Lake Chabot Trail

Lake Chabot Trail

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	Lake Chabot Trail
Location:	California - Bay Area
Nearest Town:	Hayward/San Leandro
Directions to Trailhead:	take I-580 North in San Leandro. exit Fairmont Drive. make a quick left at the exit then get over on the right lane and make a right on Fairmont Dr. this turns into Lake Chabot Rd. entrance is on the left. park outside (free) or inside (pay) the park.
Trail Description:	mostly fire roads. great views at the top( camp ground).nice,fast,technical downhills but payback are the technical uphills. can be finished in 1 1/2 hours.
Trail Length:	14 miles
Trail Type:	Fire Roads
Skill Level:	Intermediate
Submitted By:	rob

dejj from oakland, ca (& nyc) Date: April 20, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: a friend said that i could do the lake chabot loop in an hour...but it took more than FOUR!!! it's not a loop, it's like many trails or fire roads within a loop, so you could veer off, e.g., through loggers trail, and still end up on the main trail (is it brannon or brandon?), then there are some very steep downhills or uphills depending on whether you're starting from the main entrance or not starting from the main entrance. if you like downhills, you should start from the main entrance. it's really easy to get lost here, e.g., after crossing a parking lot at redwood road, i veered off the main trail and went down a steep hill, where i encountered a fork in the road (i think there is a watershed there??..or at least a HUGE no trespassing sign with some weird object in the distance). from that fork, i went right. it took me to a steep uphill, which led to a campground with no interesting outlet that i could find. if you go left from that fork, it will take you over a narrow bridge and back onto the paved road, which will complete the loop. alternatively, you could follow brannon or brandon trail to the end, roll down a residential street in castro valley, go through ten hills trail, and exit through a zig zaggy downhill street (not the main entrance). Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: the paved loop around the lake is more or less flat but there are some steep up and downhills here. this is a good trail to train on. for intermediate riders, it might be good for leisurely riding; it can be fun. bike patrol does operate frequently here. and there's a nearby rifle range, so if you think you might be disturbed by shots, call to find out when it's in session.	Overall Rating:

tom c from alameda Date: February 18, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: There are lots of trails here, nearly all fireroad, nothing very technical, but still lots of enjoyable mileage can be had in here with pleasant views and no cars. Get a trailmap and ride. You will encounter hikers, equestrians, cattle, and critters so ride accordingly. Other recommended trails in the same area: Redwood Park (fireroads with some technical spots) Joaquin Miller Park (double and singletrack, some difficult) Leona Canyon Open Space (a hidden, seldom ridden small cluster of steep fireroads. A good approach to Chabot.)
Review: If you like steep grades try the MacDonald trail south of Redwood Rd, Live Oak Trail or Honker Bay from the Lake, RedTail or CottonTail Trails. These are all fun descents or demanding climbs depending on your direction. Goldenrod is a more gradual but longer climb or descent with some excellent views of the Las Trampas area to the east. Riding up the east ridge toward MacDonald from Bort Meadow is a pleasant scenic climb. For solitude find Soaring Hawk Trail south of Bort. The paved road around the South side of the lake can get very crowded, especially on weekends I'm told. I have not yet ridden the trails at the South end of the Park, but there is more there. In general this is a good area for conditioning rides if you live in the East Bay. I'm giving this 4 stars because there is a lot here to ride.	Overall Rating:

anonomous from castro valley Date: January 2, 2003 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: redwood park, china camp and exploring point reyes.
Review: if you want technical, it does exist. however, it is not legal. my parent's house backs onto 10 hills trail, and i rode here daily for a few years. what inspired me to write was a message below saying you won't get caught riding the illegal singletrack. i was busted twice by cops on motorcycles. the fines were $250.00. each. i have also been chased back up a singletrack trail with my light off by an officer on foot. i got away, but i am now protesting what i believe are unjust closures politically, rather than simply with civil disobediance. Attend regional parks meetings. shred	Overall Rating:

Andy from San Lorenzo Date: June 22, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Any route where u wont get lost Other recommended trails in the same area: none
Review: Allright so i went in through the entrance then to the left and up some crazy ass horse trail wich led me way up a hill then down some hellllluv steep ass shit straight back onto the main paved road. Me and my friend both fell helluv bad. Then we followed the road crossed some bridge and took honker bay trail which ended up in the middle of some campground. Then we got lost bigtime and for helluv miles and ended up on skyline and some golf corse. We finally found our way back and had to backtrack a few miles and then once we finally got back it took 5 hours and we rode 30 miles...like helluv uphill. I reccomend knowing where to go...like bigtime, or you'll spend forever being lost, which sucks. Ow my wrists hurt so bad when im typing this cuz my bike is a peice of crap with no suspension, okay so have fun and if your super Macho-Man then try this. Later	Overall Rating:

