REINHARDT REDWOOD REGIONAL PARK (FRENCH TRAIL)
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Leader: Robert H!ckey | robert3327@gmail.com | 510.813.3406
Hike Rating: Level-2
Hike Mileage: 5.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 955'
Description: This is a standard hike that I used to do before I joined the hiking club. It's "short" but sweet (I last led this almost exactly a year ago on September 13, 2025). We'll start at the Redwood Bowl Staging Area and gently descend along the West Ridge Trail where we'll get some views of the San Francisco Bay and the distant mountain ranges in the East and South (this is the part of the hike where there will be some exposure, but not much). When we reach the Orchard Trail, we'll descend even further and steeper down to the French Trail. Heading back along the French Trail we'll hug the contours of the Western Ridge and enjoy endless, meandering views of beautiful Redwoods. When we reach the Madrone Trail, we'll begin a challenging 15-minute hike back up to the West Ridge Trail (...I've been told I should emphasize "challenging"). Once we reach the West Ridge Trail, we will be very close to the picnic tables at the Redwood Bowl (and very close to our cars). We'll have lunch... and then afterwards everyone is free to go.
Bring / Wear: Bring water, good hiking boots, and lunch.
Did you know we have San Francisco Hiking Club t-shirts available? Click on the [Store] menu above.
Rain Policy: Hike may be cancelled if rain.
Dogs: Woof, yes! 
TRAILHEAD MEETING LOCATION: Redwood Bowl Staging Area (map).
Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM (don't miss the hike, arrive early).
If you are not a member you can: 1) Become a member by clicking on [Join] above and then register for the hike or 2) Contact me so that I know that you would like to be part of the hike.
Interested in carpooling? If so, here are the options...
- SF Carpooling 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: 9:30 AM (don't miss the hike, arrive early).
- East Bay Carpooling Location: Rockridge BART station (map). Meet at the bottom of the escalators. There's free and ample parking.
East Bay Meeting Time: 9:45 AM (don't miss the hike, arrive early).
Note: Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have arranged a ride ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).
Total Driving Distance (round trip):
40 miles (SF)
14 miles (Rockridge BART)
Carpool Fees (per passenger):
$7 (SF)*
$2 (Rockridge BART)
*Includes bridge toll.
Note: I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need a ride or can take passengers. If you want to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.
Level-1
|
Level-2
|
Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
|
easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
|
moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
|
very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
