Third annual Ridge Trail “Cruz”, Saturday

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council has opened registration for its third annual Ridge Trail Cruz event for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The event takes place Saturday, September 20. The "Cruz" features a number of hikes, horseback rides and mountain bike rides, starts at the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District’s Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and features a long section of the Ridge Trail in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. As part of the program, a family hike suitable for children will also be featured, and families are encouraged to attend.

Hikers may choose to go on a 12-mile hike, or up to 22 miles. A bus will shuttle hikers south to a Santa Clara County Park or the District’s Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve so they can hike north on the return. A hike appropriate for children is also offered. There are two mountain bike options in District preserves and a variety of equestrian routes. Rest stops with snacks and water, lunch, a detailed map, and outing leaders are provided, along with bus transportation for hikers. The fee is $40. Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. Start time depends on the activity selected. By joining the optional Cruz-a-thon, participants can raise funds through pledges and receive special gifts. Event proceeds will benefit the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council’s efforts to complete the proposed 550-mile trail.

The fee of $40 is required so that the "Cruz" can offer a fully supported day and provide guides, maps, water, and food, as well as a shuttle bus for hikers.

The Council has partnered with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Santa Clara County Parks, ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers), and ETRAC (Equestrian Trail Riders Action Committee) on the event. REI donated prizes for the fundraising part of the event.

Click for details.

Event Details

Hikers may choose to go on a 12-mile hike, or up to 22 miles. A bus will shuttle hikers south to a Santa Clara County Park or the District’s Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve so they can hike north on the return. A hike appropriate for children is also offered. There are two mountain bike options in District preserves and a variety of equestrian routes. Rest stops with snacks and water, lunch, a detailed map, and outing leaders are provided, along with bus transportation for hikers. The fee is $40. Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. Start time depends on the activity selected. By joining the optional Cruz-a-thon, participants can raise funds through pledges and receive special gifts. Event proceeds will benefit the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council’s efforts to complete the proposed 550-mile trail.

How to Sign Up

Registration is open to the public at www.ridgetrail.org, or call (415) 561-2595. Advance registration is required.

Volunteers Welcome

The Council welcomes volunteers to work at rest stops along the route on the day of the event, or to assist with other preparations. Please contact Joel Gartland, the Council’s Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 561-2595 or [email protected].

About the Ridge Trail

The Bay Area Ridge Trail, when completed, will be a 550-mile trail encircling the San Francisco Bay along the ridge tops, and open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. This year, the Council is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its founding with over 310 miles of trail permanently protected for public enjoyment.

The Bay Area Ridge Trail Council is the nonprofit organization that plans, acquires, builds, maintains, and promotes the Ridge Trail. www.ridgetrail.org

About Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

Created by voters more than 35 years ago, the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has successfully protected and managed over 57,000 acres of open space. The public enjoys the District’s diverse and beautiful preserves 365 days a year. The District is an independent, non-enterprise, California special district whose mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. www.openspace.org