Hiddenbrooke Trail departs from the parkway of a new golf/housing development near the I 80 corridor, and heads south toward Benicia. The slim, multi-use trail dead-ends on the slopes of the Sulphur Springs Mountains, a range of gentle grassy hills still partly grazed by cattle. Eventually, Bay Area Ridge Trail planners hope to connect Hiddenbrooke Trail south to Benicia's Blue Rock Springs Park, and north to Lynch Canyon, but those extensions are likely years away. Besides providing decent exercise along a series of hills, Hiddenbrooke Trail offers sweeping views to most of the bay area. On clear days, you should be able to see parts of Napa, Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties, all from humble elevations just over 1000 feet.
     I admit that before my initial visit I was biased against the trail, originating as it does on the outskirts of a golfing development. I'm not a golfing fan, and development names based on natural features obliterated by construction really stick in my craw. It turns out that it doesn't take long to climb away from the development, and the views really make the trip worthwhile, particularly if you live in nearby Vallejo or Benicia.
     Start from the roadside pullout on Hiddenbrooke Parkway (if parking is unavailable, or if the legality of parking in the pullout seems uncertain, start at the park and ride lot near I 80, and walk 0.4 mile on the sidewalk). A small Ridge Trail symbol and a sign stating the trail rules marks the trailhead. Multi-use Hiddenbrooke Trail ascends a few feet, then runs at a level grade parallel to a fenceline. Young planted coast live oaks and olive trees on the left buffer the street noise somewhat. After about 200 feet, the trail turns right and starts uphill. Watch out for a patch of poison oak on the right. The trail climbs easily through grassland dotted with mustard and fennel. Hiddenbrooke Trail presents the first short steep uphill segment, then crests at a hilltop. After only a few minutes of hiking, there are already fine views, particularly to the north and west. The trail begins a moderate descent, then climbs across the hillside on a broad switchback. As it reaches the fenceline again, you'll face a long straight moderate ascent which tapers off at a hilltop. There's a v-shaped stile to squeeze through, then Hiddenbrooke Trail travels through cattle range, in an area which appears to have been quarried in the past. California-bay shaded rock outcrops stand off to the right. In autumn after the season's first rainstorms, grassland grazed down nearly to dirt quickly greens up with next year's seedlings. Unfortunately, yellow star thistle, a pest plant common in cattle rangeland, is spread through the grass along the trail. At 1.00 mile the trail bends left and climbs easily across the flanks of the ridge's tallest hill. There's a deep gash on the hillside to the left. Hawks and harriers may be spotted soaring overhead, and when I visited coyote scat was abundant through here. At 1.30 miles you'll reach a signed junction with minor paths leading downhill. Turn right.
     You may see deer as you ascend somewhat steeply through grassland, on another straight uphill section. Purple lupine brightens the hillside in summer. Hiddenbrooke Trail crests and then immediately descends. The deep artificial green of Hiddenbrooke's golf course, tucked in the valley below, stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding grassland, dried brown from summer to late autumn. Mount Diablo looms in the distance, to the southeast. It's not much of a surprise to see, rounding a corner, that the trail rises again, but this time the grade is easy. At 1.64 miles, you'll reach a signed T junction. Turn left.
     Hiddenbrooke Trail descends, keeping a moderate pace. Off the right side of the trail views stretch an amazing distance -- on a November hike when the skies were somewhat hazy, I could see the Golden Gate Bridge and Sutro Tower in San Francisco. At 1.87 miles, the trail reaches a saddle and signed junction. This is the end of the Ridge Trail segment, but you can extend your hike a little by continuing east (left) to a viewpoint, then backtracking to here. Retrace your steps to the previous junction.
      If you've had enough of climbing you can turn right here and head back, but the ascent to the hilltop is an easy one. Enjoy views southwest to the marshes of San Pablo Bay and Mount Tamalpais on the way up. At 2.30 miles you'll reach the hilltop. An old boxcar is a bit creepy. Note the windswept California bays on the west side of the summit. You may see military planes taking off and landing at nearby Travis Air Force base. When you're ready, retrace your steps back downhill to the previous junction, then turn left and backtrack to the trailhead.

Total distance: 4.23 miles
Last hiked: Monday, November 18, 2002

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