Jeremy Notch from Chico, CA Date: March 14, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Start at the lower Chabot parking lot, below the dam. Take the paved road up hill and ride down to bass cove trail on the left. Follow that trail to the stone bridge and follow the brannon trail the whole way which will lead you on a paved trail around the lake and back to where you started. Other recommended trails in the same area: When you get to the top of the hill, after crossing the road to the camp ground, you can go straight on a trail instead of going right which will bring you to willow park golf course on redwood road. If your up to it, follow redwood rd. for about 10-15 miles up and down hills between beautiful scenery. Once you get to skyline rd. which crosses redwood rd. make a left and the road will take you to grass valley staging area where skyline rd. begins, and take the brannon trail to the right past chabot golf course to bass cove trail and back to the lower chabot parking lot.
Review: After the 3/4 mile uphill ride on the paved road, you make a quick left on to the bass cove trail. When you get to the end of bass cove, stay on the trail to the left which will go up a quick steep hill. Follow that untill you come to a cart path at the golf course. Take the cart path up hill and keep pushin untill you ride past the golf courst and go downhill to grass valley staging area where skyline blvd. starts. Stay on the main trail and head down hill over the stone bridge and follow the brannon trail past the gun range and over the paved road which leads to the camp ground. Take a right on the dirt trail that goes down toward the camp ground, and make a left on the trail before you pass the camp ground entrance. Take this steep grade down to the narrow bridge you cross by the golf course, and make a right which will turn in to a paved road, and take you around the egde of the lake to the dam where you started. For a quick rush, hop the fence before you cross the dam, and fly dowm the paved road that goes down along the dam, cross the creek, and follow the dirt trail back to the parking lot.	Overall Rating:

RastaMoha from Union City, CA Date: November 28, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Go to this link for a good 15 mile loop. http://www-cs-students.stanford.edu/~rsf/rides/LakeChabot.html Other recommended trails in the same area: Joaqin Miller
Review: Not very technical but can be fun. I went after a storm so the muddy terrain made it really fun. This can be a great place for night riding during the summer. If you want to get a good workout and practice some skills this is not a bad place. Enjoy the ride.	Overall Rating:

StumpJumper from Pleasanton Date: November 21, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Park the car on Redwood road outside the park entrance. Do not go in the main entrance instead head to the left and climb the paved road to the top and get on Ten Hills trail. Take this to Redwood Road and go down the hill and turn left into the Golf course parking lot. At the end of the lot pick up Brandon Tr. It is just about 1 1/2 miles of moderate climb to the top. When you get to the top head towards the paved road. After passing the gate but before the road veer right onto Redtail Trail. This tral will cross the road three times before you start heading on a good length of downhill. Follow the Trail/Fireroad to the bottom of the valley were you will come out at the stone bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left up Jackson Grade. When you see the road and parking lot at the top turn left and follow this skirting the golf course till you come to a paved cart path. head down the path about 100 yards then turn left onto that trail (Goldenrod I think). Follow this to the lake edge and ride to the Dam. Follow the paved path out to the park entrance and your done. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Great 14 mile training ride! This trail will allow any skill and fitness level climb at their best and downhill without any part being too technical. It will help newer riders learn to shift at the proper times because there is a steady stream of uphills and downhills close together. AS with any Bay area ride the Fall and Spring are the prettiest time but do not ride here after a rain storm it stays muddy for a long time. The Brandon-Redtail trail is exposed to the sun so if you ride in the summer go early because it gets HOT. Also very crowded on weekends.	Overall Rating:

