Welcome to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park contains the headwaters of Sonoma Creek. It runs through gorge and canyon, across the meadow floor, beneath scenic rock outcroppings, and is surrounded at times by redwoods and ferns. With 47 family sized campsites and 25 miles of hiking trails, it is the perfect place to spend time outdoors with your family!
Camping: We have 44 campsites open, both reservable and first-come, first-serve in our lovely creekside campground. And our Glamping sites opened April 1st – reservations available and booking fast! For first-come-first-served sites call at 10 am. Call ahead, these sites fill fast.
10 a 12 de junio, 24 a 26 de junio, 8 a 10 de julio, o 22 a 24 de julio.
¡Venga a disfrutar un fin de semana acampando en su parque! No es necesario tener experiencia acampando, ¡nosotros le enseñaremos! Este evento es gratuito y proveerá una oportunidad para familiarizarse con el equipo y fomentar las habilidades de acampar. Tendremos tiendas de campaña y extra equipo para los participantes que necesiten; los participantes serán responsables por sus comidas.
El evento y estacionamiento son gratuitos pero por favor regístrese por adelantado, ya que el espacio es limitado a 6 familias de 6 miembros o 30 participantes. Familias que anteriormente no han participado en este evento tendrán prioridad. Seguiremos las medidas apropiadas en acuerdo con órdenes del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado.
Las lluvias fuertes cancelan el evento. Si tiene preguntas, o busca más información, mande un correo electrónico a Alma o Arsel (senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org) o llame al (707) 833-5712.
Este evento es respaldado por Route to Parks, una beca de Parks California.
La propuesta alianza de múltiples partícipes exclusiva a Parks California fortalece a comunidades mientras fomenta el amor y el cuidado de tierras públicas. La beca “Route to Parks” de $15,000 ayudará a que más gente tenga acceso a los recursos necesarios para vivir una vida sana fuera del programa Senderos Naturales. Parks California fué fundada como una organización asociada clave sin fines lucrativos asociada clave con el Departamento de Parques y Recreación del Estado de California para ayudar a fortalecer e inspirar a todos a presenciar estos lugares extraordinarios.
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Let’s go camping at Sugarloaf!
June 18-20, June 25-27, July 9-11 or July 16-18
Come experience a night of camping at your park! This is a beginning-camper friendly-experience. If you’ve never camped, or if it’s been some years, this opportunity will familiarize you with equipment and strengthen your camping skills. Gear will be provided for those who need it; you bring the food! This is a free event planned around the Latinx community. Families from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. Email senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org with your questions. Heavy rains cancel.
Senderos Naturales is supported by Route to Parks, a grant of Parks California.
Parks California’s unique multi-stakeholder partnership approach strengthens communities while fostering love and stewardship of public lands. The Route to Parks grant of $15,000 will help more people have access to the resources they need to lead a healthy life outside Senderos Naturales. Parks California was founded as a key nonprofit partner of the California Department of Parks and Recreation to help strengthen and inspire all to experience these extraordinary places.
If you have previously completed the Beginner Hiking for Fitness Program, or can hike at least three miles with some elevation gain, this series is for you.The hiking series costs $80, or free-of-cost for hikers with an April 2022 or newer ParkRx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info. To sign up with a ParkRx, please email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org Please have your ParkRx available at the time of sign-up, as the number of ParkRx tickets is limited and you will be asked for a copy.
Hike Schedule
1) Sat 7/9 – Waterfall Loop, 2 miles, 595ft elevation [meet @ main lot]
2) Sat 7/16 – Vista Trail Loop, 3.6 miles, 700ft elevation[meet @ white barn lot]
3) Sat 7/23 – Goodspeed to Nattkemper bench, 4.2 miles, 1060ft elevation [meet @ Goodspeed lot]
4) Sat 7/30 – Hillside / Brushy Peaks – Neptune picnic table, 4.6 miles, 780ft elevation [meet @ white barn lot]
5) Sat 8/6 – Vista Trail Loop (counter-clowise), 4.7 miles, 1000ft elevation [meet @ white barn lot]
6) Sat 8/13 – Jack London Fern Lake and May’s Clearning, 5.5 miles, 1264ft elevation gain [meet at Sonoma Creek bridge on Arnold Dr.]
