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: 

Partner Volunteer Trail Work Opportunities

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council primarily relies on our partners to coordinate and supervise volunteer trail work days. Visit their websites below to find upcoming volunteer opportunities:

 

ALL BAY AREA

VO-CAL

 

SOUTH BAY

Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful
Midpeninsula Open Space District
Santa Clara County Parks
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship
Trail Center

 

SAN FRANCISCO & MARIN

Golden Gate National Park Conservancy
Marin County Parks & Open Space
SF Rec and Park
SF Urban Riders
Sutro Stewards

 

NORTH BAY

Napa Open Space District
Skyline Wilderness Park
Sonoma County Regional Parks
Redwood Trails Alliance

 

EAST BAY

East Bay Regional Park District

Berryessa BART, Transit to Trails Adventures

Berryessa BART, Transit to Trails Adventures

City Serenity
Difficulty: Easy 
Mileage: 5 miles out and back round trip
Elevation Gain: Flat
Description: Leave the hustle and bustle of the station and find yourself in some surprisingly peaceful parks a short distance away. Start your walk or ride from the BART station trailhead and head out along the trail. Your first stop is the Penitencia Creek County Park and Gardens. Here you can relax under Willow trees while enjoying the pond and bird life or check out the nearby Berryessa Community Garden. Head back towards the station along Mabury and turn down Educational Park Dr. to make your way to Overfelt Gardens Park. Meander through the various paths that encircle the ponds and explore the Chinese Cultural Garden that features a friendship gate and Confucius statue. There are many places to find serenity and peace in this beautiful park before heading back to the BART station. 

History and Wildlife Tour
Difficulty: Moderate
Mileage: 10 out and back round trip
Elevation Gain: 180’
Description: Look out for wildlife and explore historical ruins on this mostly flat out and back adventure. Start your trip at the BART station trailhead and head East up the trail. Check out the peaceful pond at the Penitencia Creek County Park and Gardens. Birdlife can be found in many of the ponds and creeks throughout the route. Continue along the creek trail and cautiously cross over Jackson while enjoying the tree lined creek and many bridges along the way. Stop in at the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley grab a brochure and learn about the important work they do in rehabilitation of local wildlife. The path ends at Dorel Dr so you will need to continue a short distance along the road to Alum Rock park. Alum Rock is the oldest municipal park in CA where many people enjoy the beautiful wooded creek area and trails. Look out for historical remnants of mineral springs and the train line that transported visitors there from San Jose until 1932. Deer frequent the park, as well as other animals. Turn around at the Rustic Lands parking lot or add more mileage by going to the Youth Science Institute and checking out their nature center. 

BART to Summit Bike Epic
Difficulty: Hard – Strenuous 
Mileage: 16 – 24 out and back round trip (depending on where you turn around) 
Elevation Gain: 1500’ – 3700’ (depending on where you turn around)
Description: Experience the full urban to wild route with a mix of paved pathways and steep trail ascents / descents rewarding you with views of the entire south bay area on this out and back epic. From the BART platform look towards the East and see your destination of Sierra Vista Open Space on the ridge line. Ride on the trail towards Sierra Vista / Alum Rock. The path ends at Dorel Dr so you will need to continue a short distance along the road to Alum Rock park. Make sure to refuel and take a bathroom break at Alum Rock Park entrance as there are no facilities at Sierra Vista Open Space. Continue on the Creek Trail to the Rustic Lands or Eagle Rock parking lot and cross the Rd. to get on the North Rim Trail. Lower your gears and prepare to climb 1500’ up the Ridge Trail to the Sierra Vista Parking lot for spectacular views. Turn back from Sierra Vista or continue on the Ridge Trail to the Lower Calaveras Fault Trail. You will descend a mix of fun single track and fire road to Alum Rock Rd. Pick up the Lower Calaveras Fault Trail and prepare for another grueling climb up 1200’ of steep and often loose fire road. There is a picnic table and more amazing views waiting for you where you feel like you can soar like the eagles flying overhead. 

Local Food Picks:
Bills Cafe: Popular south bay breakfast diner with a great selection of “south of the border” options and their famous bread pudding and croissant french toast!
Claw Shack: Some of the best seafood around, specializing in shrimp and crab dishes with several excellent sauces to choose from. 
Nick the Greek: Well known casual south bay eatery with great falafel and gyro wraps. 