Kris from Hayward,CA Date: June 17, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Make your own; change it every time. The options are many. All intermediate or less. Very dusty in summer. Other recommended trails in the same area: There are lots of trails in this area. Visit www.ebparks.org. Check out our website for photos: http://www.gandarva.com/adventures/lakeChabot/
Review: Favorite place to start is off Redwood in the Golf Course parking lot. Go right on up Brandon, which starts off as a gradual but steady climb. YOu'll pass Live Oak trail oak on the left before reaching Marciel(paved) rd. Just before the road, you want to take Red Tail trail to the right. This crosses the road twice before abruptly reaching a parking lot. I was coming down so fast I had to jump the chain! After crossing the road, you'll see a split to the left for Cottontail-I dont like this one, to steep and bland-go straight instead until you reach Grass Valley trail. Come back via Brandon til you reach the Stone Bridge. Take Jackson Grade to Golden Rod, then Bass Cove, then West Shore(paved), then East Shore(paved). At this point you can take HOnker bay(across the bridge) up to the camp ground then Brandon, OR take Cameron(steep or gradual route) up to Ten Hills, then Redwood rd back.	Overall Rating:

jay rawlins from chico, CA Date: May 12, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Excellent free map at the marina store--you'll need it. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Prepare to get lost. Armed with two maps from guide books, I spent half my time wandering and retracing my steps. Problem exacerbated by neanderthal park maintenance worker who sent me off to Sweden when I asked directions.	Overall Rating:

The Dacster from Alameda, CA Date: January 24, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I start at the Grass valley staging area where Skyline Blvd ends. I usually go counterclockwise, which puts me on Goldenrod trail then leads me to the Marina. Then ride around the lake, over the little bridge that you have to walk over and turn left after that. The trail follows the lake and then it's Honker Bay trail and it's STEEP as hell. The reward is reaching the top and the absolutely stunning views (especially in the spring when it's not all dried out). I continue my ride past the NO BIKES colomombine trail, which I would love to peddle because of it's incredible beauty (worth a hike if you have some time to kill) and kickin singletrack. Anyway, up to the campgrounds and then about 7 more miles of trails until you hit Jackson Grade. Then a small incline and I'm back where I started. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: A very sweet and challenging place to ride with something for everyone. Nice downhills, some steep climbing and it's very scenic! Summer weekends are FULL of people, so I usually ride there after work.	Overall Rating:

Tim from Richmond, CA Date: December 13, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I like to start at the marina and take a leak and top off my water. Head southeast and climb to the park hq. Pick up ten hills trail here and keep going south. Ten hills ends at redwood road go downhill and turn left into the golf course parking lot. Brandon trail picks up in the back of the lot and you get to climb for about two and a half miles here. It's not that steep and can be done in the middle ring. At the top keep going straight and cross the road as brandon continues on the other side. follow Brandon for a couple more miles to the stone bridge. left up Jackson grade to goldenrod and go left. Goldenrod brings you back to the marina. Other recommended trails in the same area: Redwood regional park and Joaquin Miller can all be connected to this for a quasi-epic ride.
Review: Avoid this place on the weekends like the plague. In the summer the flies on brandon are awful. They fly up your nose and any open orifice they can find. There is no technical riding here but if youi like speed there are some great sections to burn up. IF you like a more challenging climb than Brandon go out redwood road from the other end and start your ride at the McDonald staging area. The initial climb is kind of a butt when you're not warmed up but starting here and connecting it to the afformentioned loop at the stone bridge will add about eight miles.	Overall Rating:

Julie from San Francisco Date: November 19, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Start at Marina at main parking lot - head towards wooden bridge and start ride at the end of the paved road (mostly through Brandon Trail, etc). Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is a great ride but beware that the first leg uphill is brutal, and I consider myself an intermediate rider! It's straight up for about a mile, which is fine, but it's the fact that's it's pretty steep that makes it so challenging. After that uphill, the rest of the ride is beautiful (aside from the gunshots that are disconcerning!). Lots of up and down and not too crowded.	Overall Rating:

