High Ridge Loop Trail is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hayward, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
birding
hiking
nature trips
trail running
walking
views
wild flowers
wildlife
Get a good workout and explore the history of the hills east of Hayward at Garin-Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park. Ancient traditions and recent tragedies form the backdrop for this 10-mile hike at Garin-Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park in the hills east of Hayward, California. The tradition: mortar holes the Ohlone peoples used to grind acorns into flour near Gossip Rock, a loop/spur from the park's High Ridge Loop Trail. The tragedy: a 1951 airliner crash that killed 50 people when the plane smashed into Tolman Peak. While no wreckage is visible from the trail, it's haunting enough to know so much was lost on this hilltop. The route also provides impressive views of the San Francisco Bay and the nearby East Bay Hills; expect to see raptors, deer and the occasional coyote. Trails on this route: High Ridge Loop Trail, Spur to Gossip Rock loop, Tolman Peak Trail, South Fork Trail, High Ridge Loop Trail. Skip the Tolman Peak section to slice three miles from the hike. The peaks on this route are not especially high, but the combined ascent is considerable: over 3,000 feet when all the hiking's done. Best times to go: Early to late spring, when the hills green up and the wildflowers put on their annual show. Winter is fine, too, though bear in mind the trails get very muddy. Give them a few days to dry out after a passing storm system blows through. Summer's too hot, but cooler weather in the autumn make the hiking pleasant.
I mountain bike this route once or twice per week except after recent rain. It is not recommended for beginning MTB riders. But if you are up to it, the view, wildlife, and workout going up; and the adrenaline, speed, and view going down are well worth it.
Beautiful views of the Bay and grazing cows. Best to go early to avoid the heat...even during the Spring.
Great hike, especially in the winter when it's not too hot as there isn't a lot of shade. Green hills and cows grazing on the hillside. Muddy due to the recent rains.
As mentioned, great workout hike. Easy to find TH and not a ton of parking. Trail was in good condition and lots of green rolling hills. At first the elevation isnt too bad however by mile 2 you will be sweating. I took the Gossip Rock Spur. I didnt see many people at the top however once you come down trail gets super busy
Great workout! There are extended periods walking up hill... not the steepest grades, but you will feel the burn. Descent can be tough on the knees, so wear good footwear!
Nice hike. Not really "hard."
Trails were great and views were amazing.
But BEWARE: While I was running out there this morning, my Jeep was broken into. They smashed my back window and stole my workout bag. Luckily I had nothing valuable in it.
awesome
Rigorous in the beginning, but totally worth it once you get up. Wide 360 views and full of hawks. Stumbled upon some cows.
Excellent hiking cros mountain and river
hiking, end of January so it was muddy.
the scenery was very relaxing and beautiful with green hills, cows, horses, then a panorama of the Bay Area cities.
Would likely recommend water resistant boots
Nice view of the bay and sunset!!!
Pretty views of the bay and green hills as far as the eye can see. The uphill is pretty intense but definitely worth it.
You will be exposed to the sun for most of this hike, so bring sunscreen and an umbrella or both. I would suggest going right at the beginning and hiking up high ridge through the tree line to make the hike a little easier. There are great views of the entire bay up top along the ridge. Then when you come back down you will cool off as you hike through the trees along dry creek. Then back out into the sun as you do the last leg of the trail and back to the parking lot. Great hike. I like that it starts you down at the south end so you don't have to pay to park at Garin Park
Awesome trail ! But highly reccomend not going on the hills unless you arent clumpsy.
Hills for breakfast. Go early if it's gonna be a warm day...a lot of the trails are exposed.
Very nice hike with great views
Nice place to come to climb some hills. Remoteness is a plus.
Great family hike trails.
It was great!You should go.
It was great ! You should go.
Shel M.
Beautiful walk, but can get muddy...bring a walking stick.
a really nice hike with great views. We did the high ridge trail which started off with nice views of the city on your left and rolling hills on your right. There's a good amount of shade later on in the hike, which is great because it covers most of the moderate incline. Up top there are viewing benches to look out and when we went (saturday 11 - 3 PM) there actually weren't that many people. We felt alone for most of the hike. Also, even though we went in August, it wasn't too hot and there was a really nice breeze.
the parking fee is $5.