Sweeney Ridge Trail

Highly recommend for runners! Great for those living nearby desiring peace and some nature on the weekend.

Route taken; Skyline College -> Notch Trail-> Sweeney Ridge Trail -> Portola Gate -> Horse trail -> Park Boundary and then reverse.

Very fun and relaxing hike/run with well maintained trails. Great parking availability from Skyline College entrance. Air is fresh, clean, with a comfortable breeze and most importantly quiet. I hope the wetlands revitalize one day so there is more life on the valley trail. BEWARE ravens! They will dive bomb you 😅!

If I had the time would have also gone to Mori point and checked out the ocean view. Would’ve added 3.6 miles to hike, but a ocean viewpoint plus to the hike.

About an hour (or less, if you're fast) hike up to the top. There are some steep areas, just take your time and you'll make it to the end. Very scenic, especially on a clear day, may even see the Pacific Ocean. If you have time, you can continue your hike to Pacifica.... Some days are very windy and cold, so have an extra layer of clothes, when needed.
*Update (3/24/22 dropped a Star ⭐): Some dog owners are not always leashing or cleaning up after.... I do notice the foul smell when walking parts of this trail. Please be considerate, since many people share Sweeney Ridge.

It's amazing to see Mt Diablo above the clouds plus planes flying by. Also great view of south San Francisco and the San Andreas Lake. I believe the scene would vary depending on the weather but equally beautiful.

If you start from the Sneath Lane Trailhead (which is the easiest trail at Sweeney Ridge and has around 10+ parking spots at the trailhead), it’s about 1.8 mile to the mountain top and the discovery site. The whole Sneath Ln trail is well-paved uphill with about 500ft elevation. But if you’d like to explore other trails around on foot, a pair of trail running shoes or hiking shoes should be more comfortable. Good exercise for all ages, hiking or biking. I recommend stay on trail and be careful about the poison oak.

There are also three trails from other directions - Baquiano Trail, Mori Ridge Trail and the North Trail. All trails are dog friendly except for the North Trail.

Sweeney Ridge trail is a beautiful paved 2 lane trail. starts out mostly uphill overlooking a very scenic lake. This trail leads to the San Francisco Bay Discovery site. Also leads past what was the Nike Missile Control Site. Sweeney Ridge leads to multiple other trails, can take other dirt trails and hike down to pacifica

Hiked the Sweeney Ridge trail and the Mori point trail in a 7 mile round trip loop. Amazing views and weather. Views of Mt. Diablo and south San Francisco city on a clear day. Great wildflowers during month of April.