Wheelchair Accessible Ridge Trails

Oct 15th, 2020

 

Below, find some of the Ridge Trail sections that are either partly or entirely wheelchair accessible. Find out more about Ridge Trail Accessibility here.

 

NORTH BAY

Cross Marin Trail, Samuel P. Taylor State Park

Trail with signs and tree coverage
Photo: Ramon Vargas, All Trails

County: Marin

This wide shady path is paved from Platform Bridge down through Samuel P. Taylor Park, following along Lagunitas Creek and paralleling Sir Francis Drake Blvd. This out-and-back, roughly 2 mile trail segment also features lots of facilities, including parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and camping.

Cross Marin Trail Map
Samuel P. Taylor State Park Website

 

Vintage Valley Trail, Rockville Hills Regional Park

trail entrance traveling through grass in a residential neighborhood
Photo: Google Maps

County: Solano

Begin your outing along this peaceful, well-kept trail at the southern end, at the intersection of Citadel and Abbey Drive, where there is street parking. This paved path winds along a greenbelt through a residential neighborhood for about 1 mile, until Emerald Bay Drive where the path increases in grade.

Vintage Valley Trail Map

 

EAST BAY

Carquinez Bridge and Crockett

path along road over bridge with person riding bike
Photo Credit: Christopher Sutterley, All Trails

County: Solano and Contra Costa

Take in wide views of the Carquinez Strait from atop the Carquinez Bridge along a smooth wide path. Then continue on into the town of Crockett, home to C&H sugar refinery and Alexander Park. Parking is available at either end of this 2.8 mile trail segment, so car shuttling is possible.

Carquinez Bridge and Crockett Trail Map

 

Nimitz Way, Tilden and Wildcat Canyon Regional Parks

path through grassy hilly meadow

County: Contra Costa

Take in true 360० vistas of rolling East Bay hills and beyond, as well as the San Pablo Reservoir. As you travel along this sunny, open trail, you’ll see cows grazing and many people out walking dogs, riding bikes, and enjoying the view.

Nimitz Way Trail Map
Tilden Regional Park Website
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park Website

 

SOUTH BAY

Coyote Creek Parkway

Grassy field with hills in the background
Photo Credit: Sue Kelso

County: Santa Clara

South of Hellyer County Park, the Coyote Creek Parkway features a flat, wide paved path with a mix of sun and shade. Traveling along the creek you’ll pass ponds, parks and residential areas that makes for an enjoyable outing. Note, there is some trail grading at road/freeway under-crossings along this path. The length of the trail is 9.3 miles with parking at either end, so car shuttling is possible.

Coyote Creek Parkway Trail Map
Santa Clara County Parks Website

 

Penitencia Creek Trail

trail entrance with signs

County: Santa Clara

See one of the Ridge Trail’s newest trails, connected to BART at Berryessa Station! This trail follows along Penitencia Creek, passing a new contemplative garden across from the BART station, as well as Penitencia Creek Gardens and the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. This trail is 3.9 miles one-way.

Penitencia Creek Trail Map
Santa Clara County Parks Website

 

PENINSULA

Horseshoe Lake

View of Horseshoe lake with hills and trees surrounding
Photo Credit: Pat Koren

County: San Mateo

Take a trip around this small but beautiful water feature in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Much of the trail is shaded and you can see birds, dragonflies and wildflowers in the spring. There is parking and a restroom at the trailhead. The Ridge Trail intersects briefly by the lake, but the trail loop around is about 1.2 miles in length.

Horseshoe Lake Trail Map
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Website

 

Lifemark Road, Skylawn Memorial Park

road with hills behind
Photo Credit: Luana Espana

County: San Mateo

Skylawn Memorial Park is a peaceful retreat that features sweeping views of the surrounding hills and water. While this Ridge Trail segment is only 1.1 miles long, the views alone are worth the trip. Note: while completely paved, this path has some grade. Check the trail map linked below for more information.

Lifemark Road Trail Map
Skylawn Memorial Park Website

 

SAN FRANCISCO

Lake Merced to Stern Grove

view of lake with marsh grass and trees surrounding
Photo Credit: Sue Kelso

County: San Francisco

With Lake Merced on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this trail has the potential to be sunny or foggy, but always beautiful. The lake is surrounded by marsh grasses and a line of cypresses that separate the lake from the TPC Harding Park Golf Course. There is parking, public restrooms, and a picnic area along this 4.1 mile trail.

Lake Merced to Stern Grove Trail Map
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department Website

 

Stanyan Street and Golden Gate Park

entrance to golden gate park

County: San Francisco

The entrance to Golden Gate Park along Stanyan Street at Haight Street has been upgraded with beautiful native, drought-resistant plants, plenty of grassy space for a picnic, and even a bocce court next to public restrooms. This little slice of the Ridge Trail makes for a beautiful day in the park in the middle of the City. Street parking is available along Stanyan Street.

Stanyan Street and Golden Gate Park Trail Map
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department Website

 


DONATE TO SUPPORT THE TRAIL

We're a membership organization built of trail
lovers like you. Become an important part of the Ridge Trail community.

Donate to complete the trail