Bay Area Ridge Trail

Happy 4th of July! We hope you enjoy the holiday safely, with good friends and excellent views. Photos: Instagram user @she.hikes.too, Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Very exciting news from our wonderful partner Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District! More protected lands and more trails ahead on our path to #400Miles of Ridge Trail!

Unfilter the Outdoors is offering $400 stipends to BIPOC for any kind of multi-day hiking trip. Deadline to apply is July 3rd! Find the application here: https://www.unfiltertheoutdoors.org/application

Instagram user @doristar21 is making her way around the Ridge Trail, and had a great time on her latest hike through Robert Louis Stevenson State Park on the Table Rock Trail. Prepare to take on this Ridge Trail segment yourself with maps and more info at http://ow.ly/90TD50Fksnp

Help Napa County build better parks and trails! Take the 2021 Recreation Survey and share how you use parks and trails & what features you'd like to see more of. Take the survey in English, Spanish, or Tagalog here: https://bit.ly/3iYUmyg

Reserve your spot now for a summer hike or ride on the Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail - they fill up fast! (Various distances are available) Sign up here: https://sfwater.org/trails Photo: Thomas Beck

While we don’t currently have any volunteer trail projects on the calendar due to COVID, you can join our volunteer list and be the first to know when opportunities come up! Sign up here: http://ow.ly/M7a750CZVD1 There you’ll also find a list of our partner’s volunteer websites where you can find even more opportunities to get out on the trail and get your hands dirty!

In Case You Missed It: during 2020 we added 6 Ridge Trail segments - have you tried them out yet? Take a 3D tour of them at the bottom of this page: https://ridgetrail.org/6-new-ridge-trails-in-2020/

Take a virtual hike with Friends of the Napa Open Space District through Moore Creek Park and then try it for yourself! https://ridgetrail.org/moore-creek-park/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oknQpwBMqpU&feature=youtu.be

Need some inspiration to get on the trail and chase some goals in 2021? Read Chris’ story of how he set the Fastest Known Time for running the East Bay Skyline Trail, which shares most of its route with the Ridge Trail. http://ow.ly/kEOu50CZUYO

Next Thursday, January 14, join Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for a virtual tour of Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. Learn about local wildlife and take in views of Horseshoe Lake and more! http://ow.ly/rmYd50CZVxf

Happy New Year! Here’s to more trails, more adventures, and more time together enjoying the outdoors in 2021 Photo: Russian Ridge Preserve, Instagram user @mindego_hillcat

Lucas Horan has been missing since late (11:30pm/12am) Christmas Eve and we need help searching for him. Join this group or visit https://whereislucas.com/ for more ways you can help look for Lucas.

Thank you from all of us at the Ridge Trail! Best wishes for a safe and healthy 2021 and more opportunities to get out in nature and enjoy the Ridge Trail. Your support makes it possible! ridgetrail.org/support-the-trail

Our Ridge Trail Month in-person volunteer projects are full, but don’t fret! You can win a $100 Whole Foods gift card by doing a DIY trail care project during November! To enter: 1. DIY a Ridge Trail care project (tips and supply list at ridgetrail.org/rt-month) 2. Post pics or video of your project on social media 3. Tag @ridgetrail @REI and @wholefoodsmarket and include #RidgeTrailMonth in your post... That’s it! Show some love to your favorite Ridge Trail, then treat yourself to some healthy, delicious food. Thank you to Whole Foods Market and REI for sponsoring Ridge Trail Month!

The Ridge Trail dedicated 6 new trails this year, adding over 8 miles in 6 different counties! Find out where they are, download maps, and get a 3D tour of all 6 trails here: http://ow.ly/thqM50CTlFN

The California Native Plant Society - Santa Clara Valley Chapter has been hard at work clearing invasive species out along Penitencia Creek in San Jose. You can see from the before and after pictures here just how much Cape Ivy, Cheeseweed, Poison hemlock and Wild mustard they’ve removed. With some help from the San Jose Conservation Corps, they’ve made huge improvements to the area, and we thank them for keeping this section of the Ridge Trail healthy and well cared-for!

