Dougherty Valley Ridge Trail

2018-Apr: Nice open and scenic semi-wild gentle hill top trail in middle of San Ramon. The entire trail is not completely open yet, as there is still a barbed wire fence and overgrown section impeding travel near the north end, towards Bollinger Canyon Road. When completed, I expect the trail to travel the Ridgeline all the way from Old Ranch Road to Bollinger Canyon Road. Even as it is, it makes a nice getaway hill top stroll or hike, feeling remote enough to be away from hustle and bustle of city life below, and refreshed as the wind blows across your face and watching the sun sink lower to the western horizon. You can see Mt Diablo to north and Wiedemann Hill to West. Hawks and Turkey Vultures overhead, maybe a rabbit or two along trail... Overall a great place close to town for a evening walk. UPDATE 2019-Jun-29: At the barb wire fence on north end, a new gate has been installed, and hikers can now open go thru easily, so I guess it’s a fully open trail now. The north end is still slightly comparatively overgrown at spots, but not bad. Need more foot traffic I guess. UPDATE 2019-Jul-06: If you can look past the the modern “blemishes” to the view: power lines and electrical towers, and accept the invasive plants of cow trampled grasslands, then there is a sort of special magical feeling along the top of ridge line, especially in the golden hours around sunset or sunrise. The views are open, far reaching and expansive. You can see all of San Ramon Valley on one side of the ridge or the other, with Mt Diablo to the north, Calaveras Ridge to the West, Pleasanton and Amador Valley and Rose Peak range to the south, Windermere and Highland Ridge to the East.... You’re standing in the center of San Ramon Valley, yet there is still a good element of wild openness in the immediate surroundings. Be thankful for the remaining open space here along the ridge tops....

Nice view of the San Ramon valley area. There are hills but it's not that difficult.

I made a 9.5 mile running loop using this trail. I was staying at the Marriott San Ramon, took the iron horse trail from the central park south to Alcosta, left onto Alcosta and right at Old Ranch Rd, left on Bridle Court to enter the trail. I went North on the trail back to Bollinger Canyon road and returned back the Marriott. I could see how a sunrise or sunset run would reward you. I'd recommend the morning time because almost the entire run is NOT shaded nor did I see water to stop for. The trail itself has several spots you could walk because it's steep. I'm reasonably fit and could jog all of them. I was mainly worried the trail would be beat up from cow hooves. The trail was smooth.

I loved it. Best time to come here when grass is still lush and green.

It's a beautiful trail especially in the morning and evening with views covering entire San Ramon and east bay cities.