Have you ever wanted to backpack or thru-hike in the Bay Area, and didn’t know how or where? We have some good news for you. Clear out your calendars from Wednesday, August 29 through Sunday, September 2, 2012 and hike the Bay Area Ridge Trail from Stonebrae Country Club, Hayward to Fernandez Ranch in Martinez. Enjoy the company of other hikers and equestrians on the 5th Annual East Bay Hills Trails Benefit Hike and 11th Annual Trails Benefit Equestrian Ride while supporting local trails.
The hike and ride is fully supported and includes magnificent views, varied terrain, all meals, campsites, showers and entertainment each evening. Your camping gear is shuttled from campsite to campsite allowing you to hike with a light daypack. Mileage varies from 9 to 13 miles a day and includes shuttles when necessary. Hikers and riders are generally on different paths and schedules but they share meals, camaraderie and entertainment each evening.
Captivating nightly engagements include music by the Dark Hollow bluegrass band, presentation by naturalist Dave Zuckerman, and peering through the telescope at Chabot Observatory, among others. Enjoy all of the above at an affordable, dare we say deeply discounted sliding scale of $55-$75 a day or $250-$350 for 5 days. Extra dinners are $15 and fees are reduced for those 18 and younger. Full description including daily details available here.
This 100% volunteer driven event is hosted by Tilden-Wildcat Horsemen’s Association and the Metropolitan Horsemen’s Association and is co-sponsored by the Volunteers for Outdoor California and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Their efforts so far have raised $150,000 for the Bay Area Ridge Trail and other East Bay trails.
Click here to register for the entire duration or for individual days. If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering, please contact Morris Older, at (925) 254-8943 or ebhills@ridgetrail.org or Bob Siegel at (415) 730-9082 rnmnsiegel@gmail.com.