Nate Estep from Hayward CA Date: July 19, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Begin @ Proctor Gate (Redwood Road exit off of 580, 1/4 mile past Proctor School, parking on left). Bike back up the Redwood Rd. 1/4 mile to Ten Hills Trail. Go straight at both trail splits you come to. Top of climb is ranger station/helipad. Don't ride down paved road; instead, look for firebreak @ left of paved road and bomb down. R on Lake Chabot Road. Pass Lake Chabot Marina Parking Lot (stop to get free map!), instead follow Lake Chabot Road and avoid the crowded paved walking trail. After 1.5 mi. on Lake Chabot Road, veer right on to well marked trail head. Follow this to lake, cross dam. Use free trail map to pick routes. Easiest route is past golf course, down Jackson Grade, across Stone Bridge, and up Goldenrod Trail past rifle range. Better still is up Goldenrod to Cottontai Trail, steep 1/2 mile, 400 ft. climb to Red Tail Trail, ride legal single track (look for trail near signboard in small parking lot). More options after this are (1) single track section through campground, or (2) steep downhill to wood bridge, or (3) 2.5 mile, 600' "cruise" descent to Redwood Road and back to car. If you do 1st or 2nd options, turn R after wood bridge, veer left right away (up hill), easy climb to Ten Hills Trail, and bomb back to car. Other recommended trails in the same area: Redwood Regional, Garrin Park, Pleasanton Ridge
Review: This place is great. Yeah, it's primarily fire roads, but you can make it as hard or as easy as you like. For longer rides, skip Jackson Grade and follow frontage trail along Skyline Blvd to stables. Complete a loop by droping down into Bort Meadow, or continue to Redwood Regional in Oakland. For easier climbs, reverse route and climb through Willow Golf Course (the one on Redwood Rd.). There are a couple of loops off of Golden Rod to try, as well. If you have a newbie, stick to the paved trail around the south part of the lake for a warm up, then hit the easy dirt on the north shore (Honker Bay Trail). The shortest route is 12 miles and 1800 vertical feet. You can easily ride 24 miles and get 3000 vertical feet on one well planned loop.	Overall Rating:

rockhopperlou from san leandro, ca Date: June 27, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: find a map on castro valley and look for lake chabot road and youll find lake chabot park. Other recommended trails in the same area: rocking hayward plunge.
Review: enter lake chabot parking lot on lake chabot road. straight down on picnic area right on small wooden bridge, left on pavement. follow pavement till you hit the dirt, short dirt trail left on long wooden bridge, hit the dirt a again go left either left or straight up youll ended up on top of the hill. damn this review is long way to go, just get a map on the parking lot and follow the 14 miles loop theres two water fountain anyway so you dont have to worry on water.	Overall Rating:

Phil from McCracken Date: June 22, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Park at the staging area where Skyline Blvd. turns west into Grass Valley Rd. Get on trail and keep right, down the initial hill. Then just ride... Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Intricate, disconcerting, nebulous, parenchymal - these are all adjectives I could use to describe this loop ride, but I won't, because they don't apply at all. Lake Chabot loop is a challenging ride of varied terrain, about 1,000 foot elevation gain and some very technical down-hill sections just before the footbridge at mile 7 1/2. As you circumnavigate the lake itself on a paved trail, please don't hit the joggers and pregnant ladies (with their husbands). Ring your bell. Catch up on your evaporative water losses. Then, once over the dam, crank it into low gear because you've got some more climbing to do. Feel the static charge in the air from the high-tension power line overhead. Smell the fragrant eucalyptus and bay trees. See your buddy writhing in pain in the dirt from calf-muscle spasms. Hear the engines of Southwest flight 2454 from Phoenix overhead as it approaches Oakland International. They can't see you from up there, but you can see them! If you finish the loop in less than 60 minutes, you do not suck. You will probably be back soon. Tell 'em Phil McCracken sent 'ya. Phil	Overall Rating:

