Bay Area Ridge Trail

The Ridge Trail travels through 75+ parks and open spaces, all cared for by Indigenous Peoples long before the RT existed. And today they are here, working to preserve their land, culture, and sovereignty. Learn and support them where you can, in the ways they ask us to.

Some places to start:
Redbud Resource Group Sogorea Te' Land Trust Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area AmahMutsun TribalBand Indigenous Women Hike Native Womens Wilderness NativesOutdoors

Today and every day, we are on Native Land.

📷: Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, D. Mauk via Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Calling all young Ridge Trail explorers! 📣 We're looking to feature young people who love getting out on the Ridge Trail - kids, teens and young adults - in an upcoming story.

✏️ Fill out the short survey if you'd like to be featured, or send this to someone who would! https://forms.gle/EjjdxPUHknfhPALG8

📣Rare volunteer opportunity📣 Help tidy the Ridge Trail at Wildlake Preserve in Napa County - usually only accessible after an orientation!

📆Saturday, Nov. 2nd join us at this stunning remote preserve for a fun day outside beautifying the trail with Land Trust of Napa County!

Register at https://support.ridgetrail.org/rtsd-2024-wildlake

📷: Lisa Reynolds via AllTrails

Does visiting the highest point on the Ridge Trail "peak" your interest? Take a trip up the Mount St. Helena Spur! The summit is at 4,343 feet, making Mount St. Helena the 2nd tallest peak in the Bay and the views incredible. There isn't much shade though, so save this one for post-heatwave 🥵

THE STATS:
🥾🚲🐎 5.5 miles one-way for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians (hikers can shave off 0.5 mi by taking Stevenson Memorial Trail)
🐶❌ Dogs not allowed
🚗❌ Car shuttle not possible (and parking is very limited)
🏔️ Elevation gain (one-way) = 1,990 feet

🗺️ Map + more info: https://ridgetrail.org/trail-section/robert-louis-stevenson-state-park-to-mount-st-helena-spur/

🌎 Miwok, Wappo, and Graton Rancheria land

📸 Tina Nguyen, Aaron Johnson, Terry Roberts, and Bill Lawrence via AllTrails

Many thanks to Aurora from Latino Outdoors SF Bay Area for recently sharing her inspiring work with our board. Latino Outdoors is doing amazing things to be a "bridge to the outdoors", breaking down barriers to getting outside. Their commitment to engaging Latino communities in nature and fostering the next generation of outdoor leaders is truly inspiring.

As we celebrate Latina/x/e/o Heritage Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate the important work organizations like Latino Outdoors are doing to make outdoor spaces more inclusive and accessible for all. Gracias!

Remember that amazing day you spent exploring Helen Putnam Park in Petaluma? Let's make sure others can experience the same joy! Join us Saturday, Nov. 2 at Ridge Trail Service Day. Together, we'll keep the trail pristine and ready for adventure. https://ridgetrail.org/serviceday/

Big thanks to Sonoma County Regional Parks and Redwood Trails Alliance for partnering with us on this project!

If you like a challenge, you'll probably like the next featured segment - Table Rock to Palisades Spur in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. We wouldn't recommend trying it this week in the heat - it's a challenging, often overgrown trail over steep, rocky terrain. But save this one for your next big adventure! The views are spectacular and it’s a unique experience to be up close to the volcanic mountains.

THE STATS:
🥾 6 miles one-way for hikers
🐶❌ Dogs not allowed
🚗❌ Car shuttle not possible (unless combined with Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail for 10.5 miles total)
🏔️ Elevation gain (one-way) = 1280 feet

🗺️ Map + more info: https://ridgetrail.org/trail-section/robert-louis-stevenson-state-park-table-rock-to-palisades-spur/

🌎 Miwok and Wappo land

📸 "Trail Ninja", Jesse Atkinsonvia, and Jonnika Benjamin AllTrails

One day, nine projects, all around the Bay Area to revitalize the Ridge Trail! Join us at 17th annual Ridge Trail Service Day and give back to the trails you love. ❤️

📆 Saturday, November 2
📍 Project sites all around the Bay
⚒️ Forge a deeper connection to your local parks and community!
🌐 Register: https://ridgetrail.org/serviceday/

Who's going to the Representation Matters Film Festival this weekend?? 🙋🏾 Hosted by our friends at Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) this film fest features inspiring stories that celebrate diverse experiences, abilities, and identities. FREE pizza, kids and well-behaved pets welcome! Virtual viewing option also available.

We'll see you there! Tickets: https://openspacetrust.org/event/representation-matters-film-festival/

🗓️Saturday, September 28th, 6-9 PM
📍Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, San Carlos

This November, Californians will vote on a $10-billion climate bond called Proposition 4. The bond would provide funding for different environmental programs and projects, including ones to increase climate resilience like renewable energy, wildfire, and habitat conservation.

🌲 Prop. 4 includes $765 million for the State Coastal Conservancy—our largest single source of funding—and $700 million for parks.

✔️ You can support the Ridge Trail, our partners, and the important work being done around the region and beyond to protect our health and environment by supporting Prop. 4.

