ConnectingCalifornia.org

7.5 Miles of New Bay Ridge Trail Opening This Saturday

Join the Council and the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) this Saturday November 3rd to celebrate this addition to the Ridge Trail. The trail offers a moderately challenging route through the beautiful Pinole Watershed with spectacular views of the East Bay hills and the Carquinez Strait. Saturday's weather outlook is for sunny skies, so come out to enjoy the longest section of trail we'll dedicate this year. Arrive for bagels, juice, and coffee at 8:30 a.m. A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. will be followed by optional long and short hikes and equestrian rides to inaugurate the new trail. The Pinole Watershed Ridge Trail is the culmination of years of dedicated effort by local planners, district staff, and trail advocates. Volunteers worked on National Trails Day this spring in a project sponsored by the Council, REI, and EBMUD to prepare the trail, plant trees, and install specially-designed cattle fences crafted on-site from local eucalyptus. The new trail connects to existing Ridge Trail in Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve, creating a nearly 10-mile continuous stretch. The Pinole Watershed Ridge Trail will be open to hikers and equestrians. Generally access to the watershed will require an EBMUD trail permit, though this requirement has been waived for the dedication. Directions: The dedication (and parking) is at the Bar X Corral, just west of the intersection of Alhambra Valley Road with Pereira and Bear Creek Roads, east of Pinole. From Highway 80, take Pinole Valley Road east about 5 miles--Pinole Valley Road becomes Alhambra Valley Road--and turn left at Bar X Corral. Watch for event signs. Download a map from our website. Thanks to our co-sponsors: EBMUD and REI. Happy Trails! Janet McBride Executive Director