Steep climb to Rocky Ridge. Awesome valley views.

Location: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness

» Official Trail Map: Good map showing various trails. Also see Text section of the map.

Warmup Loop (1.5 miles): From the Staging Area at the very end of Bollinger Canyon Road, follow Bollinger Canyon Creek Trail going north (0.8 miles + 0.7 miles) to return to the Staging Area. Half of the loop is in the open, amid green rolling hills. Half of the loop is adjacent to a creek and is shaded by trees. The warmup loop is helpful for preparing ourselves for the steep climb that lies ahead.

Rocky Ridge Loop (6.3 miles): From the Staging Area, follow Rocky Ridge View Trail (0.5 miles) to intersection with Custa Trail. Continue along Rocky Ridge View Trail (0.2 miles) to a fence with signs for EBMUD. Turn left on Rocky Ridge View Trail (0.8 miles). The views along Rocky Ridge are pretty awesome. Look for signs for Sycamore Trail on the right. Follow Sycamore Trail (1.3 miles). Turn left on Elderberry Trail (1.3 miles) to climb back up to Rocky Ridge. Turn left on Rocky Ridge View Trail (0.4 miles) → right on Cuesta Trail (1.4 miles) → right on the paved road parallel to Rocky Ridge View Trail (0.4 miles).

Notes:

• Rocky Ridge View Trail climbs up 900 ft in about one mile, making it one of the steepest trails in the bay area.
• The climb from the Staging Area to Rocky Ridge is 900 ft.
• Sycamore Trail descends 1000 ft over 1.3 miles. Devil's Hole Trail ascends 900 ft in 1.3 miles. Both trails have steep sections.
• Near the intersection of Devil's Hole Trail and Rocky Ridge View Trail, there is a high point (1893 ft) shown on the map. The views from this point are almost 360 degrees.

Location: on Bollinger Canyon Road, Moraga, CA 94556 . No street address. Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: From I-680 North, take exit 36 for Crow Canyon Road, then turn left onto Crow Canyon Road and drive 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Bollinger Canyon Road and drive 4.4 miles to Las Trampas Staging Area.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: None (last visited: January 2011)

Capacity: About 20 cars

Latitude: 37.816590     Longitude: -122.049581