Peninsula’s finest views and rolling grassland on these ridgeline trails. Climb through open grasslands to high knolls with moderate elevation gains and losses. Enjoy sweeping views of the San Mateo Coast and Santa Clara Valley. The route has narrow hiking trails and wide ranch roads on duff-covered to gravelly or rocky surfaces. Note: Once you reach Rapley Road there is a 0.7 mile gap in the trail. To get to the next segment walk north along Skyline Blvd. These exposed ridgetops can be foggy and windy; trails on south- and west-facing slopes offer only intermittent shade.
Ridge Trail Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Map
Ridge Trail Skyline and Russian Ridge Open Space Preserves Map
Midpen Regional Open Space – South Skyline Map

Day 2: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve – 7.3 miles
Five trails in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve link together for a challenging loop through forested canyons and over high ridges with ocean views. Hikers lose more than 1,000 feet of elevation in the first 2 miles and regain it on a steady climb out of the canyon.The Craig Britton Trail for hikers is a relatively level trail through a majestic redwood forest. Summer fog sometimes bathes the forested areas, while the open, south-facing ridges may be hot.
Ridge Trail Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Map

Day 3: Wunderlich and Huddart County Parks – 5.8 Miles
Follow the gently graded Skyline Trail through redwood and Douglas-fir forests just below the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Discover unusual spring wildflowers along one of the few remaining segments of the old California Riding and Hiking Trail, a trail system established in 1954. Take this easy, shaded trail on a summer day when you need a retreat from the valley heat.
Ridge Trail Wunderlich County Park to Huddart County Park Map
Wunderlich County Park Map
Huddart County Park Map

Nearby Lodging:
Portola Redwoods State Park – Camping
Hidden Villa – Hostel
Mountain View Inn – Budget
Creekside Inn – Moderate
Enchanté Boutique Hotel – Splurge

A little further…
Black Mountain backpacking in Monte Bello Open Space

Nearby Places to Eat:
Alpine Inn – Historic outdoor beer garden
Alice’s Restaurant – Plenty of seating out back and on the side, complete with horseshoe pits. Can get hectic with bikers on the weekends.
Bell Tower Cafe – Casual lunch
Bumble – Child friendly farm to table fare
The Post – Comfy American eaterty and cocktails
Tin Pot Creamery – Dessert

Looking for more curated adventures? Check out the Official Guide Book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail – it’s packed full of useful information for planning hikes, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips with maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more.

After a long hike on the Ridge Trail, cool off your feet or take a full plunge at some of our favorite swimming spots near the trail. Be sure to double check swimming hours and conditions beforehand, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Bothe Napa Valley State Park’s Spring Fed Pool
County: Napa
Located in the heart of wine country, this 1,900-acre park features features over 10 miles of multiple camping options. On hot summer weekends, bring a swimsuit and enjoy a cool plunge in the park’s spring fed swimming pool. Be warned, the water from the spring comes out a little chilly, but is perfect for a hot day.
Bothe Napa Valley State Park Swimming Info

Ridge Trail outings near Bothe:
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park Entrance to Traverso Homestead Map
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park: Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail to Palisades
Hood Mountain Regional Park

Other resources:
Bothe Napa Valley State Park Info
Bothe Napa Valley Park Map

Lake Anza, Tilden Regional Park
County: Alameda
Tilden Regional Park is home to some of the best views, as well as a perfect spot for a fresh water swim. Hidden in the Berkeley Hills, Lake Anza’s sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind, with lifeguards posted during the swim season. If a heated pool is more your speed, UC Berkley’s Strawberry Canyon Pool is also just outside the park.
Tilden Regional Park Swimming Info
Strawberry Canyon Recreation & Pool Info 

Ridge Trail outings near Tilden:
Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area to Tilden Regional Park (Inspiration Point)
Tilden to Redwood Regional via Skyline Trail, Sibley and Huckleberry

Other resources:
Tilden Regional Park Info
Tilden Regional Park Map
East Bay Regional Parks Swim Facilities Info

Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon, Spring Lake Regional Park
County: Sonoma
Part of the Sonoma County Regional Parks, Spring Lake is a perfect spot for all water lovers. The summer swimming lagoon features a sandy beach, lawns shaded by redwoods, and picnic sites; plus a floating water park and areas for recreational swimming. And they haven’t forgotten about your four-legged swimmers – each September the lagoon hosts a multi-weekend off-leash dog party known as the Water Bark.
Spring Lake Lagoon Swimming Info

Ridge Trail outings near Spring Lake Regional Park:
Spring Lake to Trione-Annadel State Park
Hood Mountain Regional Park

