Bay Area Ridge Hiddenbrooke Backside Trailhead

This is a great trail that isn't particularly long or difficult yet offers some pretty stellar views once you reach the summit. The only real downside as many other reviewers have already noted is the parking or lack there of. I always park on a street called Highgate, right before it dead ends at a gate which leads to a worn out service road. The trail head is a little hard to spot here; it's just beyond the gate and off to the right. The first few hundred feet of the trail zigzag up the hillside before it straightens out and hugs a fence line on the right. At one point there are actually steps built into the trail to help with a particularly steep section. After that, it heads up the hillside with Sulphur Springs Mountain clearly visible off to the right, across a ravine. The trail continues along the hillside, wrapping around the ravine, and eventually reaches a junction. You turn right here, and after about another ten or fifteen minutes of hiking, you'll reach the summit. At the top, there is a small fenced off shed with a small, possibly disused antenna. There is also a metal, graffiti covered cargo container with the door hanging open. I never dare try to peek inside and don't recommend anybody else try to either. The absolute summit is located within a grove of trees, which are oddly enough the only trees along the entire trail. There are no views whatsoever from the absolute summit due to the thick trees surrounding it on all sides. The best views are from near the shed. You can see most of Vallejo directly below and most of the San Pablo Bay beyond it. On a clear day, you can see one of the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge and Sutro Tower. Sulphur Springs Mountain South is, quite obviously considering its name, visible off to the South. Also visible off to the South is Mt. Diablo in all its glory. The refineries at Crockett, Benicia, and Martinez are all clearly visible. Off to the East, you can see a pretty wide swath of the Central Valley, with the wind turbines of the Shiloh Wind Farm dominating a long section of the horizon. On a really clear day, you can actually make out the four, super tall communications towers that stand near Walnut Grove, some 30 miles away. Due North, you can easily spot Twin Sisters and Mt. Vaca. Due West, you can see Highway 37 as it snakes its way across the San Pablo Baylands. Once you're done soaking in the views, you can return to your car by simply going back the way you came.

The entrance to this trail is BS! A steep loose climb to get to the open space entrance, that is even worse coming back. Crosses many drainage ditches with no crossing bridge. The path In the open space is poorly maintained if at all, and all of the trail markers were laying on the ground, so useless. That being said, the view from the tops of the hills is stellar. This could be a star attraction hike for everyone with some "sprucing up". The potential for one of the best hikes in the Bay. It's obvious the residents bordering this space don't even want anyone to know there are paths there and certainly would not welcome hikers. So sad that this breathtaking scenic view is being hoarded. Be cautious about ticks here and bring a sweater if you go closer to dusk. A must hike for those fit enough to climb the entrance, it's much easier after that so if you can get past it your good to go. Five stars if you ignore the listed complaints. Could use some parking at entrances and some better online info.

🏃🏽‍♂️🌄 It's very windy but is ok 🤩 My Instagram: johantown

Gorgeous views. Pretty steep and watch out for thistles. The youngest in our group was 11 and he did fine. No shade

It's nice to hike after a rain. No ticks, and the cows are out to kiss at. The view from the top is worth the climb. There are some snakes, but I've never been bothered by one.