Tomorrow! Our very own Trail Program Director, Liz Westbrook is speaking at Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz Trail Academy event. Attendees will learn about the public planning process for trails and why it’s crucial for communities to participate. Register here: http://ow.ly/wcsW50BXZKy

The Ridge Trail Challenge is almost over! Submit your finisher form before January 1st to be entered for the grand prize. You can also make a donation to win prizes instantly! Fill out the finisher form & learn about instant prizes here: http://ow.ly/ISpA50CTlmJ

Start 2021 off right with a hike on a future Ridge Trail! Solano Land Trust is hosting a nature hike on Saturday, January 9 at Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space. Register here: http://ow.ly/ISC050CTkZS

Almond Ranch in Martinez is officially open! Check out this special dedication for the newly protected natural space, including reflections on John Muir’s legacy of environmental conservation as well as his complicated attitudes towards race. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiQIUv3S648

Together we've built 390 of 550 total Ridge Trail miles, but we aren't finished yet! Make your gift before the end of 2020 and be a part of the team that builds the trail. Yes, I want to help complete the trail: ridgetrail.org/support-the-trail Photo: Vallejo/Benicia Buffer, Instagram user @marblebluevinyl

Santa Clara County residents: vote YES on Prop T! This renewal of an existing parcel tax will generate about $7.8 million/year for Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to continue protecting and expanding access to local open spaces for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. Learn more: https://www.openspaceauthority.org//measur/measure-t.html.

Want to help build trails? Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz are offering a Trail Academy series throughout 2021 to make you eligible to lead trail work projects! The first FREE online class is Thursday, January 7. Register here: https://mbosc.org/trailacademy/

November is Ridge Trail Month! There are 2 ways to participate this year: sign up for an in-person volunteer project (very limited space!) or do a DIY trail project! Either way, you can get outside and help keep our well-loved trails clean and ready for all to enjoy. Learn more at https://ridgetrail.org/rt-month/ Big thanks to our lead sponsor REI!

San Franciscans: Vote YES on Prop A! The bond will build and improve safe and accessible parks, recreation facilities, and open spaces throughout the City, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. #YesonA #SFRecoveryBond SF Yes on Prop A

All of us at the Ridge Trail wish you and yours a safe, healthy and happy holiday! Photo: Russian Ridge Preserve

We rely on Trail Lovers like you to help us complete the trail. We still have one week left to reach our ambitious 2020 goal! Any additional gift you give today will contribute in creating a 550-mile loop in our own backyard that generations will enjoy ridgetrail.org/support-the-trail Photo: Sweeny Ridge, Technologyhiker

Former Ridge Trail board member Chuck Wilson just became the first person to complete the Pacific Coast Trail Runs TOGETHERelay AND simultaneously completed all of the Ridge Trail in just 40 days! Congratulations Chuck on this awesome accomplishment and welcome to the Ridge Trail circumnavigator circle! Hear more about Chuck’s experience on the trail at http://ow.ly/1c6350BQpK3

In case you missed it, last month the final piece of the puzzle was completed to create a fully connected Saratoga-to-the-Sea trail - a 37 mile recreational trail that shares part of its route with the Ridge Trail. Check it out! http://ow.ly/5fnU50CTiMm Photo: Brian Malone/Midpen

There are still spots open for the Fifield-Cahill hike through the SF watershed this Saturday! This part of the Ridge Trail is docent-led only, so don’t miss this chance to see the pristine natural landscape of the SF peninsula. Sign up here: https://sfwater.org/trails

These are the cultures and people that were here first, and are still here. While we semi-recently shared this map, it seemed appropriate to share again today. It’s a good reminder that we are all on Indigenous land. Learn more about the Native American cultures of the Bay Area: http://ow.ly/LsVd50BQobj #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Thanks to Instagram user @y33_hikeca for sharing some great pics of their family hike in Tilden Regional Park! While so many things this year have been difficult, seeing people get outside and enjoy nature with family keeps us going strong

#ICYMI the last section of the 37-mile Saratoga-to-the-Sea trail was recently completed! This trail partially shares a route with the Ridge Trail - check it out! http://ow.ly/5fnU50CTiMm Photo: Brian Malone/Midpen

This month, we added 2 new Ridge Trail segments! 1 mile of trail in Napa at Suscol Headwaters Preserve, and 1.7 miles in Fremont at Ohlone College Lands. Check out this sneak-peek of the trails, then try them out yourself! https://ridgetrail.org/trail-maps/ https://youtu.be/vGHBGZzn158

This Saturday, Oct. 10, help keep a well-loved Ridge Trail section looking sharp and clean! City of San José is hosting a volunteer trail work day at Alum Rock Park. Learn more and register here: http://ow.ly/z7K550BL6oM

