Join Bill and Dave on Saturday, February 29 as we leisurely enjoy some of the lower trails within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and appreciate the beauty of the waterfall. Plan to meet at the White Barn parking lot at 9:45 AM for a prompt 10 AM departure. Our hike will consist of two loops from the parking lot. We’ll first hike a three mile lower loop taking in the waterfall and then follow up with a three mile upper loop with lunch along the banks of the Sonoma Creek and a stop at the former Camp Butler. The total elevation gain for both loops is 800 feet. Plan to wear layered clothing and bring a lunch and ample liquids. We hike rain or shine and remember there is a $10 ($8 senior) vehicle fee to enter the park.
For more info: http://billanddavehikes.com/
Please join us for an 8-week INTERMEDIATE Hiking for Fitness Program. The program leaders will guide you on a series of weekly hikes with the challenge increasing each week. Leaders will have group discussions about gear, hydration, hiking poles, first aid and pacing, etc. The group’s final hike aims for Bald Mountain, where hikers can enjoy stunning vistas.The Hiking series costs $80, or free (plus free parking) for hikers with a 2019 or newer ParkRx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info.
Hike Schedule
1) Sat 3/7–Waterfall Loop, 2 miles, 595 ft [meet @ main lot]
2) Sat 3/14–Vista Trail Loop, 3.6 miles, 700 ft [meet @ white barn lot]
3) Sat 3/21–Goodspeed to Nattkemper bench, 4.2 miles, 1060 ft [meet @ Goodspeed lot]
4) Sat 3/28–Hillside/Brushy Peaks to Neptune picnic table, 4.6 miles, 780 ft [meet @ white barn lot]
5) Sat 4/4–Grandmother Oak (Sugarloaf’s McCormick Addition), 4.2 miles, 1060 ft [meet @ Hood Mtn Regional Park’s Los Alamos parking lot]
6) Sat 4/11–Vista Trail Loop (counter-clockwise), 4.7 miles, 1000 ft [meet @ white barn lot]
7) Sat 4/18–Brushy /Grey Pine (Hillside start), 6.5 miles, 1230 ft [meet @ white barn lot]
8) Sat 4/25–Bald Summit (w/ optional Headwaters wiggle = 5.8 mi), 5.25 miles, 1500 ft [meet @ white barn lot]
(routes subject to change based on group and weather)
We have volunteer opportunities for you! Initial training is provided and periodic docent enrichment events feature speakers who provide more insight into specific aspects of park history or ecology.
We need volunteers to:
– Become docents at the Visitor Center
– Direct visitors at the entrance kiosk
– Assist with data entry
– Aid project research and grant-writing
– Work on trail and park maintenance projects
– Facilitate special events and parking
– More volunteer opportunities and specifics
– Spanish-English fluency a plus
Experience is not necessary but welcomed, as well as a willingness to learn and the desire to share that knowledge with our visitors. We ask for a minimum of 4 hours per month of volunteer service. Join us! Together we can help make the parks thrive and provide great experiences for park visitors.
Sonoma County Trails Council volunteer trail work day at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. From 9am to about 1pm. We will provide parking passes, tools and Clif bars with beverages and snacks afterwards.
Bring gloves, a hat and water that you can take with you (hands free!) while working, and wear long pants, boots or hiking shoes and sunscreen. No experience necessary – we have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all strengths and sizes of volunteers.
In order to make sure we have enough tools and after-work beverages reply to trailscouncil@sonic.net if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This moderate to strenuous hike begins at the White Barn and heads up Vista Trail, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley. Meet at the White Barn at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the hike. We’ll cover 4 miles with 700 ft. elevation gain–including some steep sections. 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. 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
Join Certified California Naturalist Mary Good on a hike exploring the medicinal and edible plants of the park. Weaving in natural history, ethnobotany, herbalism and folktales, this walk will open your senses, as well as your curiosity to the abundance of plantlore in Sonoma County. Bring water and a snack and be prepared for a 2 to 3 mile walk with a 300 foot climb. Meet at the White Barn parking lot. $10.00 per adult, free for minors. Parking fees also apply.
Edible plant information is for educational purposes only. Foraging is illegal in CA State Parks.
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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.
School Programs
Sugarloaf offers a wide range of educational opportunities for classes of all ages! Featuring 25 miles of trails, year-round camping, a seasonal waterfall, one of the highest peaks in Sonoma County, and the headwaters to Sonoma Creek!