Community Leaders Celebrate Dedication of Bay Area Ridge Trail
Local officials, outdoor agencies and community members gathered on Friday, May 30, at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to celebrate the official dedication of new segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This momentous occasion marks a step forward in enhancing public access to Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve and Calero County Park, thanks to recent updates to the Countywide Trails Master Plan and the ongoing efforts of conservation partners.
The Bay Area Ridge Trail system is a key regional trail in the County of Santa Clara’s Countywide Trails Master Plan. This trail dedication is a testament to the Department’s commitment to providing accessible trails and regional trail connectivity for all county residents and visitors. The Department values the continued partnership with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to make these regional trail connections possible and move closer to the Council’s 550-mile goal.
The event, hosted in partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and Santa Clara County Parks, highlighted the importance of regional trail connectivity and its role in upgrading outdoor recreation opportunities for all.
Adding 14.1 scenic miles to the Ridge Trail is cause for celebration with our incredible partners. This new route avoids a challenging gap (along Summit Road), setting the stage for more trail connections to follow, ultimately linking Almaden Quicksilver and Mount Madonna county parks.
The Bay Area Ridge Trail, a continuous ridgeline path to eventually circle the Bay Area, provides hikers, cyclists, and equestrians with a scenic route through some of the region’s most breathtaking natural spaces, from Calistoga to Gilroy. The newly dedicated section strengthens the network and deepens the connection between local parks and preserves.
This trail dedication represents progress toward a more connected and inclusive outdoor experience for all. Giving Santa Clara County residents more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors not only benefits their mental and physical health, but also allows them to appreciate the rich natural and agricultural history we’ve worked hard to protect throughout our region.
A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the official Bay Area Ridge Trail medallion, a symbolic marker that guides visitors along the designated trail and reinforces the shared commitment to expanding access to outdoor spaces.
The event underscored the ongoing collaboration between local agencies to protect and enhance public lands. Future trail expansions within Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve will continue to build upon this commitment, creating even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Patrick McGarrity, a representative from the Office of Santa Clara County Supervisor Sylvia Arenas also gave remarks.
Also speaking at the event was Virgilio Cuasay, with the San Francisco Bay Program of the California State Coastal Conservancy (Coastal Conservancy), who highlighted the significance of preserving open spaces and expanding public access through strategic investments. In 2000, the Coastal Conservancy provided critical funding support to help the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority acquire Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.
Planning is now underway at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to expand multi-use access and enhance trail connections. A new multi-use trail will add up to 5 more miles to the preserve’s approximately 10-mile trail system—offering visitors even more opportunities for exploration and recreation.
This expansion will open access to the preserve’s southern portion, including an area formerly known as the Blair Ranch, which will more than double the amount of land available to the public—from 1,200 acres to 3,100 acres. This marks a significant step forward in increasing access to protected open space.
Rancho Cañada del Oro plays a critical role in regional trail connectivity, serving as a key link in a planned 33-mile segment that will someday connect Almaden Quicksilver County Park in San Jose, to Mount Madonna County Park in the Santa Cruz Mountain Range.
Equitable access to nature is essential. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the beauty and benefits of the outdoors. When we care for nature, nature cares for us in return, providing clean air and water, buffers against wildfires, flooding and droughts, places for wildlife, and a sense of connection that nourishes both mind and body. Protecting and enhancing access to these spaces is not just an investment in the land—it’s an investment in the well-being of our communities for generations to come.
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