A panoramic view of rolling hills at sunset, featuring winding trails bordered by lush green grass and trees. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, with vibrant colors illuminating the scene. Shell Ridge Open Space mountain bike trail.
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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 12 mi (19.3 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +590/ -589 ft
Total: 51 riders
 

Mountain Biking Shell Ridge Open Space

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#234 of 1,004 mountain bike trails in California
#3,071 in the world

Approximately 31 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Bikes are permitted only on paved and unpaved roads over eight feet in width.

Within Shell Ridges is the Borges Ranch, a site on the National Register of Historic Places. A working cattle ranch complete with farm animals, it provides a glimpse at life a century ago."

You will ride through three (3) connected parks. There's plenty of Single track to poach. Be courteous to the hikers and equestrian riders.
From the Sutherland entrance, you head East on Fossil Hill, at the first fork take the left and descend a small hill and veer right onto the Indian Creek Single (along a small pond..it is dry by late Summer)....head up and out of it, you'll come to fire trail, bear right onto Joaquin Ranch Trail and go around until you come to a street crossing. Bear left and the trail will start on the other side of the side of the street approx, 30 yrds up. Take that trail (paved) to the next trail head. Bear right and at the next fork, take the left..it will be one of the Twin Ponds trails. Climb to the end and at the next junction go left and then right again and start a nice steep climb. It will take you to the Ponds. Head up and out Hanging Valley Trail to the Briones-Mt Diablo fire roads and climb past Macedo ranch to Wall Point trail, descend into Pine Canyon/Stage Rd and ride the creek and creek crossings back to Shell Loop Trail back to Briones-Mt Diablo Trail. At the Borges Ranch Trail, head left back down to Twin Ponds and then take the Twin Ponds upper (North)trail....it will end at the same road as before...head West along Rock Spring place and retrace yourself back onto Indian Creek single track. Cross over Fossil Trail and connect into the last section of Indian Creek. It will connect to the Western section of Fossil Trail, turn left and climb back to Sutherland entrance.
Single track can be busy at times....most hikers will tell you it's illegal to be there...just nod and say something in a foreign language and move on.

First added by Suvacrew on Nov 24, 2008. Last updated May 1, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
Starting point is from the Sutherland Drive trail head. This is off of Walnut Blvd (not Ave) on Ygnacio Valley Rd. Walnut Blvd is the first light heading East after Civic Blvd. Sutherland is a few streets past the school on your left.
System trails (1)


Shell Ridge Open Space Trail map

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Good (Apr 19, 2024)
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