More Information:
BART to Trails Article

Resources and Maps:
Overfelt Gardens and Chinese Cultural Garden Site  
Penitencia Creek County Park 
Alum Rock Park Site
Sierra Vista Open Space Site
Ridge Trail BART Flyer and Map
Sierra Vista Open Space Ridge Trail Map
Ridge Trail Penitencia Creek Map

Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail, Top Four RT Routes

Learn more about the Ridge Trail’s work to complete the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail. 

Top 4 Ridge Trail Routes in Vallejo, Benicia, Crockett Hills, and Mount Wanda

1. Vallejo Benicia Waterfront Trail
From: Benicia State Recreation Area
To: Benicia Point at F Street and Carquinez Bridge Overlook Trail
Mileage: 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Why we love it: A family-friendly trail for all ages and abilities through historic Vallejo and Benicia.
Description: Take a trip through Mexican and early California history on two routes that follow the Carquinez Strait waterfront through the thriving towns of Benicia and Vallejo. Enjoy brisk breezes and occasional fog as you watch the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers funnel into San Francisco Bay. This route travels mostly level trails, including sidewalks, paved and unpaved trails, and foot paths.
Resources:
Download Vallejo Benicia Waterfront Map
Learn more about activities in Benicia
Restaurants in Benicia on or near the Ridge Trail

2. Contra Costa: Crockett Hills Regional Park
From: Crockett Ranch Staging Area
To: Highway 4 (no outlet to Highway 4)
Mileage: 5 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Total Elevation Gain: 1,250 feet
Why we love it: An incredible multi-use trail that provides the 360 degree views that make the Ridge Trail unique.
Description: Climb to high grasslands for East Bay views from Carquinez Strait west to Mt. Tamalpais and north to Hood Mountain and Bald Mountain on 3 miles of new, improved singletrack Ridge Trail. Great views and quiet wooded canyon.
Resources:
Download Crockett Hills Regional Park Map
Learn more about Crockett Hills Regional Park
Restaurants near Crockett Hills Regional Park

3. Contra Costa: Martinez City Streets to Mount Wanda
From: Franklin Canyon Road and Alhambra Avenue
To: Mount Wanda
Mileage: 4.1 miles one way, 2.8 miles to John Muir National Historic Site
Difficulty: Difficult, Moderate if only hiking to John Muir National Historic Site
Total Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Why we love it: Take a hike or bike ride starting in an urban area and end surrounded by wildlife high above the city.
Description: The Hulet Hornbeck Trail leads you through the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline which comprises 1,415 acres of bluffs and provides a gateway to the river delta region along the northern edge of Contra Costa county. Stop along the trail between the Regional Shoreline and Mt Wanda on the north side of Highway 4 at the John Muir National Historic Site where the writer worked, wrote and raised his family. The ascent to Mount Wanda is a short, but unrelentingly upward trip, with an elevation gain of 460 feet which leads you to vast views of Carquinez Strait and surrounding hills from a hilltop often visited by John Muir and his daughters.
Resources:
Download Martinez City Streets to Mount Wanda Map
Learn more about activities and recreation in Martinez
Restaurants in Martinez and near Mount Wanda

4. Bridge to Bridge Bike Loop
Suggested Start: Benicia Point area, 1st street and East B Street
Suggested Direction: Clockwise
Mileage: 24 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Total Elevation Gain: 1500’
Why we love it:  Experience the Carquinez Strait by riding over it twice! Great views and diversity of terrain for strong riders.
Description: Explore both sides of the Carquinez Strait on this mix of road and pathways connecting both bridges and shorelines for a full 360 degree experience. We suggest starting at Benicia Point area and fueling up at One House Bakery or Java Point Cafe. Your adventure should go clockwise from there to cross the Benicia – Martinez Bridge. While on the bridge, enjoy the views of Suisun Bay to the East and the rest of your route along the strait to the West. Roll through industrial and historic Martinez before winding along the Carquinez Scenic Drive with great views throughout. Take a break at The Warehouse Cafe in Port Costa before continuing through the diverse rolling grassland and forest. Make your final crossing over the strait along the Carquinez Bridge as you feel the breeze blowing in from the bay. Complete your journey through Benicia State Recreation area and look for wildlife in the scenic marshlands. Top off the end of your adventure in Benicia with great eateries like Lucca’s Bar & Grill or Bella Siena.

Resources:
Download Bridge to Bridge Bike Loop Map
Outer Spatial Mobile Map: Coming Soon

Food and Drink:
Lucca’s Bar & Grill
Bella Siena
One House Bakery
Java Point Cafe
The Warehouse Cafe
The Dead Fish Restaurant