Trail Progress
From route studies to ribbon cuttings, we’re building a continuous trail experience on the ridgelines around the San Francisco Bay.
TRAIL DEDICATIONS
Ridge Trail dedications celebrate the opening of new trail segments, a key step in closing gaps and creating a continuous network. These events are the result of close partnerships between the Council, local agencies, and other organizations, all working together to build new miles and bring the trail closer to completion.
Southern Skyline Ridge Trail
Extension
Expected to open late 2026, 5.4 miles
Newly constructed trail that will provide new access to lands long closed to the public.
Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space to Calero County Park
Dedicated May 2025, 14.1 miles
One of the longest single Ridge Trail sections ever dedicated at once!
Coyote Canyon, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park
Dedicated May 2025, 2.5 miles
New Ridge Trail extending north from Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear County Park.
ROUTE STUDIES
Route and feasibility studies are a key part of planning for the trail, designed to identify the most feasible routes and address complex challenges, such as land ownership, environmental constraints, and transportation crossings. By convening partners to build consensus, these studies consistently shift projects from stalled to actionable, resulting in near-term progress while longer-term solutions are pursued. This work lays the groundwork for funding and construction, ensuring investment in strategic, sustainable trail connections.
NORTH COYOTE VALLEY
FEASIBILITY STUDY
The North Coyote Valley trail corridor is critical to completing the Bay Area Ridge Trail, connecting the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains, linking more than 100 continuous miles of trail, and enabling a true multi-day thru-hike experience across the region.
GILROY TO MT. UMUNHUM
ROUTE STUDY
This route study was critical to identifying viable options for completing the southern loop of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, unlocking additional trail miles in the near term, and fostering deeper collaboration among public agencies, landowners, and regional partners.
NAPA – SOLANO BORDER
ROUTE STUDY
The Napa-Solano border route study advances both near-term trail connections and a long-term vision for completing the Bay Area Ridge Trail through a complex landscape shaped by private land, development pressures, and challenging road crossings.
OVERNIGHTING ON THE
RIDGE TRAIL
We are working with our partners to develop a network of campsites and overnighting accommodations to support long-distance and multi-day use of the Ridge Trail. This work includes a campsite gap analysis, planning for new campsite locations, and partnering with businesses like Hipcamp to provide options for thru-hikers, backpackers, and bikepackers.
Find accommodations for your next Ridge Trail adventure:
2020 GAP ANALYSIS AND ACTION PLAN
The Gap Analysis Report and Action Plan is a multi-year study that analyzed the 152 gaps in the existing Ridge Trail route. The study identifies strategies to close each gap and the path forward for completing the Ridge Trail and realizing our shared vision of a continuous world class regional trail. The Plan was also awarded the California Trails and Greenways 2021 Merit Award for Planning.
Questions about our work to complete the trail? Contact us.
