Bikepacking Trip: Sanborn Park to Huddart Park

Description: Ride and connect several parks through this gorgeous Skyline green belt along from the Santa Cruz mountain and into San Mateo County.

Vehicle Logistics: Check in with park ranger / attendant to park overnight at Sanborn Park and Huddart Park.

Water: Water fountains are located at the Castle Rock Kirkwood entrance, Alpine Lake near the Russian Ridge main parking lot, Alice’s Restaurant and at Huddart County Park.

Camp / Lodging Options:

Sanborn Santa Clara County Park: Walk in sites, reservation and first come first served.

Huddart County Park: Group sites. Might be possible to camp overnight solo check with Ridge Trail staff to request special permission. info@ridgetrail.org

Monte Bello Open Space: Primitive Trail Camp. Reservation required. This is a Detour off the main route.

Half Moon Bay State Beach: First come first served hike and bike sites. This is a detour off of the Ridge Trail which will add more miles and elevation gain.

OuterSpatial Mobile Map: Bike Overnight: Sanborn to Huddart

Total Miles / Elevation: 49 miles, 4625 gain, 5200’ loss

Surfaces: 22 miles of trail and 27 miles of road. Not all road sections provide lanes or shoulders for bikes. Use at your own risk.

Day 1 Itinerary:

Section 1: Sanborn Camp – Castle Rock

Trail Maps: Sanborn Park John Nicholas Trail, Sanborn to Castle Rock

Camp Start: Sanborn Camp. Walk in sites, reservation required.

Water: There is a water fountain at Castle Rock Kirkwood entrance.

Section 2: Castle Rock – Skyline Ridge

Trail Maps: Castle Rock to Saratoga Gap, Saratoga Gap to Skyline Ridge,

Water: There is no water in this section.

Section 3: Skyline Ridge – Huddart County Park

Trail Maps: Skyline Ridge to Rapley Ranch

Water: There is a water fountain at Alpine Lake just before the Russian Ridge main lot and at Alice’s Restaurant.

End Camp: Huddart County Park: Group sites. Might be possible to camp overnight solo check with Ridge Trail staff to request special permission. info@ridgetrail.org

Section Note: Rapley Ranch to Huddart is mostly on road, Hwy 35 and King Mountain Rd.

Day 2 Suggested Itinerary:

Continue North: Check out our itinerary and resources for Huddart Park to The Presidio.

Out and back: Ride back and camp and Monte Bello.

Bikepacking Trip: Presidio to Samuel P Taylor

Description:Explore this classic overnight route of the Ridge Trail which takes you over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and through the sweeping views of the Marin Headlands.

Vehicle Logistics: Parking overnight in the Presidio is not allowed so you may need to be dropped off. There are plenty of public transportation options to get you close to the Presidio or Rob Hill Campground. You can park overnight at the Pantoll campground for a shorter trip.

Water: Carry a lot of water. The last water stop before Pantoll is at the Golden Gate Bridge North Vista Point. There is a fountain 1.5 miles off route at the Muir Woods National Monument main entrance just in case. There is no water between Pantoll and Samuel P Taylor.

Camping Options:

Rob Hill Campground in SF Presidio: Reservation only, group sites only.

Samuel P Taylor State Park: Reservation and first come hike & bike sites.

Mt. Tamalpais SP, Pantoll Campground: first come sites only.

Tennessee Valley, Haypress Campground: Reservation only.

OuterSpatial Mobile Map: Bike Overnight: Rob Hill to Samuel P Taylor

Trip route map and cue sheet: Download the PDF

Total Miles / Elevation: 43 miles, 5558’ gain, 5320’ loss

Surfaces: Trail and Road. Not all road sections provide lanes or shoulders for bikes. Use at your own risk.

Day 1 Itinerary:

Section 1: Rob Hill Camp – Tennessee Valley

Trail Maps: Rob Hill Camp to Marin Headlands, Golden Gate Bridge to Tennessee Valley

Camp Start: Rob Hill Campground in SF Presidio, Reservation Only, group Site

Water: Water fountains at the Golden Gate Bridge North Vista Point Lot.

