Ridge Fire Trail

The Ridge Fire Trail climbs from the redwood canyon floor to the chaparral-covered ridgeline of the Santa Cruz Mountains, rewarding hikers with sweeping views across Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. The ascent passes through a compelling succession of vegetation zones, transitioning from the cool, shaded redwood forest at the canyon bottom through mixed woodland of oak, madrone, and manzanita to the exposed chaparral scrub of the upper ridge. This ecological diversity supports a wide range of wildlife, and hikers may encounter mule deer, gray foxes, and numerous raptor species along the way. The ridge environment is dramatically different from the forest below, with coastal breezes moderating temperatures and panoramic views extending south toward Monterey and west to the open Pacific. Wildflowers are abundant in spring, with ceanothus, sticky monkeyflower, and California poppy coloring the slopes. The fire road surface on the upper sections provides sure footing even after rain, and the descent back through the forest is a pleasant contrast to the exposed ridge traverse. This loop makes an excellent complement to the flat valley trails and provides a satisfying cardiovascular workout.