THE INITIATIVE
Ridge Trail Action Fund
THE INITIATIVE
The Ridge Trail Action Fund
The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council has spent more than 35 years building one of the most ambitious trail projects in the nation — a 550-mile multi-use trail circling the ridgelines of San Francisco Bay. Today, with more than 400 miles open and in use, we’re entering one of the most consequential chapters yet.
The Ridge Trail Action Fund is how we stay ready. Established in 2018 as a flexible, fast-response resource, the Fund lets us seize time-sensitive opportunities, match partner investments, and keep critical projects moving — without waiting for slower funding cycles to catch up.
Over the past five years, the Action Fund directed more than $300,000 across 10 projects, helping to leverage over $2.5 million in matched funds. Now, with a 2026 goal of $110,000, we’re building on that momentum to tackle some of the most exciting — and consequential — opportunities in the trail’s history.
What the Action Fund Makes Possible
The Action Fund isn’t a reserve — it’s a catalyst. When the right opportunity appears, we’re able to move quickly and make things happen. The results speak for themselves:
Easy Grade Trail, Mt. Tamalpais — New trail construction opened safer, dedicated mountain bike routes on one of the Bay Area’s most beloved peaks.
Twin Peaks Promenade, San Francisco — Regional Ridge Trail signage installed at one of the city’s most iconic and visited public spaces.
Rancho Cañada del Oro, Morgan Hill — Groundwork laid for 3 new miles of Ridge Trail, plus new signage to welcome and orient visitors.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Big Opportunities. Real Deadlines.
National Scenic Trail Designation
The Ridge Trail is working toward national scenic trail designation — a distinction held by only 11 trails in the U.S. — that would elevate its profile, open federal partnerships, and secure its future for generations.
Funding Opportunity: $25 – 100K
Ridge Trail Impact: High
Timing: 2025 – 2030
Trail Construction at Vallejo-Swett Ranch
Closing a critical 2-mile gap here would unlock more than 30 miles of continuous regional trail connecting Solano and Contra Costa Counties — one of the most significant connectivity wins within reach right now.
Funding Opportunity: $50 – 75K
Ridge Trail Impact: High
Timing: 2026 – 2027
Marin-Sonoma Routing Study
A 10-mile gap between Mt. Burdell and Helen Putnam Regional Park represents one of the trail’s most complex remaining puzzles. This study will evaluate the best routing options and set the stage for future construction.
Funding Opportunity: $25 – 50K
Ridge Trail Impact: High
Timing: 2026
THE PROCESS
How does it work?
From Vision to Ribbon-Cutting: Every mile of the Ridge Trail follows a proven path — from route identification through planning, permitting, construction, and finally, a community celebration. The Action Fund keeps us moving through every phase.
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
Ready to make your mark on the Ridge 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.
The Ridge Trail belongs to everyone who loves the Bay Area — hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, families, and everyone who finds joy and connection on the trail. Completing and connecting the full 550 miles is one of the most meaningful Bay Area projects of our time, and it won’t happen without you.
A gift to the Ridge Trail Action Fund puts your dollars to work immediately — on the projects that need it most, when the timing matters most. Consider adding a special gift to the Action Fund alongside your annual contribution and help us make 2026 our most impactful year yet.
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.
415.561.2595 (x208)
The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization under EIN 94-3148503, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
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