East Bay Trails. David Weintraub

then begins a gradual climb beside a creek nestled in a shallow ravine, right. This is a beautiful area, deep in a shady forest. A wooden bridge takes you across the creek, and now the route climbs on a moderate grade below a high ridge, right, topped with eucalyptus.

      After a long, steady climb, you arrive at the Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve visitor center, just a few paces north of a small parking area off Skyline Blvd. Here are water, toilets, and an interpretive display with information about the preserve’s geology, plants, and animals. You have come about 3.4 miles, and have approximately 2.9 miles more to reach Skyline Gate at Redwood Regional Park. When you are ready to continue, follow a paved road around the west side of the visitor center. Just before reaching a gate, angle right and uphill on a single-track trail, signed for the East Bay Skyline/Bay Area Ridge Trail and the Round Top Loop Trail.