Pleasanton / Sunol
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Description: 35 miles of predominantly fire road through mostly grass covered hills on the park’s namesake Pleasanton Ridge. The park offers various options for intermediate to advanced rides. The trails are generally all intermediate except for two very challenging single tracks. There is a sustained 1300 foot moderate climb from the parking lot on Foothill Rd. to the ridge top. A nice loop along the ridge top makes a good ride, or there are several options to drop down into “the backside” of the ridge into Kilkare canyon and/or access the northern part of the park. One option to get to the northern part of the park is by climbing over a ridge on the challenging Bay Leaf Trail single track. Bay Leaf Trail, difficulty level 9, climbs over a ridge, then descends to the northern section of the park via a series of tight switchbacks which opens up 10 more miles of fire road. There are two less challenging ways to get back out, but all require a climb back to the top of the ridge on steeper trails. Remember you have to climb out! Beautiful views of the Pleasanton/Livermore and Sunol valleys. Restrooms at Foothill Staging area and Castleridge Trailhead parking areas.
During the wet season: The park is open and rideable. There are stream crossings in Kilkare Canyon that can be a foot deep.
Directions: Calaveras Rd/Sunol Exit from I680. Left on Niles Canyon, Right on Main St in Sunol, Right on Kilkare, Right on Foothill. 4 miles to Foothill Staging Area parking lot, where our recommended rides begin. A link to the parking locations in Google Maps is here. Parking is usually available. The Castleridge trailhead is a second entrance further north on Foothill Rd. A third, ride-in entrance is on Foothill Rd between Bond and Kilkare in Sunol. Driving time 30 minutes.