Chaparral, Ridge, and Stewartville Loop is a 2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Clayton, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
When the parking lot is closed, the lower parking lot at Sydney Flat is open but you will have to walk extra mileage to the trailhead from there. There is a parking fee to access the preserve and a fee if you bring a pet dog. This preserve has over 50 trails with beautiful scenery and diverse plant life. Picnic tables, water, and restrooms are available.
This was a pretty good hike. Definitely moderate on the difficulty scale due to the little ascents. I suggest doing this loop exactly as it’s named: Starting with the Chaparral Trail, uphill to the Ridge Trail, where it continues to ascend in parts, then downhill on the Stewartville Trail. Ascending the rocky chaparral trail is best to do it first( in a counterclockwise direction), rather than starting on the Stewartville Trail, since it’s easier to find footing going uphill on this rocky and slick trail. I think it’d be harder descending this rocky part of the loop. Views are very nice at the top! And we even passed some wild turkeys!
This trail is super fun! I brought my 4 year old niece w us and she did great! She did get tired towards the end and after she knocked out in the car lol... but, for people starting hiking, I would suggest it. I’m not in that great of shape and new to hiking and it’s a good starter trail.