Tom Doyle from Hayward, California, USA Date: May 27, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I start at the parking lot of San Leandro Chabot Park (off Estudillo Ave.). Take the paved road through the gate and up the hill. When you reach the outhouse at the fork in the road, stay to your right and descend down onto the dam. This paved section (west shore trail) will take you to the marina. When you get past the marina shops, make your first left and cross the narrow wooden bridge. Once across the bridge make another left turn onto the east shore trail. This will roll along for about 2 miles until you reach a gate. Be very aware of hikers, joggers, fishermen (fishing poles) and dog walkers. Once you leave the pavement you will see less people, however. Stay on the dirt road, past the gate for about 1/4 of a mile. You will come upon a cable bridge on your right. Cross the bridge and stay to your left along a rolling dirt road that will eventually take you to Honker Bay and the campground. When you pass the outhouse on your right, start thinking about getting into the small chainring. A nasty climb awaits! Once atop the hill, you will arrive at the campground. You will have to get onto the pavement again, and I'm afraid your climbing is not yet done for the day. Stay on the road until you pass the ranger kiosk at the entrance to the chabot campgrounds. You will see a dirt road to your right. Get off of the pavement and follow the dirt path up the hill to the next ridge. When you have reached this point, you have paid and now it't time to play! Make a lefthand, hairpin turn at the top of the hill and follow the trail out to the parking area. Once at the parking area, cross the road and head for the gate on the other side (Brandon trail). You'll be back on the dirt now for most of the remainder of the ride. This rolling section has some technical spots, but it is a fire road (no singletrack). Be especially careful after a rain. There is a technical decent that ends as you cross a stone bridge over a small creek. Bear left and prepare to climb again, but this one is not as bad as the climb to the campground. When you reach the top of the hill, you will see Skyline Blvd ahead. Veer left and stay on the dirt for some more rolling fun. You will eventually pass the Lake Chabot Golf Course. At the end of a ripping downhill section, the trail intersects the golf cart path. BE EXTRA CAREFUL IN THIS SECTION! I have had several close calls with golfers here. You stay on the road (downhill) only a short while before noticing the dirt trail again on your left hand side. Get off of the pavement and proceed to another technical but short downhill. You will be on the Bass Cove trail at this point, and it will roll along for about 2 miles, eventually bringing you back to the outhouse and the paved road leading you back to the parking area. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I love this ride because it is so close to where I liver. It is convienent and quick. I can do the loop in about 1 hour and 15 minutes, before I go to work in the morning. I never get board riding this trail, because there is always something new to see or traverse. The fire roads are graded regularly, so the technical aspects of the trail change from time to time. The downhill sections really test your endurance (and your bikes) as well as your concentration. The climbs are especially strenious, but rewarding at the same time. The first time I did this ride, was on a steel-framed bike. I thought I was gonna die when I finished the loop. Now-a-days I'm riding aluminum and its much better. I believe that riders of all skill levels will enjoy this trail. Beginners will do it slowly, and experts will speed along.	Overall Rating:

BLAINE from CA Date: March 30, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: GOOD RIDE SOME TRAILS ARE LABLED NO BICYCLES GIVE-EM A SHOT ANYWAY THEY CAN'T CATCH YA, THOSE MAKE SOME GOOD SINGLE TRACK	Overall Rating:

Lance from Antioch CA Date: February 15, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: If it is your first time at Chabot, just follow one of the posted bike loops. I would suggest doing the Honker Bay loop, it's a little longer and scenic. There are maps availiable at the bait shop or at the campgrounds, so pick one up and choose your own route. Other recommended trails in the same area: Rockville, China Camp
Review: Chabot is a really nice training ride. It isn't at all technical, 100% fireroads, 0% singletrack(illegal). There are a few halfway decent climbs in the park, and lots of fast, gradual descents along the fireroads. Don't believe Jason's review below, Chabot is not dangerous at all, and the closest thing I saw resembling a mountain lion was a 300 pound fat chick hobbling out of the snack bar. The only way I think that you might crash in this park is if you are going downhill at a 30+mph clip, cuz then you might wash off the trail at some turns. All in all, Chabot is a beautiful park, with plenty of miles availiable to ride, and several nice views of the lake from atop it's hills.	Overall Rating:

Roy G. from San Francisco Date: July 30, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I live in SF and usually start my ride on the Oakland side and then head toward Lake Chabot Marina. From SF take I80 across the Bay Bridge to Hwy 580 exit 35th ave and make a left at the light. Go straight on 35th until you reach Skyline (you will pass a safeway on your way up). Go straight towards Redwood road until you reach Mcdonnel Gate. It will be on your right side. Once parked the trail head starts on your left. Other recommended trails in the same area: For the technical stuff and to get a good burning sensation on your quads go to Purisima Creek and link to Skeggs Point. Also try Rockville in fairfield. Stevens Creek Canyon (Saratoga Gap) is nice technical ride with creek crossings.
Review: Starting with a climb up Mcdonnell trail until you reach an intersection (left continues on to fire trail towards bort meadow and a right will take you to a residential area)go right towards the residential area go approx. 2 blocks until your reach Skyline blvd. take the single track on your left (located on the island which runs in the middle of skyline blvd)follow this singletrack until it ends. Continue on short firetrail which will lead again to Skyline blvd, make a right on Skyline and a left at the horse stables then a quick right to singletrak. Continue on this trail (stay to the right side when you reach the intersection) towards the water fountain on Brandon Trail. Refill if you have to and continue down Brandon Trail toward Jackson grade until you reach the Stone bridge make a right and continue the climb on brandon then a left on cotton tail which is a climb towards Red tail take a right on Red Tail and follow trail until you link again with Brandon at the parking lot. Take a left and go down towards Honker Bay, up Live Oak back to Brandon trail and follow Brandon trail back to the stone bridge and a right towards Bort Meadow and climb then the downhill on Mcdonnell to the car. Chabot is a good X-country trail with different ways to ride it. Change your route and link all the trails but you might have to ride certain trails twice. Has a little bit of everything from singletrak to long climbs and switchbacks but mostly firetrails. Not that technical but if you're not carefull you could eat some dirt.	Overall Rating:

