Ridge Trail Shelter in Place Guidelines and FAQ

We know you want to be outside.

We know you want parks and open spaces to stay open. If we can’t keep people safe, parks cannot stay open.

Please help us get the message out by using these hashtags:
#doyourpart
#6feetapart
#loveyourparks6feetapart
#keepyourparksopen

See our listing of all COVID-19 Ridge Trail Park Closures for links to all of our park and open space partners updated pages.

Enjoy Nature-Based Virtual and Nearby Activities from our partners around the Bay.

Guidelines
1. MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE AND AVOID CROWDS: #6feetapart

• • Stay 6-feet away from people you do not live with. Share the trail and yield to others to maintain a safe distance.
  • If you are running, give people an extra wide berth.
  • Spread out–we have many parks and preserves, explore those that may be less impacted by local traffic. Try using at off-peak times. Do not park in a crowded parking lot or use a crowded trail.
  • Do not hold social gatherings at parks, outside, or anywhere.
  • Look for nearby nature to enjoy: your own neighborhood might have. If you have to drive, you are going too far. #hiddennature
  • Park legally and only in designated parking lots.
  • Examples of safe activities that are allowed solo or with people living in the same household:
    • • Hike/walk
      • Bike
      • Sit under a tree, read, write, listen to music, draw
      • Take photos of plants and animals and upload them to the iNaturalist app

    2. WHILE ON TRAIL STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY: #keepparksopen #keepparkssafe

    • • • Stay at home if you or others in your household are sick. or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
        • Visit parks that are open. See our listing of all COVID-19 Ridge Trail Park Closures
        • Many restrooms and facilities are closed; plan ahead before leaving home.
        • Bring hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to use if soap and water are not available, bring a mask.
        • Download and print maps ahead of time or use the OuterSpatial app-it has all our maps as PDFs. Many parks are not stocking maps.
        • Don’t stay long–give others the opportunity to have a safe experience.
        • Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after your pet.
        • Leave no trace: pack out what you pack in–garbage collection is limited.
          

          3. BE KIND. WE ARE ALL IN THIS: #6feetWave

          • • Give the #6feetWave and say “Hello!” to people you see.
            • Thank the park staff. They are there for your protection and enjoyment.
            • Welcome people who are new to the outdoors. The diversity of people and landscapes is the Bay Area’s strength!
            • “Shelter Shaming” is harmful. Leave policing to the professionals.

            FAQs

            Q. Is the Ridge Trail open?

            Maybe. More are opening every week! The Ridge Trail is hosted by more than 60 park and open space partners. Each agency has different rules and they are changing every day. Some of them have closed their parking lots. Some are just completely closed. Please see our listing of all COVID-19 Ridge Trail Park Closures for links to all of our park and open space partners updated pages.

            Q. Do I need to wear a mask on trail?

            Technically, no. But let’s use our best trail etiquette and common sense! Many of our park partners recommend wearing a mask, especially on crowded or narrow trails. If you are on a trail and not wearing a mask, give people an extra wide berth when passing.

            The order states that masks are not required when, “Exercising outdoors, like walking, hiking, bicycling, or running. However, people are recommended to have a face covering with them and readily accessible when exercising, even if they’re not wearing it at that moment.”

            Q. Where should I hike or bike?

            Find a trail that is closest to your home. If possible, find a trail walking or biking distance from your house. Try to find trails that are less popular and/or are not single track. #hiddennature

            Q. Who should I hike or bike with?

            Head out on the trail solo or with people from your household. If you are going solo, let someone know your plans.

            Q. Should I drive to a trailhead?

            If at all possible, this should be avoided. Many parks have closed their parking lots to reduce the number of people driving, number of people on trail and in the parking lots. You can help out by walking or biking to your trailhead. Stay local. Find your #hiddennature.

            Q. Should I meet friends on the trail?

            No. The Ridge Trail Council recommends you enjoy trails solo or with people from your household. #doyourpart
            If you decide to meet another person—not from your household—on a trail, limit the number. Maintain all social distance protocols.

            Q. Can I bike to a trailhead?

            Yes! As long as the trail is open. Bicycling is allowed for “essential activities,” including exercise, as long as social distancing requirements are followed (maintain six feet distance from others, wash hands thoroughly and frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, ride/walk only with people you live with).

            Q. What do I do if I meet someone on trail and the trail isn’t 6 feet wide?

            Stop. Step off the trail and let them pass, provide as much space as possible. Put your mask on if that makes sense. Watch out for poison oak!

            Q. Can I go camping and just escape all the crazy?

            No. Camping is not permitted under the Order—as it is not an Essential Activity. Although it is an outdoor activity, we are being asked to shelter at home. Camping is not the act of sheltering at home. The purpose of the shelter at home is to reduce the likelihood of transmission.

            Q. My bike needs work, can I go to a bike shop?

            Marin County Bike Coalition confirmed with Health and Human Services that bike shops provide an “essential service” and may remain open. Be sure to check with your local shop before you visit; many have adjusted their hours and service offerings.

            If you have additional COVID-19 related questions please email us at info@ridgetrail.org and we will add to the list.

            COVID-19 Regional Park Closures:

            California State Parks
            City of San José
            East Bay Regional Park District COVID Info
            East Bay Regional Park District Interactive Map of Open and Closed
            East Bay Municipal Utilities District
            Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
            Golden Gate National Recreation Area
            Greater Vallejo Recreation District
            John Muir Land Trust
            Marin County Bicycle Coalition
            Marin County Parks and Open Space
            Marin Municipal Water District
            Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
            Mount Sutro – Sutro Stewards
            Napa County Regional Parks and Open Space District
            Presidio Trust Closures-COVID
            Presidio Trust Closures-Coyotes
            San Francisco Bay Trail
            San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
            San Francisco Recreation and Parks
            San Francisco Urban Riders
            San José Parks
            San Mateo County Parks
            Santa Clara County Parks
            Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
            Solano Land Trust
            Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation & Open Space District
            Sonoma County Regional Parks
            Together Bay Area (Formerly Bay Area Open Space Council)
            

            Nature-based Virtual and Nearby Resources:

            California State Parks – Virtual Resources and Distance Ed
            City Nature Challenge – Backyard Bingo
            City of Oakland – Earth Day Activities
            Golden Gate Park 150th Anniversary Kid Activities
            iNaturalist – City Nature Challenge: Explore Nature in and Around Your Home
            Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful Virtual Events
            Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship – Virtual Trail Building Academy
            Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) – Enjoy Nature at Home
            Midpen – Ridge Trail Russian Ridge Virtual Tour
            National Parks’ PARKTRACKS – Sounds from your National Parks
            Peninsula Open Space Trust – Coyote and Badger Cam
            Presidio – Meditative Videos
            Rails to Trails – Open Streets to Walk and Bike
            REI-Coop Indoor and Nearby Nature Resources
            Save the Bay – Backyard Botanist
            Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s Virtual Nature Programs
            Sutro Stewards Virtual Wildflower Walks
            Weekend Sherpa’s #optinside
            Weekend Sherpa’s Take it Outside podcast