Other resources:
Spring Lake Regional Park Info
Spring Lake Regional Park Map

Cull Canyon Lagoon, Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area
County: Alameda
A beloved spot among locals, Cull Canyon Lagoon is perfect for swimmers of all abilities. Whether your swimming out to their floating docks to do cannon balls or just want to splash around in the shallows and make a castle on the white sand beach, Cull Canyon is a perfect warm weather destination.
Cull Canyon Lagoon Swimming Info

Ridge Trail outings near Spring Lake Regional Park:
East Bay Municipal Utility District Lands to Cull Canyon
Anthony Chabot Regional Park

Other resources:
Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area Info
Cull Canyon Park Map

Looking for more curated adventures? Check out the Official Guide Book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail – it’s packed full of useful information for planning hikes, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips with maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more.

See all Sonoma County has to offer on this fantastic hike through two of its most stunning parks. Hear the call of the wild as start your journey in Jack London State Historic Park. Explore the author’s beloved Beauty Ranch estate, then continue your journey west towards North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and take in the breathtaking vistas of Sonoma Valley along the way. Use Sonoma County Parks’ ‘Sugar Shuttle’ for an easy point-to-point adventure.

Jack London State Historic Park & North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
County: Sonoma
Distance: 7.4 miles one-way/14.8 miles out-and-back (see below for shuttle info)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,695 feet/1,345 feet one-way
Difficulty: Difficult

Directions: Starting from Jack London State Historic Park, begin on the Lake Trail from the middle of the westernmost parking lot. After 0.5 miles on the service road, hikers can cut right onto a narrow trail through a redwood and fir forest, returning back to the service road near London Lake after 0.4 miles. Beyond the lake, all users turn right to continue on the Mountain Trail. Follow the Mountain Trail 5.3 miles to the North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park trailhead and return back the way you came.

Shuttle Assisted Point-to-Point:
The ‘Sugar Shuttle’ is a rideshare van which allows experienced hikers to hike one-way between one of Sonoma County’s State Parks and one of its Regional Parks—and avoid making time-consuming transportation arrangements with friends and family. The Sugar Shuttle typically operates only on the 2nd weekend each month. However, May 2019 and September 2019 are Shuttle Months—with service each weekend day all month long.

The Sugar Shuttle service includes rides between North Sonoma Mountain and Jack London State Park, in both directions. See the Sugar Shuttle schedule and reserve your seats online. 

Jack London State Park to North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park Map
More info on Jack London State Historic Park 
More info on North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve

Recharge at some of our favorite nearby spots*:

Glen Ellen Star
The Fig Cafe

Glen Ellen Village Market
Tips Roadside

Looking for more curated adventures? Check out the Official Guide Book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail – it’s packed full of useful information for planning hikes, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips with maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more.

*Do you have a favorite spot we missed? Let us know! Email us at info@ridgetrail.org

Starting the Ridge Trail Journey
Walk with majestic redwoods and take in views of the Pacific and Half Moon Bay on this quintessential northern California hike in the Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. A former logging site in the 19th century, the preserve land was purchased by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Preserve in 1984. The former logging roads, connected with newly built footpaths, now serve as excellent hiking trails to explore the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the towering redwoods that call it home.

This trail is the first official section of Ridge Trail! Dedicated in 1989, along with trail in Wunderlich County Park, the trail was the first step to making a vision of a continuous a 550-mile trail around the Bay a reality. 30 years later, the Ridge Trail is now 380 miles and growing with countless opportunities for exploration and adventure-but this hike will always hold a special spot in our hearts.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
County: San Mateo
Distance: 5.8 miles one-way/10.7 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate

Directions: Starting from the Purisima Creek southern trail ahead along Skyline Blvd, follow the Purisima Creek trail 4.2 miles to the western edge of the preserve. Next, connect to the Harkins Ridge trail a follow it 3.3 miles to the northern trail head. If you have two cars and want to go point-to-point, park a car at the Northern and Southern trailheads, and when you reach your destination it’s only a short drive down Skyline Blvd back to your starting point.

Make it a loop:
Starting from the Purisima Creek southern trail ahead along Skyline Blvd, follow the Purisima Creek trail 4.2 miles to the western edge of the preserve. Next, connect to the Harkins Ridge Trail and 2.1 miles north to the Craig Britton trail. Follow the Craig Britton trail 2.6 miles to loop back to the Purisima Creek trail to return back to the southern trailhead.

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve Map
More info on Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Looking for more curated adventures? Check out the Official Guide Book to the Bay Area Ridge Trail – it’s packed full of useful information for planning hikes, backpacking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trips with maps, detailed trail descriptions, curated trips and more.