7) Sat 8/20 – Bald Summit (w/ optional Headwaters wiggle = 5.8 mi), 5.25 miles, 1500ft elevation [meet @ white barn lot]
8) Sat 8/27 – Goodspeed to Gunsight Rock, 7.5miles, 1900ft elevation gain [meet @ Goodspeed lot]
(routes subject to change based on group and weather)
Wear appropriate footwear for muddy or slippery trails and layers, as the group hikes in light rains. Bring water, and if desired, a snack. The group will be limited to 30 participants. County Health guidelines will be applicable.
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Join us for a 1.4-mile nature hike along the Sonoma Creek. On the hike your leader will teach you about the plants, animals, and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek. The hike starts outside the Visitor Center. Free. Registration is not required. Parking charges apply.
On 6/25, world-renowned multi-disciplinary artist Bernie Krause will present how sound became his life-long pursuit, and how it applies to conservation.
On 7/9, Dr. Dan Levitis will delight us with an unusual story, even for a biologist: have you ever been barfed on by a condor?
On 7/23, we’ll learn about the secret lives of Alma and Arsel, leaders of the Senderos Naturales program.
On 8/6, Megan Walla-Murphy re-introduces bear culture to Sonoma County.
On 8/20, we welcome Desi Harp, member of the Onasáti tribe (mistakenly called “guapo” by the Spanish and “wappo” by Anglo-American settlers) to regale us with song, dance, and the story of creation.
On 9/3 we are left gasping from laughter induced by SEC’s Educator Johny Ehlers, and finally, on 9/10, Sonoma Ecology Center’s ED Richard Dale and Park Manager John Roney relate how a partnership between non-profits, community, and government led to today’s operation of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Tickets are $20. Meet at the amphitheater. We invite you to show up earlier than 7pm for a self-guided nature walk or picnic prior to the event. Parking fees apply.
Register Here! Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Creek Camps:
Campamento del arroyo en el Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge
When: 4 Sessions available
June 13 – 17, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM,
June 27 – July 1, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
July 11 -15, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
July 25 – 29, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cuándo: habrá 4 sesiones disponibles:
13 a 17 de junio,
27 de junio al 1 de julio,
11 a 15 de julio,
y 25 a 29 de julio, todas de 9am a 3pm.
Where: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Kenwood
Dónde: Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge, Kenwood
Who: Ages: 8-12
Quien: edades de 8 a 12
Cost: $310 SEC members/$340 non-members
Costo: $310 para miembros de Sonoma Ecology Center, o $340 para el público general.
Join us for a week (or two!) of Creek camp exploration at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Traverse the headwaters of Sonoma Creek Watershed in this recreational and environmental education camp. Campers will spend the week as explorers, starting off the day with morning hikes on the park’s trails. As the day warms, we’ll stay close to water, exploring the creeks for insects and amphibians. Activities include investigating the properties of water, collecting and studying aquatic insects, learning about the wildlife and plants found in the park. Our camp days will also consist of plenty of games, hiking, and storytelling.
Creek Camp is run by Sonoma Ecology Center naturalist Jonny Ehlers. Jonny is a fourth-generation educator who began working with youth right out of high school in an after-school program in Sacramento. He later became an educator in West Sonoma County at a residential camp working with diverse populations and founded The Mycelium Project, an organization dedicated to helping kids and adults through hikes, and nature-based activities.