Jason from SF Date: June 25, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Very dangerous trail. Not recommended for beginner. Be prepare for crash and fall down the cliff. Extremely winding, steep and broken/bumpy trail. Get a map or you could get lost. Watch out for mtn lion and never bike alone on this trail.	Overall Rating:

JasminesCute from SheSuperWoman Date: May 3, 1999 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: There's a loop. Enough leg power to do it twice. Good Cross Country speed loop. I like it. Other recommended trails in the same area: Fremont,Diablo are all within reach
Review: Someone told me that there was a mudslide, but in the summer when it's totally dry (and sometimes dusty), it is a fabulous XC loop. Pretend that you are a racer (but don't spook the walkers, runners, animals on weekends). Fly high on 10 hills!	Overall Rating:

Charlie America from Castro Valley Date: December 9, 1998 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Willow Park, Brandon Trail, Redtail Trail to Bort Meadows, back to Stone Bridge and Goldenrod out to Bass Cove to the dam and the marina, up to the old Nike base and out Ten Hills Trail. Other recommended trails in the same area: There are several differing routes you can take within the Anthony Chabot/Lake Chabot area that you can ride for an entire season without taking the same trip twice. Other places near by: Redwood Park (testing place for Kelly Bikes) Joaquin Miller: finest singletrack in the East Bay.
Review: Because I live just over the hill, I tend to ride Redwood Road down to Willow Park Golf Course and ride up Brandon Trail. Once at the top, take a left onto Redtail Trail; this was once a fireroad that was allowed (through inaction by the parks department) to revert to doubletrack. Redtail Trail will run quickly to Marcel Gate and out to Bort Meadows (look out for the cow pies!). Once at Bort, you can elect to go out to Skyline and take a trick piece of singletrack running alone the middle divider of the road or just turn down toward Stone Bridge and the climb up Goldenrod. Once at the end of the Skyline Golf Course (Golf Links) you will catch a fast downhill into Lake Chabot. At the juction just apst the paved section (watch out for the golf carts!) you'll be faced with the coice of going through the driving range or down to the lake... I tend to run the driving range when I'm sure duffers are out on it. Oce you get around the lake to the marina, you can take any number of routes back. I like to add a little to the trip by climbing the creekside trail, back up to the ranger station and down the side path to Lake Chabot Road. The return from there is often up the backhill grade (a real leg-burner by now), up to the ranger station and out Ten Hills Trail. Total mileage: 12.5-28 miles + lots of climbing. Look at this website for more information: http://www.prado.com/~astriark/bikesite/chabot.htm	Overall Rating:

Matt J. from formerly of Oakland CA Date: November 16, 1998 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: I live on Skyline Blvd. near Parkridge, so... Start at Parkridge entrance & follow trail south through Bort Meadows to where it intersects the Chabot Loop trail at the bridge. Turn left and cross the bridge and start the long ascent to the gun range (you'll hear it when you're near the top). From the top you can either go east towards Tenhills or bear south for a fast and steep descent towards Lake Chabot. Once at Lake Chabot, continue the Loop Trail around the other half of the lake until you hit the Bort Meadows trail again and go home. Distance = 18.5 miles. Other recommended trails in the same area: Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, Tilden Park.
Review: It's a nice workout route with ~2000 feet of climbing. The initial descent from Skyline to Lake Chabot Park goes through some cow pasture, so the fire road is a bit rough and and washboardy. Don't look for technical stuff on this route: it's all fireroads. The enjoyable points of the ride are the awesome views from the ridgetops and the fact that you go past the Chabot gun range, where you can take a break and watch the gunslingers.	Overall Rating:

Les from Alameda, Ca. Date: November 7, 1998 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Up the road to the ranger station, 10 hills, down Redwood Road, Brandon to top, Redtail, to Bort Meadows, up McDonald, Skyline Dr. to Golden Rod, to Jackson Grade, to Brandon. Other recommended trails in the same area: Redwood Park, Joaquin Miller Park, Tilden
Review: This is a longer loop around the lake, it takes me about 1:45 and is about 20 miles. It has some good downhills and moderate climbs. You could ride to Redwood park and make it about 35 miles.	Overall Rating:

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