Section Note: You will ride up Conzelman Rd. for 1 mile. There is very little shoulder, ride at your own risk.

Section 2: Tennessee Valley – Pantoll Campground

Trail Maps: Tennessee Valley to Shoreline Hwy, Shoreline Hwy to Pantoll Camp

Water: There is water 1.5 miles off route at Muir Woods National Monument main entrance and at Pantoll Campground.

Section 3: Pantoll Campground – Samuel P Taylor State Park

Trail Maps: Pantoll to Bolinas Fairfax Rd., Bolinas Ridge Trail to Samuel P Taylor

Water: There is no water along this section until Samuel P Taylor State Park.

End Camp: Samuel P Taylor State Park, Reservation and first come first served hike and bike sites.

Day 2 Suggested Itinerary:

Extend your adventure: Check out Don Nolan’s 12 day bike packing circumnavigation plan for help and ideas for a longer trip.

Out and back: Ride back and camp at first come first served hike / bike in sites at Mt. Tamalpais SP, Pantoll Campground.

 

 

Backpacking Trip: Hood Mountain to Sugarloaf

Description: Summit one of the hardest peaks in the area and connect two local favorite parks.

Vehicle Logistics: Drop off a vehicle at Sugar Loaf State Park or Hood Mountain Regional Park. You can setup this trip as a shuttle or out and back.

Water: Creek water might be available at Azalea Creek Camp. Be prepared to carry most of your water for the whole trip.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hood Mountain Pythian Entrance – Azalea Camp

Mileage / Elevation: 6.3 miles / 1950’ gain

Maps: Hood Mountain

Camp: Azalea Camp. Primitive hike in site, reservation required, $20 per night.

Day 2: Azalea Creek Camp – Sugarloaf Camp

Mileage / Elevation: 8.7 miles / 1000’ gain

Maps: Sugarloaf Map, Hood Mountain Park Map

Camp: Sugarloaf Campground.  Car camping sites, reservation and first come first served.

OuterSpatial Mobile Map: Coming Soon

Total: 15 miles, 2950’ elevation gain

Backpacking Trip: Presidio to Mt. Tamalpais

Description: This route exposes you to unmatched diversity with urban, coastal, grassland, and forest landscapes. Not to mention, the many iconic places and views you will hike through.

Vehicle Logistics: This trip can be a one-night shuttle in either direction or a three night out and back. Parking overnight in the Presidio is not allowed so you may need to be dropped off. $25 overnight parking fee at Pantoll.

Water: Carry all of your water for the trip. The last water stop before Pantoll is at the Golden Gate Bridge North Vista Point. There is a fountain 1.5 miles off route at the Muir Woods National Monument main entrance just in case. Pantoll has fountains and spigots.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arguello Gate, Presidio – Haypress Camp, Tennessee Valley

Mileage / Elevation: 10 miles / 845’ gain

Maps: Arguello to Golden Gate Bridge, Bridge to Tennessee Valley

Camp: Haypress Camp: Primitive hike in site, reservation required, free

 

Day 2: Haypress Camp – Pantoll Campground 

Mileage / Elevation: 9.2 miles / 2255’ gain

Maps: Tennessee Valley to Shoreline Hwy, Shoreline Hwy to Pantoll

Camp: Pantoll Camp: Hike in site, first come first served, $25 per night.

OuterSpatial Mobile Map: Coming Soon

Total: 19.2 miles / 3100’ elevation gain

Backpacking Trip: Tilden to Don Castro

Description: Dramatic views, redwood groves, and open grasslands await you on this adventure along to ridgeline of the East Bay.

Vehicle Logistics: No overnight parking at Tilden, arrange for a drop off. Drop off car overnight near Ridge Trail Park on Rancho Palomores Drive.