Happy Winter Solstice to all! Find your favorite spot on the Ridge Trail and enjoy the sunset today on the shortest day and the longest night. Looking forward to the light coming back into our lives in 2021. #wintersolstice #bayarearidgetrail #naturenearby Learn more about how to help us reach 550 miles: https://ridgetrail.org/support-the-trail/

Over the past few months, we’ve seen how truly important access to the outdoors is. More people than ever are seeking a connection to nature for mental and physical wellbeing. Everyday, we work to improve, expand, and protect the trails that foster that connection. Consider becoming a Ridge Trail member or making a donation to support the trails you know and love. http://ow.ly/Nr7k50BMmhO

Last month, friends and family of the late Phil Arnold, former Ridge Trail Board Member, gathered in Golden Gate Park to celebrate the unveiling of a memorial boulder honoring his work as an avid parks and trail advocate. Help us celebrate Phil’s legacy by enjoying a walk on the Phil Arnold trail in GG Park. You can find a map and more information here: http://ow.ly/ACEo50BL5Aw

Wishing you a fun & refreshing weekend. Take care Photo: SCA Trail, Marin Headlands

A fun little action shot from Instagram user and #ridgetrailchallenge participant @coach_bobo_rides. The challenge is still on and there are plenty of bike-friendly trail options. Check it out! https://ridgetrail.org/challenge/

As most counties around the bay area return to stricter stay-at-home rules, the amount of people out on trails may increase as well. Please remember to #recreateresponsibly by wearing a mask, keeping your distance, and finding the trail less travelled. More tips on how to stay safe in the outdoors at recreate https://www.recreateresponsibly.org/

That’s a wrap on Ridge Trail Month! Thank you to all our volunteers who cared for our well-loved trails this month, both at our hosted projects and solo. 50 volunteers attended 6 projects hosted by our partners all around the Bay! They removed invasive species, planted native ones, covered social trails and cleaned up official trails. Many others picked up trash along the trail on their own. Thank you to our main sponsor REI and to Whole Foods Market for providing lunch for our volunteers! The Ridge Trail exists for and because of you - thank you for sending that love right back. #RidgeTrailMonth

Why Not Wednesday? Our board is stepping up to match any donations made in the next week up to $15,000. We can add 50 miles of Ridge Trail in the next 5 years with your help! Why not make your gift twice as nice? Donate this week to become a part of the Ridge Trail legacy: http://ow.ly/HCzW50CAEzD #WhyNotWednesday

There are still spots open for the 13-mile guided Fifield-Cahill hike through the SF Peninsula Watershed this Saturday! This trail is only accessible with a docent, so if you’re hoping to check this trail off your list, this is your chance! Register here: https://sfwater.org/trails

Looking for a one-of-a-kind memento of the Ridge Trail? This gorgeous, handmade, solid wood table has an inlay design of the San Francisco Bay. It was RT's beloved conference table for years. Now it can be yours, and it would work beautifully as a dining table. It was crafted by Marin based woodworker, designer, maker, and cyclist David Garroute.... Dimensions are 54 x 97 x 30 inches. It is in SF, disassembled, and ready for transport. We want this table to go to a good home, and would be pleased to give it to a new or renewing member as an extra special thank you for your 2020 donation, at any membership level. PM us or email [email protected] for more information!

1 month left to complete the Ridge Trail Challenge! Complete 5 trail adventures and submit your finisher form to get entered to win an exciting prize pack, which includes goodies from us, REI Columbia Sportswear and GIG Car Share Find the finisher form here: http://ow.ly/jB7Y50CypUy #ridgetrailchallenge #OptOutside... Photos courtesy of some of our Challenge finishers so far.

Are you opting outside today? Ridge Trail Month is almost over, and we’re so thankful for our amazing trail champs who have cared for so many different parts of the Ridge Trail during November, like IG user @totoleetotoro who went with a few friends to pick up trash at Lake Merced in Daly City. It’s not too late to participate! Visit ridgetrail.org/rt-month/#diy to get our DIY Trail Care Guide and learn how to get involved. #OptOutside REI

This year has shown how truly important access to the outdoors is. We’re thankful for everyone who has made the Ridge Trail what it is today - our members, agency partners, funders, sponsors, and volunteers. We also acknowledge and thank the stewards of this land who were here before us and their descendants. Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok) Graton Rancheria Wappo Patwin... Muwekma Karkin Me-Wuk (Bay Miwok) Chochenyo Ohlone Tamyen Popeloutchom (Amah Mutsun) Awaswas Ramaytush Thank you.

