Big Rock Ridge

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This fire road is two steps up, one step down uphill, and the reverse downhill, literally because it follows the ridgetop with little deviation. The lower third has some tree cover. The upper two thirds are exposed grassland. So exposed it feels like being above tree line, which in a sense it is (just not the usual alpine sense).

The peak is officially called Big Rock Ridge. Strange name for a peak. Also strange because there are not big rocks. Rather the big rock in the area is down to the south in the low pass between valleys to the west and east.

The view from the peak is stunning. Goes all the way around. Mount Saint Helena. San Pablo Bay. Mount Diablo. San Francisco Bay. San Francisco. A tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. Mount Tamalpais. Bolinas Ridge. The Pacific Ocean. And one ridge, valley, and town after another in between.

Either direction, look out for the deep sand traps in the dips. Fun to "surf" with weight back at high speed, but risky.