Interesting history. They do have a sign about it on the wildcat trail but spot seems to be inaccessible now and totally overgrown.

Very interesting historical site where people with “nervous disorders” such as opiate addiction and psychiatric disorders sought treatment in the first half of the 20th century by connecting with nature and eating healthy food. Surprisingly holistic and modern treatment techniques are said to have been used at this site. Attached is the information on the plaque.

This place will give you one of the best view of Richmond. Very quite place. When you visit please do not litter this place.

Pretty cool place to hike to just follow the cattle train and it will get you there.

My family has lived here for generations. I grew up hearing stories from both my grandparents and father. Amazing history its so horrible squatters burned it down years ago. I heard so many stories of the singing coming from the area and the AMAZING library that used to be there. Would have been a great local historic attraction. Plus the mansion on the hill that was once a brothel! Going to cry thinking of all the memories I have growing up next to it. An amazing history not much to see now but great hiking!

This place was pretty cool and has a mystique about it

Overgrown, unkempt trail. Loved the trailhead description of the site, but the sanitarium itself was hard to identify among the underbrush.

Very interesting vibe. Be weary, people have built small shelters off the main trails. Leave them alone.

Historical aspect.... Great trail ..... Its fun to look for the foundation of the sanatarium.

Very little to see, and very sparse interpretive information. Still a nice hike up to the site.

An interesting piece of local history.

Not a lot to see, except some old concrete foundations. Its just interesting to find the place totally unmarked, ensconced in the hilly wild lands. Without so much as a trail leading to it, the Belgum sanitarium ruins are identified primarily by large, out-of-place trees such as palm and cypress, in the midst of oak, eucalyptus and grassland. You have to explore a couple hundred feet off-trail to find the actual ruins.

It was just about sundown and the place got freaky as phuck. Some people will say I am phull of it but I saw 2 orderlies (men) chasing a screaming patient up a hill and into a thicket of Scrub Oak. I could tell they werent present day human beings, but ghosts of a bygone era. The orderlies were wild eyed white men that were grunting as they ran...no other sounds from the 2 of them....but the female patient was screaming bloody murder like she knew that these 2 men had bad intentions. Possibly because she had been violated by them in the past. She reached the thicket before the men caught up but they did not stop the attack and I could hear the violence of their deeds once she was in their custody. She kept screaming... No, Manuel No...dont hurt me again. I ran up to the area to rescue her but as I reached the Oak thicket her screams faded. I reported this but they told me a crime like this was suspected of a art dealer from Napa, California years ago. His name was Manuel Volakis or Follated. Just be careful.

I remember the palm and other trees from when I was a boy exploring Wildcat Canyon with my friends. Ive remained curious as to what was there.

Good for hikink

Wonderful location for quiet meditation.

Im crazy for this place!

Cool!

Beautiful