Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail
Nature enthusiasts can experience the Peninsula Watershed by visiting the Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail. Enjoy breathtaking views of the reservoirs, Pacific Ocean, and San Francisco Bay along the 10-mile stretch of trail. Habitats include coniferous forests, oak woodlands, coastal scrub, and rare serpentine grasslands. Events are led by volunteer trail leaders on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Join a hike, bike ride, or equestrian outing by signing up below.
To protect the sensitive ecosystems, all visitors must be part of a guided group. Events are limited to 20 participants, and reservations are required. You can reserve space for up to five people per event through the online reservation system.
Event Times
Events typically start between 8:30am and 9:30am and range from 4 miles to 20 miles. Shorter hikes take between 2-3 hours whereas longer hikes can take 5-6 hours.
Trailhead Locations
- Skyline Quarry – access to this trail head is at Skyline Quarry Gate, which is 0.7 miles west of the intersection of Lower Skyline Boulevard and Highway 92. Look for the sign when driving westbound.
- Cemetery Gate – access via Skylawn Cemetery.
- Portola Gate – access via Army Road from the terminus of Sneath Lane.
Accessibility
Please email ridgetrail@sfwater.org with accessibility questions or reasonable accommodation requests.
Get Involved!
Events are led by Trail Leader Volunteers. If you are interested in leading hikes, bike rides, or equestrian outings, please email ridgetrail@sfwater.org.
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About the Trail
- Length - The Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail from Skyline Quarry at Highway 92 to Sweeney Ridge is 10 miles long.
- Connections - On the northern end, Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail connects with Sweeney Ridge Trail. Sneath Lane trailhead is approximately 3 miles from Portola Gate. View map for Sweeney Ridge here: https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/upload/sb-sweeney_10-19.pdf
- Surface Condition - The trail is a gravel service road, with periods of loose base rock. Grades range from 0% to 21%. The steepest grade stretches 1.3 miles from Skyline Quarry (elevation 400 ft.) to Cemetery Gate (elevation 1,050 ft.) on Cahill Ridge, with a vertical elevation change of 650 ft.
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Amenities
- Restrooms - Vault toilets are located at approximately 2-mile intervals along the trail, starting at Skyline Quarry.
- Water - NO WATER IS AVAILABLE ON THE TRAIL. You must bring your own water. At least 1 liter per person is recommended.
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Additional Information
- Weather Conditions - Temperatures vary greatly over the length of the trail. Prepare for potential extremes in temperature and conditions due to microclimatic influences particularly in the summer. Trail users can expect as much as 20 F variations in temperature.
- Bicyclists - Please note, motorized vehicles are prohibited, including motorized or electric bikes or scooters. The road surface is dirt and gravel. Bikes must be suitable for mountain terrain. Children under 12 are discouraged as the trail is uneven ground with challenging climbs. No trailer bikes or stroller attachments with children permitted. The speed limit is 15MPH on the trail.
