These Ridge Trail segments have accessible features that may be appropriate for various levels of ability, including paved surfaces and flatter grades. Please refer to the trail information to decide if a specific segment will be a good experience for you. More information can be found on the Ridge Trail maps, land managers’ websites, and AllTrails pages (includes visitor reviews, elevation profiles, photos, and sometimes accessibility notes).
Find out more about Ridge Trail Accessibility here.
NORTH BAY
Cross Marin Trail, Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Photo: Ramon Vargas, All Trails
County: Marin
This wide shady path is paved from Platform Bridge down through Samuel P. Taylor Park, following along Lagunitas Creek and paralleling Sir Francis Drake Blvd. This out-and-back, roughly 2 mile trail segment also features lots of facilities, including parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and camping.
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Website
Petaluma Ring Trail
Photo: Wendy Calia via AllTrails
County: Sonoma
In Petaluma, the Ridge Trail ventures through many neighborhoods and parks, including downtown; it also follows both the Petaluma River and Lynch Creek for a stretch. From AllTrails: The trail surface is mostly paved but has some gravel sections and wooden bridges. The typical width is at least five feet wide. The estimated grade is typically mostly gentle at 5% grade or less except for a few moderately steep sections (8% or less) around the 1.7 and 3.1-mile marks. Equipment users may need assistance there, especially if using manual wheelchairs.
All Peoples Trail, Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park
Photo: OpenRoad with Doug McConnell
County: Solano
This trail is not yet open to the public, but can be accessed with guided outings sometimes offered by Solano Land Trust. From their website: “The .6 mile “All Peoples Trail” meets outdoor accessibility standards and includes ADA picnic tables along its scenic and gentle loop through the park. When completed, the Visitor Center will feature ADA-compliant bathrooms. The native plant gardens inside the park can be accessed immediately from the parking lot.”
Vintage Valley Trail, Rockville Hills Regional Park
County: Solano
Begin your outing along this peaceful, well-kept trail at the southern end, at the intersection of Citadel and Abbey Drive, where there is street parking. This paved path winds along a greenbelt through a residential neighborhood for about 1 mile, until Emerald Bay Drive where the path increases in grade.
EAST BAY
Carquinez Bridge and Crockett
Photo: Christopher Sutterley, All Trails
County: Solano and Contra Costa
Take in wide views of the Carquinez Strait from atop the Carquinez Bridge along a smooth wide path. Then continue on into the town of Crockett, home to C&H sugar refinery and Alexander Park. Parking is available at either end of this 2.8 mile trail segment, so car shuttling is possible.
AllTrails Map (refer to accessibility notes in description)
Nimitz Way, Tilden and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks
County: Contra Costa
Take in true 360० vistas of rolling East Bay hills and beyond, as well as the San Pablo Reservoir. As you travel along this sunny, open trail, you’ll see cows grazing and many people out walking dogs, riding bikes, and enjoying the view.
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Website
SOUTH BAY
Penitencia Creek Trail
County: Santa Clara
See one of the Ridge Trail’s newest trails, connected to BART at Berryessa Station! This trail follows along Penitencia Creek, passing a new contemplative garden across from the BART station, as well as Penitencia Creek Gardens and the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. This trail is 3.9 miles one-way.
Santa Clara County Parks Website
Coyote Creek Parkway
Photo: Sue Kelso
County: Santa Clara
The Coyote Creek Parkway features a flat, wide paved path with a mix of sun and shade. Traveling along the creek you’ll pass ponds, parks and residential areas that makes for an enjoyable outing. Note, there is some trail grading at road/freeway under-crossings along this path. See the AllTrails map for more accessibility notes.
Ridge Trail Map (Coyote Creek Parkway North)
Ridge Trail Map (Coyote Creek Parkway South)
Santa Clara County Parks Website
AllTrails Map (Coyote Creek Parkway North)
AllTrails Map (Coyote Creek Parkway South)
Máyyan Wáayi Overlook Trail, Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve
Photo (right): Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
County: Santa Clara
This stunning preserve opened in 2023 and features a wide range of accessible experiences, viewing platforms, shade structures, and interpretive displays within the gateway staging area at any time during preserve hours.
From Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority:
Máyyan Wáayi (Coyote Valley) Overlook Trail
Distance: 1,000 feet | Average Grade: 5% Surface Type: Firm, Stabilized Decomposed Granite
Máyyan Wáayi, pronounced My-yahn Why-yee, is the Chochenyo translation for Coyote Valley. This gentle trail starts at the central gathering area, passes through an open meadow, and climbs to an overlook of Coyote Valley, nestled in a serpentine rock outcropping strewn with lichen-covered boulders. Rest at a shaded picnic area or bench with quiet views, listen for Western meadowlarks, or enjoy the wildflowers in the spring.
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Website
Mount Umunhum
Photo: Becca Russell via AllTrails
County: Santa Clara
From Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District: Mount Umunhum is one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz mountain range at 3,486 feet. At the Summit turnaround area, there are three (3) accessible parking spaces and a drop-off area. Visitors can enjoy the accessible pathway to the west Summit and ceremonial circle, the east Summit, Summit shelter and interpretive displays. Constructed using many ADA standards, the Summit walking paths are well suited to families with young children, the elderly and people with physical disabilities.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Website
PENINSULA
Horseshoe Lake, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
Photo: Pat Koren
County: San Mateo
Take a trip around this small but beautiful water feature in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Much of the trail is shaded and you can see birds, dragonflies and wildflowers in the spring. There is parking and a restroom at the trailhead. The Ridge Trail intersects briefly by the lake, but the trail loop around is about 1.2 miles in length.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Website
Lifemark Road, Skylawn Memorial Park
Photo: Luana Espana
County: San Mateo
Skylawn Memorial Park is a peaceful retreat that features sweeping views of the surrounding hills and water. While this Ridge Trail segment is only 1.1 miles long, the views alone are worth the trip. Note: while completely paved, this path has some grade. Check the AllTrails map linked below for elevation profile and grade information.
SAN FRANCISCO
Lake Merced to Stern Grove
Photo Credit: Sue Kelso
County: San Francisco
With Lake Merced on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this trail has the potential to be sunny or foggy, but always beautiful. The lake is surrounded by marsh grasses and a line of cypresses that separate the lake from the TPC Harding Park Golf Course. There is parking, public restrooms, and a picnic area along this 4.1 mile trail.
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department Website
Stanyan Street and Golden Gate Park
County: San Francisco
The entrance to Golden Gate Park along Stanyan Street at Haight Street has been upgraded with beautiful native, drought-resistant plants, plenty of grassy space for a picnic, and even a bocce court next to public restrooms. This little slice of the Ridge Trail makes for a beautiful day in the park in the middle of the City. Street parking is available along Stanyan Street.
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department Website
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