Spring Out along Watershed Ridge Trail

Spring is an ideal time to explore the Peninsula Watershed via the Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail, currently open by reservation on certain scheduled days.

Bright green ridges and meadows are coming to life with wildflowers while the trail’s more sheltered, woodsy stretches take you through evergreen groves of old-growth fir.  There are deer on the ground, hawks overhead, nesting birds in song, and long vistas in every direction.  

The 13-mile trail offers public access to the interior of the 23,000-acre watershed that’s otherwise restricted to safeguard the water supply and surrounding natural resources. The scheduled hikes, bike rides, and occasional horseback rides are led by trained volunteer trail leaders on selected Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Group size is limited, with events ranging from cardio workouts to nature rambles. “Whatever you choose,” says Peninsula Watershed Manager Joe Naras, “the experience is unique. The place gives you the impression that no one else is there.”

For more information, and to make a reservation, visit here.   

AND, if you want to tailor an event to your interest or pace, consider joining our corps of trained volunteer trail leaders.  To apply, go here, and then scroll down to the Ridge Trail Volunteer Form link at the bottom of the page. Or contact Ridge Trail Program Manager John Fournet, jfournet@sfwater.org, for more information on these and other opportunities.  

We’re also expanding our educational and public access programs on the watershed.  A key project is the SFPUC Bay Area Ridge Trail Southern Extension, with design development and the mandatory environmental review currently under way.