Permit Note: EBMUD lands require purchasing a permit for access. EBMUD permit link

Water: Non potable water at Sibley Camp. Water available at Golden Gate Steamers, Skyline Gate, and Redwood Gate. Limited water accessibility through Chabot to Cull Canyon.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Tilden, Inspiration Point – Sibley camp 6.8 miles

Mileage / Elevation: 6.8 miles / 1800’ gain

Maps: Tilden to Sibley

Camp: Sibley Camp. Primitive hike in site, reservation required, $5 per person.

Day 2: Sibley Camp – Two Rocks Camp

Mileage / Elevation: 15 miles / 1800’ gain

Maps: Skyline Gate to Bort Meadow, Chabot Regional Park

Camp: Chabot, Two Rocks Camp: Primitive hike in site, reservation required, $5 per person.

Day 3: Two Rocks Camp – Ridge Trail Park, Don Castro

Mileage / Elevation: 9 miles / 1200’ gain

Maps: Chabot to Cull Canyon

Total: 30.8 miles, 4800’ elevation gain

 

Backpacking Trip: Russian Ridge to Sanborn Park

Description: Hike along the ridge of the south bay while taking in the amazing views of the valley and Pacific Ocean.

Vehicle Logistics: There is no overnight parking at Russian Ridge so you will need to be dropped off. You may be able to arrange overnight parking at Monte Bello and start there to shorten the trip, check with info@openspace.org. Check in with park ranger / attendant to park overnight at Sanborn Park.

Water: Fountains or spigots are at Alpine Lake, Monte Bello Camp (non potable), Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance, and Sanborn Camp.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Rapley Ranch, Russian Ridge – Monte Bello Camp

Mileage / Elevation: 7.3 miles / 1800’ gain

Maps: Rapley to Horseshoe Lake,  Mid Pen South Skyline Map

Camp: Monte Bello Camp. Primitive hike in site, reservation required, $2 per night.

 

Day 2: Monte Bello Camp – Castle Rock Camp

Mileage / Elevation: 15 miles / 2000’ gain

Maps: Skyline to Saratoga Gap, Saratoga Gap to Castle Rock

Camp: Castle Rock Camp. Primitive hike in site, reservation required, $15 per night

 

Day 3: Castle Rock Camp – Sanborn Camp

Mileage / Elevation: 10 miles, 1000’ gain

Maps: John Nicholas Trail, Sanborn

Camp: Sanborn Camp. Hike in site, reservation required, $18 per night

OuterSpatial Mobile Map: Coming Soon

Total: 32.3 miles / 4800’ elevation gain

 

Three Day Basecamp: Santa Clara County

Overview: Overnight base camping is a great way to accomplish several sections of the Ridge Trail while exploring the surrounding county. This 3 day and 2 night itinerary gives you the best of Santa Clara County and Santa Cruz Mountain region. Most outings are set up as shuttle hikes and require one car parked at the end of each route. 

Circumnavigating? Use the Trail Tracker to check off each section of the Ridge Trail you have completed.

Total Mileage: 28 miles

Camping / Lodging Suggestions:

Day 1: Saratoga Gap to Skyline Ridge Open Space

Route Description: This beautiful hike takes you through moist evergreen forests, woodlands, and high grasslands along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You experience stunning coastal mountain views on this route through three open-space preserves and one county park. 

Drive Notes: Start with a 30 minute scenic drive up Hwy 9 and Hwy 35 to drop off a car at Skyline Ridge Open Space. Drive back the way you came with your second car and park at the intersection parking lot for Saratoga Gap. 

Start Location: Saratoga Gap trailhead parking

End Location: Skyline Ridge Open Space parking lot

Mileage: 8.1 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 858’

Map / info resources: 

Day 2: Hicks Rd. to Lexington Reservoir, Sierra Azul 

Route Description: Get ready for one of the hardest and rewarding sections of Ridge Trail in the South Bay. Pack a big lunch and lots of water on this often hot and exposed route. Start your adventure early to avoid the heat.  This demanding hike rewards you with 360 degree views of the Santa Cruz mountains and valley. 

