The Ridge Trail is probably my favorite trail if I want exercise. Coon Creek is a nice mellow trail along a creek, but if I need a good workout and want views that just go on forever, this is it.
One of the nice things about carrying a camera is that it makes you stop and take a look around occasionally, as well as catch my breath. Take it easy going up this one until you're used to it and take water. Once on the back side you have several options on how to get back, all leading to roughly the same place. Enjoy.
Following Ridge Trail 3.2 miles,
you'll quickly get to a height offering a bird's eye view of
the coast and hills of Montana de Oro.
There's around a 1,000 foot gain
in elevation, and most of that is in the first 3/4 of a mile
or so. Once you get to the top, it flattens out and you can
enjoy some really spectacular views.
The hills are steep in this area.
You can look out over the hills and almost straight down in
some areas.