Autumn Adventures on the Ridge Trail

The weather is cooling, leaves are changing, and there’s a hint of pumpkin spice in the air… what better time is there to get out and explore the ridgelines surrounding the San Francisco Bay? Here’s your guide to experiencing fall to the fullest on the Ridge Trail.

See the Changing Colors

While the Bay Area isn’t famous for dramatic fall foliage, several spots offer beautiful displays of leaves turning from green to vibrant gold and amber.

Jack London State Park Samuel Levis via AllTrails
Samuel Levis via AllTrails

Jack London State Park and East Slope Sonoma Mountain

One-way Distance: 5.5 miles
Access: Hike, Bike, Equestrian

Tina Baine via AllTrails

Calistoga Ridge Trail

One-way Distance: 4.2 miles
Access: Hike, Bike, Equestrian

Rebecca Baldridge via AllTrails

Skyline Wilderness Park and Napa Solano Ridge Trail

One-way Distance: 6.7 miles
Access: Hike, Bike, Equestrian

Inderpreet Dhillon via AllTrails

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park: Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail to Palisades

One-way Distance: 4.5 miles
Access: Hike, Bike, Equestrian

Les Tom via AllTrails

Coyote Creek Parkway North

One-way Distance: 9.3 miles
Access: Hike, Bike, Equestrian

Zhongyi Tong via AllTrails

Sanborn County Park: John Nicholas Trail

One-way Distance: 3.5 miles
Access: Hike, Bike, Equestrian

Get Curious about Creepy Crawlies

Merav Vonshak, Bioblitz Club

Autumn Creatures

South Bay: Participate in a Bioblitz to become a citizen scientist while recording and learning about all the fungi, insects, plants and animals that thrive along the Ridge Trail. 

Jefe Salinas via AllTrails

Loads of Ladybugs

In autumn, ladybugs begin to cluster on logs and leaves to prepare to hibernate. A couple of spots you’re likely to find them is along the Ridge Trail in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and near the Ridge Trail in Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park near the junction of the Stream and Prince Trails.

Swainson’s Hawk – Ken Wilson, GGRO Volunteer

Migrating Birds of Prey

Marin Headlands: Visit Hawk Hill to catch a glimpse of the many species of raptors that migrate through the area during the fall.

Solano County: Each year from fall through late winter West County Hawkwatch leads weekend hikes so people can learn about the birds of prey that call the Solano Land Trust properties their home.