Remember - Friday is #OptOutside day with REI! Opt for quality time in nature with your household over crowds and shopping. Take a hike, hop on your bike, or pick up trash and show some love to your favorite trail. There are over 385 miles of Ridge Trail to choose from - where will it take you? Ridgetrail.org Photo: Russian Ridge, Karl Gohl

Walk in the shade of bay and redwood trees, and experience stunning flyover views through this immersive virtual tour of the newly completed Saratoga to the Sea trail! This 37 mile trail shares a route with the Ridge Trail for about 1.5 miles through Sanborn County Park, is currently open to hikers and equestrians, and features campsites along the way. Check it out! Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz http://ow.ly/o9Ob50CtAKi

On Saturday we finished our last Ridge Trail Month project at Mt. Sutro in San Francisco! 5 volunteers planted 80 native plants to make this section of Ridge Trail healthier and happier. Ridge Trail Month isn’t over though! There’s still time to get out and care for your favorite Ridge Trail https://ridgetrail.org/rt-month/ #RidgeTrailMonth #OptOutside

Next Friday 11/27, join us and REI to #OptOutside! It's the perfect day to show some love to your favorite outdoor spaces with a DIY Ridge Trail clean-up. Post photos of your Ridge Trail clean-up and include #RidgeTrailMonth to win a Whole Foods Market gift card or AllTrails pro membership (while supplies last). Learn more: https://ridgetrail.org/rt-month/#diy

That feeling when you finish another trail for the #RidgeTrailChallenge! Instagram user @bunjeeventure has almost completed her 5 trail adventures - how’s your Challenge going? If you’d like to get out to the trail but don’t have a car, GIG Car Share is offering a special discount for Ridge Trail explorers. Download the app and use code GIGTRAIL for $30 towards your first trips. https://gigcarshare.com/

In case you missed it: here’s Past, Present and Future on the Ridge Trail a conversation last week with Ridge Trail guidebook author Elizabeth Byers, as well as our Trail Director Liz Westbrook and Board Member Taylor Jang. Special thanks to @POSTLandTrust for hosting! Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Adg43caJgM

Reminder! Tomorrow is the deadline to submit your comments in support of more camping and other overnight facilities at the North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve! Learn more and give your input here: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov//Planni/North-Sonoma-Mountain/ Photo credit: Sonoma County Regional Parks

Another wonderful weekend of #RidgeTrailMonth projects! On Saturday we were out at Lynch Canyon near Fairfield, and at Helen Putnam Regional Park outside of Petaluma. Reminder! We’ve got prizes for those who DIY a Ridge Trail Month project! Post a pic of your trail clean-up, include #RidgeTrailMonth and you could win a Whole Foods Market gift card or a pro membership with AllTrails! Special thanks to REI as our Ridge Trail Month lead sponsor! #OptOutside

Thank you to Instagram user @themonkeyflower for keeping the Ridge Trail clean and enjoyable for everyone! She was the first to DIY her own Ridge Trail Month trail cleanup project and share it with us on social. Share your DIY Ridge Trail Month project with us and you could win a $100 Whole Foods Market gift card or AllTrails pro account membership! Learn how at https://ridgetrail.org/rt-month/ Special thanks to REI as our Ridge Trail Month lead sponsor! #OptOutside #RidgeTrailMonth Photos: Russian Ridge Preserve

Spots Available! Tomorrow, Sat. 11/14 - Register now for our Ridge Trail Month project tomorrow in Petaluma at Helen Putnam Regional Park. Lunch will be provided from Whole Foods. Learn more and sign up here: https://sonomacountyparks.ticketleap.com/reiridge-t/details Photo credit: Elizabeth Byers #RidgeTrailMonth

Join City of San José staff for a virtual community meeting to discuss Phase 2 of the Coyote Creek Trail Project, a planned future Ridge Trail segment! Monday Nov. 16, 6pm on Zoom: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/J/97506840278 Meeting ID: 97506840278... Mobile Dial-in: 1-213-338-8477 or 1-408-638-0968 or 877-853-5257 (Toll Free) or 888-475-4499 (Toll Free) Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful Friends of Five Wounds Trail

Reminder! Tomorrow join The Ridge Trail and Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) for a special conversation with Elizabeth Boo Byers, the author of the Ridge Trail Guidebook! Register here: http://ow.ly/WqyJ50Cg43t

