Hike Big Rock Ridge Lucas Valley Open Space, CA

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Apr 21, 2026 — The hike up to Big Rock Ridge follows a very gradual ascent along open grasslands dotted with oak trees, a really pleasant outing a bit outside San Francisco. A network of public trails climbs the ridge, with most eventually joining Big Rock Ridge Fire Road, which follows the crest to two radio towers near the summit. The most straightforward route to the high point is the Big Rock Trail, which is what I took today. The hike begins at a saddle marked by a massive boulder with pull-outs on either side of the road. After many switchbacks and sweeping views, I reached the fire road along the crest, which brought me to the high point.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Big Rock Ridge

1892 ft

1291 rise

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Starting along the Big Rock Trail.

View back toward the trailhead, where you can see a massive boulder that I assume the trail is named for (I didn't see any other particularly big rocks along the way).

Sweeping, grassy slopes.

Short spurts of forested hiking.

View back into the expanse of greenery.

Big Rock Trail continues ascending to the ridgeline above.

Nearing the ridgeline.

I then hiked along the Big Rock Ridge Fire Road to the summit, seen ahead on the left.

Big Rock Ridge summit ahead. There's a sign reading access is allowed to the public, but stay on the road.

View back along the ridgeline fire road.

Big Rock Ridge summit, view north.

Big Rock Ridge summit, view east.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!