Fairmont Ridge Staging Area — Castro Valley

To the west of Fairmont Ridge, you'll see breathtaking views of the bay. To the east, you'll see beautiful Lake Chabot and the Dublin Hills 

I love this little trail. It starts out steep but once you get to the top there’s beautiful views of San Leandro, the bay, and Lake Chabot. If it’s clear enough you can even see the peninsula and the hills to the east.

We usually head straight up the paved road. It’s definitely an incline but I have seen people with strollers so it’s not impossible. Take breaks! Once to the top there’s a break away to the left and a cattle fence/gate. (We’ve actually seen cows here!) The hillside has benches for the ideal snack break and viewing. We love to look for familiar landmarks like the flowers on 880 and Davis, the polar bear on San Leandro Blvd and Washington Ave, the whales at Hayward shoreline (end of grant), and many more! This is a perfect stopping point if you’re just into a short adventure.

If you decide to make your walk a longer adventure you can continue on the paved road (this is where you’ll see great views of the lake). The road eventually has a cut off into an oak grove and at the end is the children’s memorial. This memorial has all the names of Alameda County children who died as a result of a violent crime.  It definitely tugged at my heart strings and encouraged me to hug my kiddos extra tight.

The main paved path continues beyond the grove cut off but I haven’t gone that far. According to the all trails app it has an end less than a half mile away.

We also really enjoy exploring the tree line on our way back to the main gate instead of taking the paved road down. There’s a bunch of fun little hiding spots in the trees and more good snack spots.

There is a very small parking lot but if that is full there is street parking also.

No bathrooms.