Where to find cool foggy views, and more!
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July 2025 events, news and more
Summertime...
and the livin' is chilly
Haven't the foggiest idea where to explore outdoors this summer? We've got you covered.
This summer has been a fog-chaser's dream. "Karl" (as the Bay Area fog is lovingly nicknamed) has lingered beyond the usual "June gloom" creating a "July gloom." The coldest summer in decades makes exposed ridgeline trails more inviting, and offers opportunities to view stunning seas of clouds settling around the Bay.
KQED recently highlighted prime spots for "fog inversions," many along the Ridge Trail. Inspired, we've curated a list of Ridge Trail sections where early risers and sunset explorers can catch these breathtaking cloud displays.
Purisima Creek Redwoods
You can read more about the science of fog inversions at KQED.org.
Ridge Trail Outings & Events
Put one last summer adventure on your calendar
East Bay Hills Hike & Ride
Wednesday, August 27 — Monday, September 1
You may have heard about our multi-day camping and hiking or horseback riding adventure through the hills of the East Bay!
But have you heard:
- Every evening has a special program: guest naturalists, live music, and an equestrian performance
- Star-gazing through telescopes at Chabot Observatory on Friday night
- You can stay for 1 night (or up to 4) OR join just for the day hike, dinner and the evening's entertainment
- Our Saturday night auction and raffle guarantees prizes for everyone!
Don't let cost be a barrier! Scholarships are available to cover registration fees and offer additional support, such as gear.
Cheer on the team, support the trail!
Ridge Trail Night at the Oakland Roots
Saturday, August 9 at 7pm
Oakland Coliseum
Cheer on the Oakland Roots soccer team in our very own Ridge Trail section! 20% of each ticket goes back to supporting the Ridge Trail.
*Special giveaways for the first 100 fans through the door!*
Grab your tickets now using the code BARTC
Upcoming Partner Events
July 26 - Nature Hike at Lynch Canyon, Solano Land Trust
August 3 - Sunrise Hike at Sierra Azul Preserve, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
August 7 - Hike at Purisima Creek Redwoods, Peninsula Open Space Trust
August 10 - Fiesta en el Parque, Presidio Trust
August 16 - Queer Caminata: Tilden Park, Latino Outdoors
August 22 - Dunn-Wildlake and Duff Preserve Visitor Orientation, Napa Land Trust
More Summer Fun
Ridge Trail Featured in Bay Nature
We're excited to share that the Ridge Trail is featured in Bay Nature's special Explore issue for Summer 2025, in the article "Take These Trails to Circle the Bay, On Foot or Afloat".
Did you know Ridge Trail members get a discount on their Bay Nature subscription (needed to read the article)? Get in touch to learn more and start reading!
Chance to win flash prizes through December!
Congratulations to the June winner of our Ridge Trail Challenge flash prize, Kim! Want to win the next prize – a Terravia Tote Pack from Patagonia? Join this fun, free trail challenge before the end of July and instantly be entered to win!
The Challenge runs through December with flash prizes along the way - the sooner you join, the more chances to win!
East Bay Partners in Progress & Preservation
With East Bay Hills Hike & Ride approaching, we've been reflecting on how much we cherish our East Bay trails, and the partners who build and support them.
There are ~90 miles of Ridge Trail in Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the majority of which are managed by East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD). This isn't surprising, as EBRPD is the largest regional park district of its kind in the nation.
The Regional Parks Foundation supports EBRPD through fundraising to provide universal access, environmental stewardship, educational and recreational programs and the acquisition of parklands.
Together over the last three decades, these organizations have helped make Ridge Trail progress in the East Bay possible. Their commitment to maintaining these vital recreational corridors—and supporting events like East Bay Hills and Ridge Trail Service Day—keeps our shared outdoor spaces thriving and accessible to all.
Trails to enjoy for summers to come!
The sun hasn't set on summer just yet! There's still plenty of time to explore new trails this season, AND to support those trails with a gift. Keep the Ridge Trail protected, cared for, and growing for many more summers to come!