Learn more: https://ridgetrail.org/yes-on-prop-4/

📷 Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Paul Zupan via AllTrails

Hey thru-hikers, -bikers, and -horseback riders! Camping along the Ridge Trail just got a lot easier thanks to Hipcamp! They've partnered with us to create this map of camping—and glamping—spots near the Ridge Trail. Check it out and plan your next multi-day adventure!

👉 https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/search/bay-area-ridge?mapZoomLevel=7.500429845717517&neLat=39.360173&neLng=-121.312394&swLat=35.929961&swLng=-123.294148&q=Map+area&searchSource=map-pan

Next up as we travel it's Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail: start by the vineyards of the Napa Valley floor and gradually climb up a rocky trail to stunning views and fantastic rock formations! Plus, beautiful wildflower displays in spring. This is a pretty exposed trail, so it's perfect for cooler weather. On warmer days, start early and sun protection and extra water is a must!

THE STATS:
🥾🚲🐎 4.5 miles one-way for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians
🐶❌ Dogs not allowed
🚗❌ Car shuttle not possible
🏔️ Elevation gain (one-way) = 1,925 feet

🗺️ Map + more info at: https://ridgetrail.org/trail-section/lower-oat-hill-mine-trail-2/

🌎 Miwok and Wappo land

📸 Nicole Fetterman, Stephanie Davis, and William Huie via AllTrails

Have you checked out the newest segment at Patwino Worrila Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park? Get a preview in this article from the Daily Republic and find a map and more info at RidgeTrail.org/Patwino - happy trails!

https://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/hiking-enthusiasts-set-out-on-soft-opening-of-new-park/article_e1cd54d0-6183-11ef-ba44-7fa90d278fd7.html

Hiking enthusiasts set out on soft opening of new park FAIRFIELD — Mary Ann McVicar is no stranger to what was once known as Rockville Trails Preserve.

Well, we've been talking about it a lot lately but it just happens to be up next as we feature every segment - The Calistoga Ridge Trail! This freshly-opened trail connects you from Bothe-Napa Valley State Park to Calistoga via a mostly flat path with a mix of paved and special permeable tread surface. Determined trekkers can continue along Lincoln Ave, and reach the entrance to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and an additional 21 miles of connected Ridge Trail!

THE STATS:
🥾🚲 4.2 miles one-way for hikers and bikers
🐶 Dogs allowed
🚗 Car shuttle possible
🏔️ Elevation gain (one-way) = 123 feet

🗺️ Map + more info at RidgeTrail.org/Calistoga

🌎 Miwok and Wappo land

📸 RT Staff, Robert Wallace and Lisa Reynolds via AllTrails

Calistoga Chamber of Commerce Visit Calistoga

Happy National Dog Day! Here's RT staff dog Toby exploring Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley 🐶🌭 Does your 4-legged bestie love the Ridge Trail? Tag us in your adventure pup pics!

The East Bay Hills Hike & Ride is less than a week away - last chance to grab your ticket and join us!
👉 RidgeTrail.org/EBHills 👈 Hike or ride through the forests and hills of the East Bay. Camp under the stars and enjoy meals with new friends. And it all benefits local trails!

The ribbon is cut and another Ridge Trail segment opens! Today we gathered with our partners and friends to celebrate the new 2.1-mile Doris Klein Ridge Trail in Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park 🎉 Opens to the public this Saturday, Aug. 24!

The park features a beautiful 0.6 mile loop called the All Peoples Trail that is made of special surfacing materials and graded for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. It includes a nice shady spot with a picnic bench, and connects to the Ridge Trail.

This Ridge Trail section is named in honor of Doris Klein (1926–2022), an RT founder, board member, outing leader and tireless Solano County trail advocate. She played a pivotal role in connecting the Ridge Trail throughout Solano County and beyond.

The park’s name comes from the Hill Patwin language, meaning “the Southern Rock Home for the Patwin People.” The name was bestowed by the tribal council of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, who also provided major funds to modernize the park.

Thank you Solano Land Trust, California State Coastal Conservancy, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Doris Klein's family, and our supporters for ensuring that future generations can enjoy these beautiful outdoor spaces for years to come.

Map and more info at RidgeTrail.org/Patwino

The next spot we're featuring has been on our minds a lot lately: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. With the new Calistoga Ridge Trail connection, you can now camp at the park and hike or ride your way to the wineries, restaurants, and mineral springs of Calistoga. This 1,900-acre park is also the furthest inland state park with coast redwoods, and the Ridge Trail here takes you along Ritchey Creek for a peaceful outdoor experience, whatever the season.