We’re excited to celebrate the new name of a future Ridge Trail location - Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi - a name that honors this land’s first stewards

Want to see more overnight facilities like cabins and campsites near the Ridge Trail? Before Nov. 18th voice your support for project alternative 1 of the North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve Master Plan! Learn more about the project and give your input here: https://sonomacounty.ca.gov//Planni/North-Sonoma-Mountain/ Photo credit: Sonoma County Regional Parks

Last Friday we celebrated with San Francisco Recreation and Park Department the beautiful renovation of Golden Gate Park along Stanyan Street. Not only did this end of the park get a new coffee stand, restroom, and bocce court - it also got a newly dedicated section of Ridge Trail! Go check out the trail for yourself! Maps and more info at http://ow.ly/eKpB50Cg32R Flywheel Coffee Roaster

This Friday at 12pm, learn about the Ridge Trail from the person who literally wrote the book on it! Ridge Trail Guidebook author Elizabeth Boo Byers will be talking all things Ridge Trail with our Trail Director Liz Westbrook and Board Member Taylor Jang. Learn more and register at https://openspacetrust.org//past-present-and-future-on-th/ Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST)

We kicked off #RidgeTrailMonth on Saturday with 3 awesome volunteer projects at Alum Rock Park in San José, Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa, and Newell Open Space in American Canyon. If you weren’t able to get a spot on a project, remember that we’re giving out some great prizes for those who do their own DIY Ridge Trail Month project! Clean up your favorite Ridge Trail, post your photo, and you could win a Whole Foods Market gift card or a pro membership for the AllTrails app! Special thanks to REI as our Ridge Trail Month lead sponsor! #OptOutside

Happy Halloween from the Ridge Trail! This jumping spider (likely Phidippus adumbratus) was found on the Penitencia Creek Ridge Trail by Merav at BioBlitz.club. We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween filled with cool critters and wonderful trails!

Chime in on the future of Twin Peaks! Take SFMTA's survey and tell them how you want to access and enjoy this beautiful San Francisco destination. http://ow.ly/UdTq50C7y8g

Arlene is the most recent person to finish the Ridge Trail Challenge. Congratulations Arlene and thank you for sharing these awesome photos of your adventures with us! 360 views - and amazing prizes - await you! Register now at https://ridgetrail.org/challenge/ Photo: View of Mt. Diablo from Almond Ranch in Martinez, Arlene Tsang... #ridgetrailchallenge #bayarearidgetrail

Ross, Mary, and Sandy stopped by our office to say hello as they finished up the San Francisco section of the Ridge Trail. These three are about 200 miles into their Ridge Trail circumnavigation, with about 185 miles to go! Are you dreaming of traveling the entire Ridge Trail? We have resources to help! Visit http://ow.ly/1NAp50C5qTG for navigation, packing, and trail tracking tools. Happy trails!

Our hearts are with those impacted by the devastating Glass Fire burning in Napa and Sonoma Counties right now. Some Ridge Trail sections have been impacted or are very near the fire line including Sugarloaf Ridge, Lower Oat Hill Mine, Bothe-Napa State Park, and Trione-Annadel State Park. We're keeping our friends at Sonoma County Regional Parks Friends of the Napa Open Space District California State Parks and Pacific Union College in our thoughts and appreciating all they do to protect these lands and the people who live around them.

Instagram user @carbieq took an evening walk on Milagra Ridge last week and captured these beautiful, peaceful vibes. Wishing everyone a healthy and safe October. Map of this Ridge Trail section at https://ridgetrail.org/skyline-college-to-pacifica-via-mil/

The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band (whose land the Ridge Trail travels through) is inviting the public to listen to a special Wellness Meeting, October 3rd from 10am-3pm via Zoom. The intention for this meeting is to deepen a community understanding of the impacts of the trauma associated with colonization. They will share Tribal history and key insights into what they have learned about what is required for both Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous peoples to heal. Register: http://ow.ly/ZeTh50BDBqb

Have you registered for the Ridge Trail Challenge yet? Explore beautiful nearby natural spaces and get rewarded with 360 vistas and sweet prizes! Register at ridgetrail.org/challenge #trails #challenge #prizes

Have you registered for the Ridge Trail Challenge yet? Explore some of the best natural spaces in the Bay Area and get rewarded with 360 vistas and sweet prizes! There are trails in each region for every ability. Register at ridgetrail.org/challenge