Quite possibly the steepest trail at Skyline Wilderness Park, the Chaparral Trail was one of the last trails for me to complete running at the park.
About Skyline Wilderness Park and Chaparral Trail:
It does cost $5 to enter, but there are over 850 acres and 25 miles of well-kept hiking trails. There is plenty to do, including hiking, running, horseback riding, disc golf or mountain biking. (It is important to note that dogs are not allowed on the trails). You can pay to hike and camp as well. It’s a lot more technical than many of the Bay Area trails so if you don’t like steep inclines and rocks, you might want to find another park.
About Chaparral Trail:
It’s “only” half a mile long but it packs a punch. You’ll also have to follow a few trails to get there so the Chaparral Trail isn’t going to be your only trail of the day. It’s a beautiful add on, especially if you make it to Lake Marie.
Once you taken the Skyline Trail and get to Lake Marie, it starts on the East Side of Lake Marie. The Chaparral Trail starts with a minor drop and you think “ok this must be easy” but then climbs to 893 feet elevation quickly and then rises gain to 951 feet elevation at 24% grade! Yes, it was as thought as it sounds. There are several smaller rises and drops and finally it ends half a mile later at the Marie Creek Trail. Even though the Chaparral Trail at Skyline Wilderness Park is short, it packs a punch.
Skyline Wilderness Park Trails I’ve Done:
Exploring Lake Marie via Skyline Trail
Rim Rock Trail to Sugarloaf Mountain
You can see more hikes here.
Questions for you:
What was the last trail you explored? Locals have you been on the Chaparral Trail at Skyline Wilderness Park?
Where is your favorite local trail?