Acompañenos en una semana de exploración en el Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Recorreremos la cabecera del arroyo de Sonoma en este campamento de día recreacional y educativo. Los participantes pasarán la semana como exploradores, empezando el día con caminatas en los senderos del parque. Conforme los días se tornan calurosos, exploraremos el arroyo en busca de insectos y anfibios. Actividades incluyen investigación de las propiedades del agua, coleccionar y estudiar insectos acuáticos, y aprender acerca de la vida silvestre y las plantas en el parque. Nuestros días también consistirán de juegos, excursiones, y contar cuentos.
El campamento del arroyo en Sugarloaf es dirigido por Jonny Ehlers, naturalista con Sonoma Ecology Center. Jonny es un educador de cuarta generación que empezó a trabajar con jóvenes en un programa postescolar después de terminar su preparatoria. Mientras vivía en un campamento en el oeste del Condado de Sonoma trabajando con poblaciones diversas, fundó The Mycelium Project, una organización dedicada a ayudar a niños y adultos a través de actividades basadas en la naturaleza, como excursiones en senderos.
Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike begins at the White Barn and heads up to the viewpoint on Vista Trail or to Bald Mountain, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.
The Bald Mountain route is a strenuous 6.5 miles with 1500+ of vertical and some steep sections (not recommended for under 12). It leaves the White Barn parking lot at 6:30pm.
The Vista Trail route is a moderate-to-strenuous, 4-mile hike with 700ft of elevation and begins at 7:30pm. Not recommended for children under 8.
Tickets are $10 general, and $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members and Sugarloaf volunteers. Be at the meeting location at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees apply.
Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying and hiking. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. We have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, and if allowed, lunch.
If you are a current Sugarloaf volunteer, log in to Better Impact to sign up. Otherwise, start here to become a volunteer.
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Our parent organization, Sonoma Ecology Center, making great impacts in the areas of COMMUNITY, LAND, CLIMATE, WATER, and BIODIVERSITY in Sonoma Valley.
Camping at Sugarloaf
You can enjoy camping year-round at Sugarloaf with 47 family-friendly, alcohol-free camping spaces nestled in a large meadow and bordered by a year-round stream and a hillside forest.
Stargazing at Robert Ferguson Observatory
Completely dedicated to public viewing and education, the Robert Ferguson Observatory is the LARGEST in the western United States and it’s right here at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Community-Operated Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is operated by Sonoma Ecology Center and Team Sugarloaf. Learn more by visiting the Team Sugarloaf Page
SUGARLOAF BLOG
Butterflies at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
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2017 & 2020 Wildfires at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
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Zoom from the Park with New Internet Service
Thanks to an upgrade at...
Sugarloaf’s PPPP (Personal Porta Potty Program)
Each campsite has its own porta-potty which our dedicated campground Staff cleans between each set of campers. “The feedback from campers has been overwhelmingly positive”, said campground manager Woody Woodbury. “They like the safety as well as the convenience of having a toilet near their site,” he continued.
SONOMA ECOLOGY CENTER BLOG
- Leer en español: El Programa Formando una Nueva Clase de Activistas ClimáticosRead in English Ansiedad debido al cambio climático es la diagnosis por la preocupación familiar que incrementa relacionada con nuestro planeta calentándose y los efectos sentidos en un nivel local. Ya sea la incesante preocupación de ver lluvia nuevamente durante… Read more »
- The Program Stewarding in a New Class of Climate ActivistsClimate anxiety is the diagnosis for a familiar concern that rises about our warming planet and the effects experienced on a local level. Whether it is a nagging worry whether we’ll see more rain this season, or how hard we’ll… Read more »
- Wildflower Hikes in Sonoma CountyOne of our favorite ways to enjoy spring is to watch as nature puts on its show of breathtaking wildflowers. One after another, species burst into bloom with sprays of yellow, orange, purple and white, all across green fields and… Read more »
- Lions and Badgers and Bears: The Team behind Sugarloaf’s Amazing Wildlife FootageOn a foggy January morning, three Sugarloaf Ridge State Park volunteers gather at the Pony Gate trailhead with backpacks and hiking poles to complete what is for them, a typical volunteer shift– checking wildlife cameras placed around the park. Shuffling… Read more »