Drive Notes: A short 10 minute drive from Los Gatos to drop off your car at Priest Rock trailhead and 30 minute drive up the slopes of Mt. Umunhum to the Woods trailhead to start your adventure.

Start Location: Woods trailhead, Hicks and Mt Umunhum Rd.

End Location: Priest Rock trailhead, Lexington Reservoir

Mileage: 11.7 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain:  2677’

Map / info resources: 

Day 3: John Nicholas Trail, Sanborn County Park

Route Description: This is a popular trail and you will see why with single track going through lush redwoods and creeks while ascending up wooded hillsides with fantastic views. Other highlights include Lake Ranch and large sections of fascinating sandstone boulders.

Drive Notes: If you are camping at Sanborn this trailhead is quick to get to and even possible to hike to. From Los Gatos it’s a 20 minute drive to the end of Sanborn Rd. off Hwy 9. The trail can be done as an out and back or shuttle by parking a car at Sunnyvale Mountain lot. 

Start Location: Lake Ranch Trailhead, Sanborn Rd.

End Location: Sunnyvale Mtn. Trailhead

Mileage: 8.0 miles out and back, 4.0 miles one way Sunnyvale Mtn.

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 1550’

Map / info resources: 

 

Three Day Basecamp: Napa County

Overview: Overnight base camping is a great way to accomplish several sections of the Ridge Trail while exploring the surrounding county. This 3 day and 2 night itinerary gives you the best of Napa county. Each section gives you a unique taste of the beauty Napa has to offer. 

Circumnavigating? Use the Trail Tracker to check off each section of the Ridge Trail you have completed.

Total Mileage: 25 miles

Camping / Lodging Locations:

Day 1: Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail

Route Description: This segment of the Ridge Trail is a steady ascent from the Napa Valley floor to the striking volcanic formations at the ridge. The historic trail is rough and rocky but provides spectacular views of the Napa Valley, Mount St. Helena, and nearby mountain ranges. After completing this section check in to your lodging and enjoy a relaxing Napa afternoon. 

Start / End: Oat Hill Mine Trailhead 

Mileage: 9 miles (out and back)

Difficulty: Difficult

Map Resources: 

Day 2: Moore Creek Park

Route Description: A short 25 minute drive from Calistoga remote Moore Creek Ridge Trail climbs high onto the exposed east slopes of the Moore Creek canyon, offering sweeping views, then descends and heads up the shaded scenic creek corridor to a series of creek pools. 

Start / End: Moore Creek Park

Mileage: 9.4 miles (out and back)

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain: 880’

Map Resources: 

Day 3: Bothe Napa State Park

Route Description: 5 miles south of Calistoga is the beautiful Bothe Napa State Park. This is a great shady route up Ritchey Canyon through the woods and alongside a scenic creek. The 1,900-acre park is the furthest inland state park with coast redwoods.

Start / End: Bothe Napa State Park

Mileage: 6.8 miles (out and back)

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1100’

Map / info resources: 

 

 

Three Day Basecamp: San Mateo County

Overview: Overnight base camping is a great way to accomplish several sections of the Ridge Trail while exploring the surrounding county. This 3 day and 2 night itinerary gives you the best of San Mateo County. Most outings are set up as shuttle hikes and require one car parked at the end of each route. 

Circumnavigating? Use the Trail Tracker to check off each section of the Ridge Trail you have completed.

Total Mileage: 22 miles

Camping / Lodging Suggestions:

Day 1: Skyline Ridge Open Space to Windy Hill 

Route Description: 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. 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 to Windy Hill. 

Drive Notes: Drive approximately 30 mins up Page Mill Rd. and turn right onto Skyline Blvd towards Windy Hill. Drop off a car at the Spring Ridge Trailhead lot, which is the northern most lot for Windy Hill. Turn around and drive 6 miles down skyline to Skyline Ridge to start.

