Senate Backs Bay Area Ridge Trail Scenic Designation
Legislation to start National Scenic Trail designation for the 550-mile Bay Area loop cleared the Senate without opposition.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Hiking
The U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation that starts the process of designating the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail. If approved, the National Park Service would conduct a feasibility study on the designation within one year.
Why it matters
Only 11 trails nationwide hold National Scenic Trail status, and sponsors say the designation could help close remaining gaps in the trail. For California residents, the measure bears on how one of the region's most prominent outdoor routes is funded, connected and promoted.
The planned 550-mile loop has about 415 miles on the ground, leaving significant gaps at its northern and southern ends. The legislation must still clear the House, and the feasibility study's outcome is unknown.
The players
Jared Huffman
Democratic U.S. Representative from California's North Bay who champions the legislation to designate the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Alex Padilla
Democratic U.S. Senator from California who cosponsored the Bay Area Ridge Trail designation legislation.
National Park Service
Federal agency within the Department of the Interior that would conduct the feasibility study on the trail's National Scenic Trail designation.
The details
The legislation, championed by Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman and cosponsored by Sen. Alex Padilla, would begin designating the trail, which links hilly open space preserves and parks into a hiking-and-biking loop. Sponsors argue the designation will connect the remaining gaps and raise the trail's profile as a world-class recreation destination.
Timeline
Senate approval announced November 12, 2026.
National Park Service feasibility study due within one year if the legislation is approved.
Roadmap
The Bay Area Ridge Trail joins a short list of 11 national scenic trails created under the National Trails System Act of 1968. The proposal follows that framework by directing the National Park Service to study a new designation before any federal status is conferred.
Hikers and cyclists in the Bay Area may see improved trail connections and signage as the designation process moves forward. Designation is intended to draw more visitors to the existing open space preserves and parks the trail traverses.
The takeaway
Hikers planning Bay Area routes should watch for updates as the designation process advances, since the trail's remaining gaps determine which sections are currently walkable end to end.
What happens next
If the House passes the legislation, the National Park Service will begin its feasibility study on the Bay Area Ridge Trail within one year.
Further reading
For more on regional routes, see Hiking trail guides across California.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Francisco Chronicle.
