Events

Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.

Tickets are $30 and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.

Sonoma County Resident? Free with a December 2022 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info.

Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).

Join us as we walk through the cosmos (on a scale model) and discuss the vast distance between our neighboring planets. The Sugarloaf Ridge Planet Walk is a unique opportunity to connect with the nature of planet earth as we discuss the incredible nature of the stars and beyond. Each step on the planet walk is scaled to represent 2.3 million miles so If you were to take a step every 5 seconds, you’d be traveling at the speed of light!

Starting at the White Barn and ending at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, we’ll walk to Neptune and back! This will be a moderate hike with an estimated elevation change of around 900ft and it will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The hike will end at the observatory where we’ll have an opportunity to observe the most important celestial object in our solar system, the sun! The Observatory will have solar viewing between 11am and 3pm so if you walk to the outer planets with us you can see the sun’s great prominence on your return!

This event is hosted by RFO. Tickets are available through SimpleTix. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for muddy/slippery trails. Bring at least one quart of water, and a lunch/snack as we will be taking a break once we reach the bench at Neptune. Parking fees apply.

Ease of access: Meadow Trail, although not ADA-compliant, is passable by wheelchair and stroller up to the Brushy Peaks junction. Brushy Peaks Trail is a single-track dirt trail with 600 feet of elevation and steps.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
For more events at Robert Ferguson Observatory, visit their page.

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.

You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.

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.

Wilderness 1st Aid Course at Sugarloaf
Robert Ferguson Observatory Classroom
April 22 & 23, 2023 8:30am-5pm

Lead by Safety Training Pros, classes are fun with lots of hands-on skills practice. The emphasis is on making good decisions by staying calm and safe, doing a throughout patient assessment, and having effective communication and leadership. Join our classes, where it is safe to learn and OK to make mistakes. Wilderness 1st Aid is 16 hours (two 8-hour days) focused on practicing skills and covering: patient assessment, shock and bleeding, head and spinal injuries, wounds, musculoskeletal injuries, heat and cold illnesses, and includes a half day of outdoor scenario practice of first aid and leadership skills. Gain some good tools and knowledge to handle a wilderness first aid emergency.
The course is $225 for the general public, $175 for Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for Sonoma Ecology Center staff. Two scholarships are available for those in need. Successful completion of the course includes a Wilderness 1st Aid certificate. Registration is required and closes two weeks prior to the event date.

Site 12 in the campground will be available for those who wish to camp on site over Saturday night at no additional cost. Parking fees apply.

______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

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.

You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.

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.

The Hiking for Fitness Series is back! Join us for the Beginner Hiking for Fitness program, where the leaders will guide you on a series of 8 weekly hikes with the challenge increasing each week. Before the first hike, the leader will discuss proper shoes, hydration, incorporating hiking poles, proper pacing, etc. The group’s final hike aims for the long route up Vista Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.

The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:
1) Sat 5/6 — White Barn to Uranus, 2.2 miles, 80 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
2) Sat 5/13 – Hillside-Meadow loop starting and ending at campground, 3 miles, 250 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
3) Sat 5/20 – Spring Lake + Lake Ralphine loop, 4.3 miles, 250 ft elev [meet @ Annadel’s Cobblestone trailhead]
4) Sat 5/27 – Stern, Pony Gate and Canyon, 3 miles, 500 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
5) Sat 6/3 –Jack London State Historic Park, May’s Clearing (map link), 3.7 miles, 430 ft elev TBD [meet @ upper parking lot, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, upper parking lot]
6) Sat 6/10 – Brushy Peaks to Neptune picnic table, 4.3 miles, 640 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
7) Sat 6/17 – Sonoma Valley Regional Park loop, 4.6, miles, 531 ft elev [meet at Valley of the Moon Trailhead on Arnold Dr.]
8) Sat 6/24 – Hillside + Vista Trail loop (counter-clockwise), 4.7 miles, 1000 ft elev [meet @ white barn]

Please note these routes are subject to change. Wear appropriate footwear for muddy or slippery trails and layers, as the group hikes in light rains. Bring at least a quart of water, and if desired, a snack. The group will be limited to 35 participants.

The hiking series costs $80, or free-of-cost for participants with a March 2023 or newer ParkRx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info. The number of available ParkRx tickets is limited; please have your ParkRx ready at the time of sign up.

