Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike has two routes and heads up either to Bald Mountain or to the viewpoint on the Vista Trail, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.
The Bald Mountain route starts at 4:30PM and meets at the main parking lot. It is strenuous and will cover 6.5 miles with 1500 plus of vertical with some steep sections.
The Vista Trail route is a moderate-to-strenuous 4-mile hike with 700ft of elevation. It begins at 4:45PM from the White Barn.
Be at the meeting location at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring your mask, water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees and social distancing apply.

Tickets available at https://sec.simpletix.com/e/56343

Come to the park for a peaceful hike through the woods! Join our Docents on this fun family hike that is good for all ages. During this 2-mile hike with 400-ft elevation gain, you will learn about Sugarloaf Park, its plants, animals, and history. Weather permitting, the hike will begin and end at the Visitor Center. This is a free event but parking fees do apply. Please RSVP to alma at sonomaecologycenter.org as we are limiting the walk to 12 attendees.

Choose your own adventure! Part of our Hiking for Fitness program, these free, moderate-to-strenuous group hikes are geared to keep you motivated through the cold season. RSVP is a must and will be limited to 10 participants per route. Parking fees apply. Maintenance Hikes are every second and fourth Saturday of the month.

Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation. No mat necessary. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed) and your mask. Route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. Cost is $25 and includes parking if registered in advance online. Purchase the yoga pass for each group of 3 sessions this year and save $15. All levels and ages welcome. Meet at the Visitor’s Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.

Tickets –https://sec.simpletix.com/e/57882

The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.

Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.

FAQs:

1. Map and Directions
2. When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
5. White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
   ◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
   ◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
   ◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
   ◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory.
6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
7. The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.

Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707)833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.

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. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, food and beverages. If you are a current State Parks volunteer, signup in vicnet. If you are an SEC volunteer, sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4aaca62ca3ff2-sugarloaf1