Highland Ridge Trail

Highland Ridge Trail is part of most hikes in Morgan Territory Regional Preserve. It starts on the eastern side of the park and goes all the way west, eventually continuing into Mount Diablo State Park, all while on top of one of the most prominent mountain ridges in the park. From the Eagle Trail, follow the dirt road down the slope until you reach a small dry creek. The trail parallels the creek bed for a quarter mile until it reaches Morgan Territory Road. This is the lowest point of the entire trail. Cross the road and begin a 1.5-mile ascent to the top of Highland Ridge. There are typically a lot of cattle in the area, so hike with caution. At 1.8 miles, there is a nice picnic area on the right, but without any good views. At 2.6 miles, you reach the top of the ridge with great views both to the north and south. When Raven Trail descends on the right, it's worth hiking up the small hill to the left, which is the highest point in the park at 2,317 feet. The next 2 miles on the ridge are gently downhill. At 4.4 miles, make a sharp left turn to stay on this trail. Jeremiah Trail joins from the left shortly thereafter. There is very little shade for most of the trail, so if you pass a few trees, it's a good place to take a break. At 5.1 miles, turn left to stay on the trail, as Morgan Ridge Road continues straight ahead. Crestview Road joins on the left at 5.6 miles, Morgan Creek Road on the right at 5.9 miles. Cross Old Finley Road at 6.5 miles. The trail will ascend again after that. Make a sharp right turn at 6.8 miles. The trail ends at a fence to private property with Tassajara Creek Trail on the left shortly before that.