San Francisco, CA: Pleasanton Ridgeline Loop

Just minutes from downtown Pleasanton, this 5.2-mile loop treks through shaded olive groves past panoramic vistas of rolling hillsides.

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Author:	Backpacker Magazine
Date:	22 Feb 2008 10:45:36 PM
Activity:	Hiking ActivitySearchHiking
State:	California (CA)
Distance:	5.21 mi (Change units)
Survey Elevation:	Total Gain: 1299 ft Total Loss: 1295 ft Net Change: 4 ft
Difficulty:	5 / 10
USGS Topo Map:	Niles, Dublin
Tags:	California, San Francisco, Sunol
Rating:	1 rating(s) Rate it

This Pleasanton Valley loop climbs to a scenic bluff that offers panoramic views of the Bay Area. Starting on the Oak Tree Trail, the hike gains 1,000 feet of elevation (over 2.5 miles) on the way up to a trail network that wanders through century-old olive groves and sprawling grassland. In the summer, temperatures can easily push 100 degrees; shade is limited on this trail, so drinking water is the key to a safe, enjoyable hike. It’s not uncommon to see deer ducking in and out of the landscape. Mountain lions, though present, are rarely spotted here.

-Mapped by Dave Miller

TO TRAILHEAD: From Bernal Ave. and Sunol Blvd. head S on Sunol Blvd. towards CA 680. In 1.4 mi. bear R onto Castlewood Dr. and in .3 mi. turn L onto Foothill Rd. Trailhead will be on your R in 1.7 mi.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

PRL01

Distance: 5.21 mi	Points: 702	Calories: none
Total Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Points of Interest

PRL001

Location: 37.614769, -121.881996
Pass through gate and turn right @ Y-junction onto Oak Tree Trail.

PRL002

Location: 37.620789, -121.883392
Continue right on the main trail bearing northeast towards the road. In 200 feet, veer left onto a small worn footpath heading west up the hill towards Sycamore Grove Trail. Note: There are no trail markers here so keep your eyes peeled.

PRL003

Location: 37.621048, -121.888557
Turn left @ T-intersection onto Sycamore Grove Trail. To the west is the ridgeline you will be traversing shortly.

PRL004

Location: 37.619923, -121.887726
Turn right @ T-junction onto Oak Tree Trail and begin climbing gently towards the ridgeline. (Trail marker 3)

PRL005

Location: 37.615440, -121.889137
Bear right on main trail @ 3-way junction.

PRL006

Location: 37.612587, -121.889374
Turn right @ 3-way and immediately bear right @ Y-junction onto the Ridgeline Trail. (Trail marker 5) Note: Several small rabbit trails sprout off to the right, so make sure to stay on the main trail.

PRL007

Location: 37.613697, -121.890831
Bear left @ Y-junction (Trail marker 10). Directly ahead is an old olive grove planted in the early 1900's. The groves are being restored by the park and private parties.

PRL008

Location: 37.616169, -121.893608
Keep left @ Y-junction towards the Thermalito trail (Trail marker 12).

PRL009

Location: 37.616566, -121.895439
Continue straight on Thermalito Trail @ 3-way intersection (Trail marker 13). Ahead, several small hills obscure your view.

PRL010

Location: 37.623760, -121.900688
Continue straight @ 3-way intersection (Trail marker 15).

PRL011

Location: 37.624561, -121.900520
Turn right @ Y-junction back onto Ridgeline Trail (Trail marker 16). Continue southeast along the ridgeline, enjoying panoramic views of Pleasanton Valley to the east.

PRL012

Location: 37.618748, -121.894951
Left @ Y-junction onto worn footpath (Trail marker 14). Before continuing, grab your camera and spin around for a jaw-dropping view of Pleasanton Valley to the northeast.

PRL013

Location: 37.614326, -121.890663
Turn left @ Y-junction leaving main trail and hiking along footpath to Oak Tree Trail.

PRL014

Location: 37.612926, -121.889305
Turn left @ T-junction onto Oak Tree Trail and head back to Waypoint 4 where you'll turn right @ Y-intersection heading back to the trailhead.