HILL RANCH

HILL RANCH

Hike Date:  Saturday, December 9, 2023

Leader:  Carl Stein

Leader Email:  carl@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  415.794.2275

Hike Rating:  Level 5

Hike Mileage:   9 miles

Elevation Gain:  2400'

Description:  SFHC members voted at the August 2023 annual meeting and pool party to contribute money to Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. After receiving the contribution, the Council reached out to invite SFHC members to join a Ridge Trail hike in Marin County across Hill Ranch, a private property that connects Indian Tree Open Space Preserve and Lucas Valley Open Space Preserve. The property is seldom open to the public due to necessary permissions from the Hill family and requires that we go with an accompanying guide. Ridge Trail provides the guide, describes the property as spectacular with panoramic views, and reports that the hike is strenuous.

Please note that this hike is one way with a shuttle bus from the parking area to the hike starting point, for which Ridge Trail charges $28 per person. Please also note that Ridge Trail limits the hike to maximum 18 people and that other people who are not SFHC members also may sign up for the day and will be included in the maximum 18 people. Please read about the hike at https://ridgetrail.org/vit-hike-hill-ranch. Please sign up for the hike here on the club website and also register at the Ridge Trail website above, and pay there for the shuttle bus.  

Bring / Wear:  Bring water (minimum 2 liters), snacks, lunch, good hiking shoes/boots, hat, layers, sunscreen, hiking poles if you use them. Ridge Trail requests that people bring a mask to use in the shuttle bus.

Rain Policy:  Hike will go in light rain. Hike will cancel in heavy rain, strong winds, or other hazardous conditions. (Ridge Trail message) 

Dogs:  Not allowed. 

Are you up for the hike?  If so, here are the meeting options...

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street or below the building.

SF Meeting Time:  7:30 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  7:40 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

NOTE:  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have a ride arranged ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

• Trailhead Meeting Location:  intersection of Loma Alta Fire Road and Lucas Valley Road in Marin County: Google Maps Link
  
• Trailhead Meeting Time:  8:30 AM (hike begins at 8:45 AM).

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  55 miles (SF), 64 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $9* (SF) or $10* (Rockridge BART).

*Includes bridge toll.