Ridgeline Trail

Overview

The trail starts on the east shore next to Venados Group Camp and immediately ascends steeply to the top of the hill. Great views of Lake Del Valle make the ascent very worthwhile. At 0.4 miles, East Shore Trail descends to the left. Keep right to stay on Ridgeline Trail. Most of the ascent for the next mile is fairly gentle. Views to the left and right across the hills and across Lake Del Valle are very rewarding. At 0.75 miles, stay left as the Hetch Hetchy Trail continues to the right. At 1.4 miles, Eagle Crest Trail joins from the right, and the Ridgeline Trail makes a sharp left turn. Keep right shortly thereafter as East Ridge Trail continue to the left.<br><br>Ridgeline Trail hugs the hills and gently ascends and descends with Eagle Crest Trail and Squirrel Gulch Trail joining from the right. There is a steep descent at 2.5 miles. The Lake View Trail is to the left at 2.8 miles. The remainder of the trail is a gentle descent down to Lake Del Valle.

Trail Stats

Photos

Reed on the east shore of Lake Del Valle

Reed on the east shore of Lake Del Valle

A very dry pond next to Ridgeline Trail

A very dry pond next to Ridgeline Trail

Del Valle Regional Park from the Ridgeline Trail

Del Valle Regional Park from the Ridgeline Trail

Burnt hills northwest of Ridgeline Trail

Burnt hills northwest of Ridgeline Trail

Looking north from Ridgeline Trail on a sunny fall afternoon

Looking north from Ridgeline Trail on a sunny fall afternoon

View across Del Valle Regional Park on a sunny fall afternoon

View across Del Valle Regional Park on a sunny fall afternoon

Lake Del Valle and Hetch Hetchy Group Camp

Lake Del Valle and Hetch Hetchy Group Camp

Looking down at the Hidden Valley Trail from the Ridgeline Loop in December.

Looking down at the Hidden Valley Trail from the Ridgeline Loop in December.

Ridgeline trail in the winter

Ridgeline trail in the winter

Badger Cove through the trees on Ridgeline Trail

Badger Cove through the trees on Ridgeline Trail

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