A bipartisan coalition of Bay Area lawmakers introduced legislation on Jan. 28 to designate the Bay Area Ridge Trail as a National Scenic Trail, a distinction currently held by only 11 routes nationwide, including the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. U.S. Representative Jared Huffman and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff led the effort, joined by Senator Alex Padilla and the entire Bay Area congressional delegation, with the announcement from San Rafael. The bill directs the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study within one year, marking the critical first step toward federal recognition that supporters say would elevate the trail to elite status among the nation’s most iconic long-distance routes.
The proposed designation would place the Bay Area Ridge Trail alongside America’s most celebrated outdoor corridors, potentially unlocking new federal funding opportunities and attracting national and international visitors to the nine-county region. For outdoor hospitality operators positioned along this 550-mile ridgeline circling San Francisco Bay, the legislation signals a strategic moment to evaluate trail-friendly amenities and marketing approaches that could capture increased visitor traffic in the years ahead.
“The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a crown jewel of our region, providing millions of people with access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country and connecting our communities to the outdoors,” said Huffman, who serves as Ranking Member of the Committee on Natural Resources. “Designating it as a National Scenic Trail would not only help complete it – it would set it on par with iconic trails like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest and elevate the incredible and diverse Bay Area landscapes. This would be a major boost for the recreation economy, and our bill gets that ball rolling.”
The trail currently stretches more than 415 completed miles across landscapes ranging from the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains to rolling East Bay grasslands and Marin County coastal scrub. Upon completion, the route will span more than 550 miles, connecting over 75 parks and open space preserves while serving hikers, cyclists, and equestrians. Under the National Trails System Act of 1968, qualifying routes must exceed 100 miles, provide maximum outdoor recreation potential, and showcase nationally significant scenic, historic, and cultural qualities representing diverse landforms.
Campground owners, RV park operators, and glamping resort professionals within the trail corridor should recognize that National Scenic Trail designations have been associated with increases in regional visitation. Properties situated near designated trails often see booking upticks from long-distance hikers, cyclists, and equestrians who need overnight accommodations, resupply points, and basic amenities during multi-day excursions. The tight-knit communities surrounding these activities rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations, with online forums and trail apps frequently highlighting accommodations that cater specifically to trail users.
Senator Schiff, the lead Senate sponsor, emphasized the preservation benefits that federal recognition would bring. “The Bay Area Ridge Trail gives visitors to the Bay Area and its residents the opportunity to enjoy more than 500 miles of some of California’s most incredible outdoor beauty, including parks and preserves,” Schiff said. “Providing federal recognition to this ridgeline trail will help preserve it for future generations, and I’m proud to partner with Congressman Huffman and our Bay Area delegation in the effort to make it so.”
Completing the trail presents significant challenges, with approximately 120 gaps currently interrupting the continuous loop. Closing these segments often requires complex negotiations with private landowners and construction of safe crossings over highways and other infrastructure. Federal designation is expected to provide resources that would accelerate these efforts.
Janet McBride, Executive Director of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, framed the legislation as transformational for the project’s future. “This legislation kicks off a quest to add the Bay Area Ridge Trail to an elite group of National Scenic Trails, like the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail,” McBride said. “The Ridge Trail traces the ridgelines around San Francisco Bay, offering hikers, equestrians, and cyclists access to stunning views and diverse scenic, historic and cultural landscapes, for both close-to-home jaunts and epic adventures. NST status would raise awareness and expedite completion of this world-class trail, which boasts over 400 completed miles, on the path to a 550-mile fully connected loop. We applaud Congressman Huffman for spearheading this legislation, and the entire Bay Area delegation for signing on as co-authors. We invite everyone to join us on this journey!”
Outdoor hospitality professionals looking to position their properties for trail-related growth should consider developing amenities that address the specific needs of this visitor segment. Secure bicycle storage, horse corrals or tie-ups, gear drying stations, and hiker resupply packages represent practical investments that distinguish trail-friendly properties. Partnerships with local outfitters, shuttle services, and trail organizations can lead to recommended lodging provider status, while flexible check-in and check-out times accommodate trail users arriving at unconventional hours. Installing signage visible from trail access points and providing current trail condition updates at front desks or camp stores further strengthens appeal to this demographic.
The legislation garnered support from every member of the Bay Area congressional delegation, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier, Kevin Mullin, Mike Thompson, Eric Swalwell, John Garamendi, Zoe Lofgren, Sam Liccardo, Lateefah Simon, Jimmy Panetta, and Ro Khanna. Representative Lofgren noted that the trail organization is working on nearly 50 miles of new pathway through her 18th district, highlighting active expansion efforts already underway.
Senator Padilla underscored the economic implications of the potential designation. “The Bay Area Ridge Trail lines a remarkable stretch of over 500 miles of stunning scenery around Northern California, giving millions of Californians access to nature and outdoor recreation opportunities,” Padilla said. “Jumpstarting the effort to designate this multi-use recreation destination as a National Scenic Trail would bring in new visitors to bolster our tourism economy and safeguard some of the region’s world-class parks and landscapes for generations to come.”
National Scenic Trails carry implicit expectations of environmental stewardship, and visitors who seek out these iconic routes often prioritize eco-conscious travel choices. Outdoor hospitality operators can align their properties with these values by installing solar panels, LED lighting, and energy-efficient appliances while implementing water conservation measures such as low-flow fixtures and drought-tolerant landscaping. Electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations serve the growing segment of eco-conscious travelers, and permeable surfaces for roads and parking areas reduce stormwater runoff. Establishing recycling and composting programs, sourcing supplies from local vendors, and incorporating native plants into landscaping demonstrate environmental responsibility that resonates strongly with trail-focused guests.
Speaker Emerita Pelosi emphasized the community connections the trail fosters. “The Bay Area Ridge Trail is an iconic landmark that connects communities to nature, to open space and to one another,” Pelosi said. “The Bay Area Ridge Trail Act will help us understand how to best preserve accessibility for exploration of the beautiful landscape that defines and surrounds our region. By studying the Ridge Trail’s future, we take an important step toward recognizing its national significance and ensuring that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The National Park Service feasibility study represents the critical gateway to federal designation, with the one-year completion timeline creating near-term momentum for the project. The study must be conducted in consultation with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and relevant federal and state agencies, according to the legislation’s requirements. For outdoor hospitality operators throughout the nine-county trail corridor, properties positioned near current trail segments or anticipated gap closures should begin evaluating trail-friendly amenities and marketing strategies now, as sustained visitor growth could follow the project’s advancement in the coming years.