THE STATS:
🥾🐎🚲 3.4 miles one-way for hikers and equestrians, 2.2 miles for mountain bikers
⛺ Camping available (check Bothe-Napa Valley State Park website for details)
🐶❌Dogs not allowed on trails
🚗❌Car shuttle not possible
🏔️ Elevation gain (one-way) = 1,120 feet

⚠️ Check Bothe-Napa Valley State Park website for trail conditions before your visit

🗺️ Map + more info: https://ridgetrail.org/bothe-napa-valley-state-park/

🌎 Miwok and Wappo land

📸 Ann Lange, Tmarie Wc, Bronya Petrov, Brandr Beekman-Ellner, and Michael Vladimirov via AllTrails

Right on the heels of a new Ridge Trail segment in Napa County, another comes to Solano! 2.1 miles of Ridge Trail will open AUG 24 in Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park near Fairfield 🎉

DETAILS:
📍 2061 Rockville Rd, Fairfield
🕑 Open Friday thru Monday, 9:00a to 5:00p starting Aug. 24
🚙 Parking is $5.00 per car and $10 per horse trailer
🚲🐎🥾 Open to bikes, horses, and hikers

Map and more details at RidgeTrail.org/Patwino

Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi (pronounced: Put-win-no War-klaw Kaw-doy De-he) means Southern Rock Home of the Patwin people. It is from the Patwin language, and was given by the Council of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.

Many thanks to our wonderful partners at Solano Land Trust for their work to open this beautiful park!

Today we cut the ribbon on 4.2 miles of ✨ shiny NEW Ridge Trail ✨ Are you coming to see it tomorrow? Saturday Aug. 17 from 8 am to noon explore the Calistoga Ridge Trail and Vine Trail and swing by our booth at the Calistoga Depot! Map: https://ridgetrail.org/calistoga/

We heard you like views - have you met Sugarloaf Ridge State Park? This Ridge Trail segment is definitely a bit of a climb, but you're seriously rewarded along the way with stunning 360 degree views of Bay Area peaks including Mt. Diablo, Mt. Tam, and Mt. St. Helena. Plus you can camp there! Check it out as you explore

THE STATS:
🥾🐎🚲 2.8 miles one-way for hikers, bikes and equestrians
⛺ Camping available (check Sugarloaf Ridge State Park website for details)
🐶❌Dogs not allowed on trails
🚗❌Car shuttle not possible
🏔️ Elevation gain (one-way) = 1,522 feet

⚠️ Check Sugarloaf Ridge State Park website for trail conditions before your visit

🗺️ Map + more info: https://ridgetrail.org/sugarloaf-ridge-state-park/

🌎 Graton Rancheria, Miwok, and Wappo land

📸 Kristen Russell, Claire Victor, Jose Loria, Tanya Zhuk, and Alfred Lugo via AllTrails

Some views you missed if you didn't explore the this weekend 👀

🌲 Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, Kumar A via AllTrails
🌉 Presidio of San Francisco, Finn Kery via AllTrails
🏞️ Tilden Regional Park, Jack Kellett via AllTrails
🌄 Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Jeetu J via AllTrails
🌾 Skyline Ridge Preserve, RT staff

According to the UN, there are an estimated 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world that speak 7,000 different languages. Very soon we will celebrate new Ridge Trail miles in a park whose name honors the Indigenous Peoples who first stewarded these lands.

Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi (pronounced Put.win.no War.klaw Kaw.doy De.he) means Southern Rock Home of the Patwin people. This name comes from the Patwin language, spoken in this region for thousands of years. It was bestowed by the Tribal Council of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the descendants of the Patwin people.

We look forward to the opening of Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park (managed by our partners at Solano Land Trust) and the opportunities it will bring to raise awareness about the Patwin people and their descendants.

When asked why she keeps coming back to the East Bay Hills Hike & Ride, Linda shared, "My first East Bay Hills was years ago, when I enjoyed a 5-day whirlwind of friendship & time outside with folks I’d never met before. It turned out to be a blast of non-stop laughter, sweaty hikes, huge watermelon slices during happy hour, and an epic evening playing Hearts. I’m not sure when I fell in love with this group, but I knew before the event ended that I’d be back next year."

Laugh, sweat, and enjoy time outside with us at the East Bay Hills Hike & Ride!

📆 Wed. Aug 28 - Mon. Sept 2 (join for 1 day or multiple)
🐎 Open to hikers and equestrians
⛺ Camping, meals, and gear transport included
🎟️ Link for tickets: ridgetrail.org/east-bay-hills-thru-hike-and-ride

In honor of Disability Pride Month, we thought we'd share about a very cool learning opportunity our staff took part in recently. ✨

Richard Skaff from Designing Accessible Communities organized a demonstration of an electrically powered off-road mobility vehicle - the TerrainHopper - designed to make more of our parks and open spaces available to everyone.

He invited people with mobility disabilities and officials from regional trail agencies to test the vehicle. The TerrainHopper has a ground clearance of nearly 10 inches and a 35-degree climbing capability and is engineered to conquer deep mud, soft beach sand, snow, rocks, steep hills and other obstacles. It was easy to use and tackled complex, rocky terrain.

The vision is to develop a program for park agencies to invest in TerrainHoppers and make them available to trail users.

Many thanks to Richard and all the advocates working to help more people access and enjoy outdoor places like the Ridge Trail!

Check out our list of Ridge Trail segments with accessible features: https://ridgetrail.org/rt-accessible-features/