Middle Ridge Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

This hike has a little bit of everything and can make a great day outing with the option to shorten or lengthen the loop as desired. Highlights include the Monument on Monument Trail, hiking along the Little Fork of Coyote Creek, heading past Frog Lake, and enjoying the views from the ridgeline on the Middle Ridge Trail.

Start your hike at the small parking area off of E. Dunne Ave. The first part of the hike will be along the road so use caution and keep an ear open for cars that may be heading to or from the Coe Ranch Headquarters.

After about half a mile on the road, take a left onto Manzanita Point Road and then bear left onto Monument Trail. This short trail climbs to its junction with Hobbs Road and offers great views from the open hillside - if you feel ambitious, add the short Ponderosa Trail lollipop for some mileage.

Once you reach Hobbs Road, take a right and enjoy a short, somewhat steep downhill back to Manzanita Point Road. Take a left here for a short stint on the road. Keep an eye open on your left for a three-way trail junction - you'll be taking the westernmost trail which is the Flat Frog Trail.

Flat Frog Trail is a pleasant and relatively easy trail. The grades are gentle and the going is pretty smooth most of the way. When you get to Hobbs Road at the end of the trail, take a quick right and another right to hop onto the Frog Lake Trail.

Frog Lake Trail is just under a mile long and is a steady, gradual climb from Hobbs Road to Middle Ridge Trail. You'll hike past a small pond on the left-hand side in the first quarter mile before heading into the trees. The trail then winds through the forest with a couple winding turns that help ease the climb until you connect to Middle Ridge Trail where you'll take a right for a mostly downhill section along the ridge.

Overall, Middle Ridge Trail is a rolling, smooth, exposed, and, at times, steep singletrack. There are few roots and rocks, some erosion, and wonderful scenery. While there are some challenging sections, it can be pleasant, but just take your time on the steeper sections and watch your footing.

After about a little over a mile on this trail, take a right onto the Fish Trail which heads down then up then down again as you hike in and out of the woods, through a meadow, and along a creek. Once you come back the intersection with Flat Frog Trail and Manzanita Point Road, cross the road continue onto the Corral Trail to head back to the ranch headquarters. To complete your hike, hop back on E. Dunne Ave for the short half mile back to your car.