¡Venga a conocer más acerca de nuestro universo! Los docentes del Observatorio Robert Ferguson (ubicado dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge) nos guiarán en una charla astronómica bilingüe y en el uso de telescopios para que usted y su familia puedan observar el cosmos. El evento comenzará a las 8:30 p.m. en el aula del Observatorio con una presentación.

La admisión es $10 para adultos y gratuita para los menores de edad. Si posees una tarjeta de EBT, el dueño y tres familiares pueden registrarse por gratis a través del programa Museums for All. Regístrate por adelantado ya que el espacio es limitado y se llenará pronto. Recomendamos vestirse en capas, traer agua, una linterna pequeña de mano (para aluzar el camino, pero no puede ser usada cerca del Observatorio a menos que tenga un filtro rojo)  y si la tienes, una guía a las estrellas. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. El estacionamiento, usualmente $10, es gratis para este evento.

Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a Alma o Arsel en senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767. Condiciones lluviosas cancelan el evento.

Facilidad de acceso: el Observatorio Robert Ferguson se ubica dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Cuenta con un espacio designado para estacionar vans que necesitan acceso y aunque no oficialmente, hay mucho estacionamiento que puede ser accesible en esa misma área y en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. Hay una rampa que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) para ingresar al observatorio. El área de asentamiento en el aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo uno accesible. El telescopio de la sala oeste tiene una rampa portátil, y el telescopio de la sala este es una pantalla grande instalada en la pared.  

BOLETOS AQUÍ.

Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para aprender más acerca de RFO, visita su página de internet. Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.

Cosmic Senderos
Sat, 5/6, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Come learn more about our universe! Robert Ferguson Observatory (inside Sugarloaf Ridge State Park) docents will guide us in a bilingual astronomical presentation and in the use of telescopes for you and your family to observe the cosmos. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Observatory classroom with a presentation.

Tickets are $10 per adult and free for children under 18 years old. If you have a current EBT card, the owner and three family members from the same household can register for free through the Museums for All Program. Please register in advance, as space is limited and this event will fill up quickly. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are encouraged to attend. Wear layers, bring water, a small flashlight (for walking to the gate only; white light is not to be used around the Observatory unless it has a red filter). We’ll meet at the White Barn parking lot. Parking, usually $10, will be waived for this event thanks to the generosity of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

For more information, email Alma or Arsel at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org or call Alma al 707-247-5767. Rainy conditions cancel.

Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory is located within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van-designated, there is more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp and at the White Barn lot. The observatory has a wooden ramp from the designated parking space to the main level deck. Inside the classroom, seating is fluid and mobile. There is an accessible stall in the bathroom inside the building and an accessible porta-potty at the group camp (directly outside the observatory). The telescope in the west wing has a mobile ramp and the telescope in the east wing projects off a screen attached to the wall.

TICKETS

Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
To learn more about RFO, visit their website. For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Join us as we walk through the cosmos (on a scale model) and discuss the vast distance between our neighboring planets. The Sugarloaf Ridge Planet Walk is a unique opportunity to connect with the nature of planet earth as we discuss the incredible nature of the stars and beyond. Each step on the planet walk is scaled to represent 2.3 million miles so If you were to take a step every 5 seconds, you’d be traveling at the speed of light!

Starting at the White Barn and ending at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, we’ll walk to Neptune and back! This will be a moderate hike with an estimated elevation change of around 900ft and it will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete. The hike will end at the observatory where we’ll have an opportunity to observe the most important celestial object in our solar system, the sun! The Observatory will have solar viewing between 11am and 3pm so if you walk to the outer planets with us you can see the sun’s great prominence on your return!

This event is hosted by RFO. Tickets are available through SimpleTix. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for muddy/slippery trails. Bring at least one quart of water, and a lunch/snack as we will be taking a break once we reach the bench at Neptune. Parking fees apply.

Ease of access: Meadow Trail, although not ADA-compliant, is passable by wheelchair and stroller up to the Brushy Peaks junction. Brushy Peaks Trail is a single-track dirt trail with 600 feet of elevation and steps.
______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
For more events at Robert Ferguson Observatory, visit their page.

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.

You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.

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.