THE INITIATIVE
Ridge Trail Action Fund
THE INITIATIVE
The Ridge Trail Action Fund
The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council has been working tirelessly for more than 35 years on an audacious project to create a 550-mile multi-use trail on the ridge lines around San Francisco Bay. A major milestone of 400 miles was reached in 2021, but even more remarkable is where we are headed. Significant trail gaps are nearing completion via the hard work of the Council’s staff, board, volunteers, and invaluable partners. And yet, the hardest miles are still ahead of us.
To fuel the momentum, we created the Ridge Trail Action Fund in 2018 as a quick-action resource to provide timely and flexible funding when and where it’s needed most. We aim to open 50 miles of trail over the next five years, and you can help lead the way.
“I’ve never been more grateful for the preservation of these healing places than I am right now. The Ridge Trail is part of the profoundly important legacy of nature and access here in the Bay Area.”
Doug McConnell | Journalist // Host of OPEN ROAD
The Ridge Trail Action Fund allows the Council to strike while irons are hot, deploy resources strategically, and nimbly address setbacks or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities as they arise. Future projects serve people and communities spanning the greater Bay Area.
The 50-in-5 campaign will provide essential resources to open the remaining 150 miles of Ridge Trail. With the goal of catalyzing trail progress all around the Bay Area, over the next five years we will focus on the following initiatives:
PLAN AND COMPLETE
Plan, advocate and partner to close gaps, open new trail miles, and secure the trail corridor through planning, feasibility studies, and exploration of new routes.
OVERNIGHTING
Invest in a network of campsites, huts and yurts for multi-day trips and thru-hike experiences that elevate the Ridge Trail as a world-class destination for epic adventures.
EXPANDED ACCESS
Expand and diversify access to trails, parks and nature through inclusive events, outings and partnerships to connect people, parks and communities.
NAVIGATION
Add navigation, wayfinding, and signage to help people plan their adventures and feel confident on the trail — for novice and experienced trail users, and circumnavigators.
Current Fundable Projects
Southern Loop Working Group
A Ridge Trail-initiated collaboration of regional partners united by the goal of closing trail gaps and increasing public access to 120+ miles of planned and existing trails in southern Santa Clara County.
Funding Opportunity: $25 – 50K
Ridge Trail Impact: High
Timing: 2024 – 2026
National Scenic Trail Designation
Becoming a National Scenic Trails requires an Act of Congress. The first step is for Congress to direct the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study. Support our advocacy efforts to promote the Ridge Trail as one of the nation’s next National Scenic Trails.
Funding Opportunity: $10 – 40K
Ridge Trail Impact: High
Timing: 2024 – 2030
Southern Napa Route Study: Suscol Headwaters Park
A routing study to determine the best way to connect Suscol Headwaters Park and Newell Open Space Preserve and close a crucial 7-mile gap in the Ridge Trail in Napa County.
Funding Opportunity: $25 – 50K
Ridge Trail Impact: High
Timing: 2024 – 2028
THE PROCESS
How does it work?
TRAIL PHASE
1Identify & Secure the Route
Where will the Ridge Trail go and how will it connect?
Research, field visits, routing and feasibility studies, partner coordination, acquisition, and easements.
TRAIL PHASE
2Planning, Design & Permits
How do we design a
sustainable trail?
Site planning and design, environmental reviews and permits, integrating the trail within larger developments.
TRAIL PHASE
3Building & Construction
What’s involved in constructing a new section of Ridge Trail?
Building new miles, plus parking and staging areas, restrooms, trailheads, wayfinding and interpretive signs.
TRAIL PHASE
4Dedication & Opening
What are the final steps before an official trail opening?
Board approval, establish maintenance agreement, update maps, sign installation, and a ribbon-cutting celebration.
TRAIL PHASE
5Enjoy & Steward
How do we get more people out enjoying and stewarding the trail?
Host outings and stewardship events, offer online maps & tools, support for multi-day treks and circumnavigators.
DONATE
Are you ready to blaze new trail?
DONATE
Are you ready to blaze new trail?
There is a time in every organization when its members can step up and lead. That time is now…and it won’t happen without YOU.
Now’s your chance to make a truly transformational gift. Completing the full 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail is a monumental task, and a critical one. By supporting the Ridge Trail Action Fund, you can ensure that the Ridge Trail is fully connected, protected and preserved for future generations. Whether you are a hiker, a mountain biker, equestrian, or someone who cares deeply about the Bay Area’s natural heritage, please consider supporting the Ridge Trail Action Fund today.
GET IN TOUCH
Let’s Talk Trail
Want to discuss how your gift can have a tangible impact today and for years to come? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with you soon.
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