Squirrel Gulch Trail to Eagle Crest Trail to Ridgeline Trail Loop

This walk leads up into the hills of Del Valle, the less visited part of the park. It offers glimpses of the long lake below and rugged hills beyond. The hills are an open grazing area so be mindful of the roaming cows. This trail is mostly in the open, so bring a hat, water and sunblock; temperatures commonly reach the 90’s in the summer. From the parking lot, head up the hill directly behind the boat inspection station and through the gate to access Squirrel Gulch Trail. Squirrel Gulch will ascend steeply for about .85 miles. At the next trail post, make a left onto Ridgeline Trail, passing through the large gap in the fence posts. When you reach the top of the hill, stay left onto Eagle Crest Trail. This leads down the hill and around a pond. At the next trail post, stay right and continue uphill on Eagle Crest, turning right onto Ridgeline Trail. Shortly, you will come to an unmarked T crossing: Ridgeline curves left, then you immediately come to a Y; take the right fork of this Y to stay onto Ridgeline Trail. In less than a half a mile you will come to the intersection with Squirrel Gulch Trail, but keep going straight on Ridgeline Trail. The trail will drop downhill into a valley. Follow the trail for roughly 1 mile and it will lead all the way back to the Equine parking lot, close to where you started. Park Hours: Dawn to dusk Fees: $6 per vehicle. $4 per trailered vehicle. $25 per bus. No parking fee at Arroyo staging area. $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free.