Whispering Creek Trail, Chabot-Garin Trail, Shady Canyon Trail, Ridgetop Trail Loop

Note: At times, there are cattle gates on this trail that can be closed. Proceed with caution. This trail takes you through two park areas, each very different from the other. The route offers varied terrain, including a walk along an old reservoir as well as a climb up a ridge that provides stunning views of the Bay Area. The hike back to Don Castro winds along a shaded creek, a welcome respite from the sunny ridge. Trail Directions: From the Don Castro main parking lot, head towards the entrance and the entry kiosk. Continue past the kiosk, following the sidewalk across the bridge until you come to the Whispering Creek Trail on your left. Follow Whispering Creek Trail along the lake for .41 mile. At the fork, keep left and continue for .24 mile following the shoreline. At the next signpost, keep right and follow signs for Chabot-to-Garin Regional Trail. At the bridge, keep straight; do not cross. Continue until you come to a paved road; turn left, following the Chabot-Garin Regional Trail. At the Private Property sign, make a right to continue on Chabot-Garin Regional Trail. This path will take you to Five Canyons Parkway. Make a right and cross safely at the first crosswalk. Turn right, then walk about 50 feet. Enter Five Canyons on your left, following signs for Chabot-Garin Regional Trail. After .51 mile, cross through the cattle gate and make a left onto the paved fire road. Keep to the shoulder and climb for .31 mile. At the top, the paved road becomes gravel. Cross through the cattle gate and continue for .54 mile, then make a right onto Shady Canyon Trail. At the next intersection, turn right to stay on Shady Canyon Trail. At the sign for Deer Canyon Trail, make a right again to stay on Shady Canyon Trail. Head straight, crossing Canyon Terrace Drive safely. Continue for about 400 feet, then cross Boulder Canyon Drive and follow the paved trail through Ridge Trail Park. After exiting the park, make a sharp left to continue to follow Shady Canyon Trail. Once you reach the sidewalk, turn left. Continue until you reach the “fire trail” gate, then head left down Chabot-Garin Regional Trail. Turn left at the private property sign. After about 200 feet, make a right, following signs for Chabot-Garin Regional Trail. Cross the bridge to your right, then head left to follow Ridgetop Trail. At the next fork, keep right to continue on Ridgetop. Come to a gate, cross through it, then head left to return to the parking lot.