Making the loop. Two friends share their circumnavigation
It started with a dare. Somewhere on the travels of Dan Nowell and Prentiss Willson, they stumbled upon a book, Bay Area Ridge Trail: The Official Guide.
Curated Trail Adventures.
Wildflowers on the Ridge Trail
While you'll probably see a few wildflowers on just about any Ridge Trail segment this spring, we've curated a list of especially great trails to visit if you want to see some spectacular blooms.
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Autumnal 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.
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Ridge Trail Segments with Accessible Features
These Ridge Trail segments have accessible features that may be appropriate for varying levels of ability, including paved surfaces and flatter grades.
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Berryessa BART, Transit to Trails Adventures
Explore the best transit to trails experience in the bay area. The Ridge Trail connects the Berryessa BART station in San Jose to beautiful parks and open space. Routes range from easy and short to long adventures that take you to the Ridge line's overlooking the valley.
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Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail: Top 4 Ridge Trail Routes
Explore the Carquinez Strait Scenic Loop Trail. From family-friendly to mountain bike pump and flow to California history, Carquinez Strait has something for everyone. Get the best of Vallejo, Benicia, Crockett, and Mount Wanda.
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SF Ridge Trail/Slow street Combos
Several Counties in the Bay Area have started "slow street" programs where they are closing streets to through-traffic. Several of these streets intersect with the Ridge Trail for some wonderful combination itineraries that especially good for social-distancing.
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Mount Sutro Stroll, San Francisco
Step into a fantastic hidden oasis of green in San Francisco that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Ridge Trail's 7 Best Mountain Bikes
Check out seven of our favorite spots around the Bay for a mountain bike adventure. From the Marin Headlands to the Crockett Hills, these rides offer a chance to leave behind busy roads and take in the fresh air and scenic views along the trail.
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Top 5 Ridge Trail Camp Outs
Searching for some great camping nearby? Unplug for the weekend (or longer!) at awesome campsites along the Ridge Trail.
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5 Family-Friendly Ridge Trail Hikes
Looking for your next fun family outing? Take in some fresh air and explore the great outdoors together with five of our favorite family-friendly hikes.
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3 Ridge to Bridge training hikes and bikes
Want to sign up for a long hike, trail run, or mountain bike ride, but aren't feeling 100% prepared? These are 3 long (over 10 miles), challenging trails are designed to get you in shape and ready for the big day! If you haven't already, register for Ridge to Bridge now!
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3 Lunar New Year Hikes
Lunar New Year (January 25) is a big day of excitement and celebration. It’s an important time to reunite with family, have fun with friends, and start a new journey of growth. This "year of the Rat" brings opportunities for new beginnings, growth, and prosperity.
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4 Short and Sweet Solstice Hikes and Bikes
Just because the days are short, doesn't mean you can't fit in a little time outside. Explore the Ridge Trail with these four short and sweet outings--perfect for a quick respite from the holiday bustle.
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A Weekend of Wind-Swept Redwoods Hikes, Los Altos
Explore the Peninsula on the Ridge Trail! These trails offer a chance to see the wide variety of natural beauty the Peninsula has to offer. Book lodging in nearby Los Altos and make it a fun mini-vacation. If you’re not up for a multi-day trek, try any of these as a standalone hike.
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Ridge Trail Hike & Swim Adventures
Beat the heat after your hike and cool off at some of our favorite swimming spots near the trail.
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Sonoma County Park Hop
Hear the call of the wild and journey from Jack London State Historic Park to North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve.
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Purisima Creek Redwoods Delight
Take your next adventure on the trail that started it all. Purisima Creek holds the first section of dedicated Ridge Trail and is a quintessential northern California hike.
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4 Dog-friendly Hikes
Looking for an adventure for you AND your four-legged friend? Check out four of our favorite dog-friendly hikes on the Ridge Trail.
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Valentine Vista, St. Helena
Looking for a romantic Ridge Trail adventure? Head to Moore Creek Park's Valentine Vista for breathtaking views of the valley, Lake Hennessey and beyond. Afterwards, check out some of the nearby eats and drinks in St. Helena and Napa Valley.
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Windy Hill, Portola Valley
Grab your coat and kite and head for Windy Hill. Named for its distinctive, breezy grass-covered hilltop, this peninsula landmark rewards hikers with views that can't be beat.
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Skyline Ridge Tree Farm
Explore this scenic and tranquil section of the Santa Cruz that is perfect for hikers of all abilities. Make it a holiday adventure and visit the Skyline Ridge Christmas Tree Farm, where you can harvest your very own tree.
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Top 3 Napa County Loops
Discover tranquil forests, trek across rugged terrain, and step off the beaten path to experience the beauty of Napa County beyond its picturesque vineyards.
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Hike, Bike, or Climb the Rocky-Ridges Tour
Explore the ridgeline of two vast parks–Sanborn County Park and Castle Rock State Park. Whether you're hiking, biking, climbing, or camping–this hike has something for everyone.
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East Bay Hills Excursion
Hike, bike, or ride this section of Ridge Trail to see the varied beauty that East Bay has to offer. Work your way through redwoods, descend into wooded canyons, and climb to open grasslands.
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3 Day Self-Guided "Dine and Hike" in Los Gatos
Looking for a multi-day hike adventure? Take our maps and this itinerary and see the wide variety of natural beauty (and restaurants!) the Peninsula and the South Bay has to offer.
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Petaluma Park Tour, Sonoma
Enjoy Helen Putnam Regional Park’s grassy hillsides and groves of heritage oaks as well as other Petaluma Parks connected by the Ridge Trail.
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Tilden to Redwood Regional Park, Berkeley
Climb to dramatic views from San Pablo Ridge, descend to wooded streamsides, and traverse open grasslands.
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Western Ridge Section: Marin to Hillsborough
Start out at Lucas Valley Open Space Preserve in Marin and enjoy the stunning views of Big Rock Ridge, Bolinas and Mount Tam.
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Your guide to hundreds of miles of spectacular trail for hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding. OuterSpatial makes getting outside easy by putting information about amazing destinations—including descriptions, directions, photos, and official trail guides—right at your fingertips.
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