ONCE AROUND: SHELL RIDGE

ONCE AROUND:  SHELL RIDGE

Hike Date:  Saturday, June 1, 2024

Leader:  Robert Hickey

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level-2 (or Level-3).

Hike Mileage:  5.8 miles (with options below for a longer hike).

Elevation Gain:  1,030'

Description:  This is a hike that Ron did quite some time ago.  And I've been waiting for him to do it again... but I've grown impatient (LOL) and so now I'm offering to share it with you.  It's a lovely hike in a "hidden" open space that (I think) only the locals know.  We'll do an abbreviated hike (not quite going into Mt Diablo State Park... so dogs are welcomed) and we'll start at Indian Valley Elementary School, hiking and winding along the secluded Indian Creek trail.  There's not much elevation at this point and there's lots of shade.  About a third into the hike, we'll meet up with the Briones-to-Mt Diablo Regional trail.  Here the hike changes as we gain sweeping vistas and lose our shade.  For most of the rest of the hike willl be exposed, only coming across shade now and then.  When we reach the Old Borges Ranch we'll start to climb towards and hike along the Ridge Top trail (though the signs only say, "Ridge trail".  From the ridge we'll get beautiful and vast views of the open space with Walnut Creek, Concord and Mt Diablo cheering in the background.

To extend the hike... 

After lunch, you can do a smaller loop out the Briones-to-Mt Diablo Regional trail (a part that we missed previously) and back along the Corral Spring trail.  That will add another 2.5 miles of gentle hiking with little elevation (I believe) making a Level-3 hike.  If you're carpooling though, make sure everyone in your carpool wants to do this, too.

Bring / Wear:  Bring lots of water (it can get hot on the hike), good hiking boots, hat and sunscreen very much encouraged, and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled if rain.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

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:  9:00 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:  9:10 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:  We will meet at the Indian Valley Elementary School (map) where Marshall Drive ends.  There's plenty of street parking but if it is busy you might have to park a bit down the street.

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 AM (hike begins at 9:45 AM).

Total Driving Distance (round trip):  54 miles (SF), 30 miles (Rockridge BART).

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  $8* (SF) or $4 (Rockridge BART).

*Includes bridge toll.

NOTE:  I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.

NEW:  ONCE AROUND is a (2024) trial series of short hikes that will end with everyone having lunch... or not. People can choose to leave right after the hike and have the rest of their afternoon free to themselves. Or they can get in a few more steps/miles in by extending the hike (...I'll have suggestions on how you might be able to do this).  Let me know what you think of this series of short hikes!    -- Robert