Find Solitude and Dramatic Views Around San Francisco Bay
Everyone needs a break from their daily life. Escape to the oak-studded grasslands and tranquil forests of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Hike, bike, or ride through nine counties with the official guide endorsed by the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Discover dramatic coastlines, a range of ecosystems, former Mexican ranchos, vistas that inspired Spanish explorers, and more.
Join author Elizabeth Byers, a founding board member of the council, and Jean Rusmore, and choose from 75 trail segments on a network of paths that ring San Francisco Bay. Make your way through parks and public lands like Mount Tamalpais State Park and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Trips range from a 2.5-mile excursion over the Benicia-Martinez Bridge to a 12.5-mile traverse of Bolinas Ridge. You can also link several trips together to create a continuous trek that is 20, 40, or even 80 miles long.
Each trip includes summary information, like distance, accessibility, regulations, and facilities, as well as an easy-to-read map. Comprehensive trail directions help to ensure that you always know where to go, while details on the region’s history and culture entertain you along the way. Grab the updated, full-color edition of Bay Area Ridge Trail and start planning your next adventure. The perfect outing is closer than you think.
Michael K. (verified owner) –
I have been hiking in the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) and kept seeing signs for the Bay Area Ridge Trail. I had some vague idea that it went around the bay area so after a long hike I bought this book on a whim. It is a fantastic book! The book has a very nice introduction to the history of the trail from bay area conservation efforts and county efforts. The book divides the trail into 75 segments and covers each trail in detail. It is incredibly well organized by region (north, east, south, etc.) but also into types (e.g., hiking peaks, inland vistas, ocean views, etc.). This book is a great addition to Bay Area hikers at any skill level that would like to learn both about the regions conservation efforts as to have some inspiration to tackle hiking trails (or biking, horse-back riding) that they otherwise would not have. Highly recommend this book!