Start: Skyline Ridge Parking Lot

End / Car Drop Off: Spring Ridge Parking Area, Windy Hill

Mileage: 8.6 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1200’

Map Resources: 

Day 2: Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Route Description: Five trails in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve link together for a challenging adventure through forested canyons and over high ridges with ocean views. You lose more than 1,000 feet of elevation in the first 2 miles and regain it on a steady climb out of the canyon. 

Drive Notes: Drop off a car at the Purisima Creek north parking lot along Skyline Blvd. You can reach Skyline by taking I 280 North to Hwy 84 / Woodside Rd. After dropping off the car drive south and park at the Purisima Creek south parking lot to start your adventure. 

Start: Purisima Creek South Parking Lot

End / Car Drop Off: Purisima Creek North Parking Lot

Mileage: 7.3 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain:  1700’

Map Resources: 

Day 3: Wunderlich and Huddart County Parks

Route Description: 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. 

Drive Notes: Leave a car at the south trailhead of Purisima Creek Redwoods. Drive south approximately 3.3 miles to a fairly wide, but unmarked parking area on the east (left) side of the road. It is shortly after Bear Gulch Rd. 

Start Location: Skyline Lot, Wunderlich West Gate

End / Car Drop Off: Purisima Creek South Parking Lot

Mileage: 5.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 750’

Map Resources: 

 

Three Day Basecamp: Sonoma County

Overview: Overnight base camping is a great way to accomplish several sections of the Ridge Trail while exploring the surrounding county. This 3 day and 2 night itinerary gives you the best of Sonoma County. Most outings are set up as shuttle hikes and require one car parked at the end of each route. 

Circumnavigating? Use the Trail Tracker to check off each section of the Ridge Trail you have completed.

Total Mileage: 25.6 miles

Camping / Lodging Suggestions:

Day 1: Spring Lake to Trione-Annadel State Park 

Route Description: Gradually climb over grassy hillsides and through oak woodlands and conifer forests on the east side of Bennett Mountain. This is an extremely popular mountain-biking route that travels along wide, rocky service roads and singletrack trails. Pass lush Ledson Marsh and descend through a conifer forest in the park’s southeast corner.. 

Drive Notes: Depending on where you stay the drive to the Lawndale lot to drop off your first car can take 10 – 20 minutes. After dropping off the car get on Hwy 12 N to Spring Lake County Park to start your adventure.   

Start: Spring Lake Park

End / Car Drop Off: Trione-Annadel, Lawndale Parking Lot

Mileage: 10.8 Miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1100’

Map Resources: 

Day 2: Jack London State Park to North Sonoma Mountain

Route Description: Travel through redwood and oak forests and grasslands on the eastern and northern flanks of Sonoma Mountain; you’ll travel on a fire road to reach lofty heights with grand views of the Sonoma Valley, then descend on a well-designed narrow trail through beautiful oak woodlands. 

Drive Notes: Drop off a car at North Sonoma Mountain. Sonoma Mtn. Road is long, winding, and very narrow in places.  It is an approximately 30 – 40 minute drive between Jack London and North Sonoma Mountain.

Start: Jack London, Lake trailhead lot

End / Car Drop Off: North Sonoma Mountain Lot

Mileage: 7.4 miles (One Way)

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain:  1700’

Map Resources: 

Day 3: Hood Mountain Regional Park

Route Description: A vigorous uphill trip follows Hood Creek through forests and meadows, past several ponds, and then climbs to the top of 2,730-foot Hood Mountain for distant views. 

Drive Notes: Take Hwy 12 to Pythian Rd.. Continue up Pythian until you reach the lot.

Start / End: Pythian Rd. Trail head Lot, Hood Mountain

Mileage: 7.4 miles (Out and Back)

Difficulty: Strenuous 

Elevation Gain: 1900’

Map Resources: