Six Miles Open: Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail in Bay Area

The Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail is a newly opened 6‑mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail in San Mateo County. The route runs from the Highway 35/92 area southward toward the Phleger Estate boundary and will eventually connect to Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve as part of the larger Ridge Trail vision. The trail offers sweeping views of reservoirs, shrublands and forested slopes across the Peninsula Watershed.

Practical details: parking is on Highway 35 just south of the Highway 92 intersection (coordinates 37°29'39.9"N 122°22'03.1"W). The lot has 22 standard spaces, 5 trailer spaces and 2 ADA spaces. Hours are 6 am–6 pm and parking is free, first‑come first‑served. Visiting requires a free annual permit obtainable through a simple application; permits cover up to 6 people per group.

Opening recreation inside a 23,000‑acre watershed is uncommon because of the water supply role of the Hetch Hetchy system. The SFPUC and partners invested roughly $25.5 million into planning, construction and mitigation measures for this extension — money that went into careful design, fencing, erosion control and monitoring programs to protect drinking‑water quality and sensitive habitat.

Key protections used here that other cities can model include controlled access via permits, limited parking, hardened trail surfaces at erosion‑prone spots, native plant revegetation, and ongoing water‑quality monitoring. That approach balances public access — improving outdoor equity for Bay Area communities — with strict stewardship responsibilities for drinking water and wildlife.

The Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail welcomes hikers, non‑electric mountain bikes, runners and equestrians. Expect mixed singletrack and wider ridge trail with rolling climbs, exposed sections and sweeping views. There are no motorized vehicles or e‑bikes allowed, and group size is capped by permit (up to six people). Stay on signed route to avoid trailside disturbance and sediment runoff into reservoirs.

Trail difficulty is moderate for experienced riders but can be exposed and windy; bring layers and plan for variable footing. The surface and stewardship-focus mean some sections may have boardwalks or armored tread to reduce erosion — ride with care and give courtesy to equestrians and hikers.

For the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail we recommend a capable trail or light‑enduro hardtail/fully depending on your style. Good options: a 120–130mm travel trail bike like the Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel EX, or a hardtail with 120mm fork such as a Santa Cruz Highball for riders prioritizing flow and efficiency. Tire choice matters more here than big suspension travel — aim for 2.3–2.6" tires (e.g., Maxxis Minion II or Rekon 2.35) tubeless setup at ~20–28 psi depending on rider weight.

Key component recommendations: strong hydraulic brakes (Shimano Deore/SLX or SRAM Level), a 10–12 speed drivetrain with a 10–42 or 10–51 cassette for sustained climbs, and a dropper post (Race Face or RockShox Reverb) for technical descents. Pack a lightweight tubeless repair kit (WTB or Muc-Off sealant, 2 spare plugs, mini CO2 or floor pump), multi‑tool, and a hydration pack (CamelBak or Osprey) with room for a light jacket and water treatment if you’ll be out long.

Getting in: apply for the free annual permit through the SFPUC page — the permit is immediate-use and valid for the calendar year, covering up to six people per group. Plan to arrive early because parking is limited. The trailhead sits just south of the Hwy 92/35 intersection; from the north drive 0.10 miles south on Hwy 35, from the south drive 12.3 miles north on Hwy 35.

Safety and logistics: tell someone your plan, bring a charged phone and a paper map or GPS route in case cellular service is spotty, and watch hours — lot closes at 6 pm. If you have questions, the SFPUC contact email is ridgetrail@sfwater.org. Expect future signage that links this segment to the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail network and shows stewardship rules.

Because the trail crosses a working watershed, stewardship matters. Stay on the designated trail to prevent sediment entering reservoirs; avoid shortcutting switchbacks; pack out all trash and dog waste (if dogs are allowed on a given visit, confirm on the permit page); and yield appropriately: horseback users uphill, hikers uphill when safe, and bike downshift and announce passes.

Consider volunteering with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council or SFPUC stewardship programs. Small actions — using proper braking to avoid rutting, riding tired but controlled, and helping spread the word about permit rules — keep the corridor open and can serve as a template for other cities opening sensitive lands to recreation.

Do I need a permit to ride the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail?

Yes. Visiting the Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail requires a free annual permit available through the SFPUC application page. Permits are immediate‑use, valid for the calendar year, and cover up to 6 people in a group. Use the official SFPUC permit link to apply.

Are e-bikes or other motorized bikes allowed?

No. The trail allows non‑electric mountain bikes only. Motorized vehicles and e‑bikes are prohibited to protect water quality and reduce trail impacts.

What are the parking details and hours?

The parking area is on Highway 35 just south of the Highway 92 intersection (coordinates 37°29'39.9"N 122°22'03.1"W). It includes 22 standard spaces, 5 trailer spaces and 2 ADA spaces. Hours are 6 am to 6 pm; parking is free and first‑come, first‑served.

What type of bike is best for this trail?

A trail bike with ~120–140mm travel or a capable hardtail with a 120mm fork works well. Tire choice is critical: 2.3–2.6" tubeless tires (Maxxis Rekon/Minion or similar) at moderate pressures provide traction and puncture resistance on varied rock and gravel sections.

Is the trail suitable for beginners or families?

Sections are moderate; some exposed or steeper bits may be challenging for absolute beginners. Families with younger riders should assess fitness and technical skill — the permit does allow groups up to six, so consider bringing experienced riders to lead.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Dog rules can vary across watershed and preserve lands. Check the permit page before bringing a dog and follow leash and waste removal rules to minimize impacts on wildlife and water sources.

Will the trail be connected to other preserves?

Yes. This 6‑mile segment is part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail vision and is planned to connect toward Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve and other regional corridors over time, enhancing long‑distance ridgeline access.