Hike Details:
- Meet at 6:45 pm.
- 6.5 miles roundtrip.
- Approximately 1.5 hours of hiking each way.
- 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
- Hearty hors d’oeuvres, sweet snacks, and refreshing beverages provided at the summit.
- All proceeds support Sonoma Ecology Center’s operations of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park—tax-deductible sponsorship options are available!
Space is limited for this annual event, and we expect to sell out. Reserve your spot now!
Join Team Sugarloaf and Sonoma Ecology Center and climb one of the tallest mountains in Sonoma Valley—Bald Mountain—and enjoy a spectacular vantage point to view as many as 18 different fireworks displays! This strenuous hike covers approximately 6.5 miles roundtrip with 1500 ft. elevation gain, including steep sections. Expect approximately 1.5 hours hiking time each way.
Upon arrival at the top of Bald Mountain, you’ll enjoy a mountaintop reception and enjoy hearty hors d’oeuvres, sweets, refreshing lemonade, and water. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful sights of fireworks displays that span the Bay Area—from Windsor in the north, Berkeley and Oakland in the east, and San Francisco to the south, with possible views into the South Bay.
ARRIVAL: Please arrive at the White Barn parking area (near Robert Ferguson Observatory) no later than 6:45 pm. We recommend arriving a few minutes earlier to check in. The hike begins promptly at 7:00 pm in order to ensure our arrival at the top before dark!
WHAT TO WEAR: Proper attire with sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing is a must, as it may be cool and windy at the top of Bald Mountain. Please be prepared with an extra layer. We will return to the parking lot at approximately 11:00 pm.
WHAT TO BRING:
- At least a quart (32 oz) of water for the hike up. We’ll have plenty to drink at the top
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Binoculars, optional
- Blanket and warm clothes (it is often cold at the top!)
Space is limited for this annual event, and we expect to sell out. Reserve your space now! Tickets are $70 for general audiences, $35 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), or Sugarloaf volunteers. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. This event is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
Proceeds support Sonoma Ecology Center’s operations of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. We have tax-deductible sponsorships available to defray the costs. Each sponsorship includes one ticket to the event.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park may be a California State Park, but it’s kept open and thriving by you—our community of visitors, donors, and volunteers. Managed by the Sonoma Ecology Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on private support to ensure everyone can enjoy this natural treasure. By giving, you help us continue our tradition of inclusive, community-focused programs that welcome new audiences to nature. Here’s what your support makes possible:
- Senderos Program: Engages Spanish-speaking families and individuals, bringing thousands of first-time visitors and campers into the park.
- Slow Journeys: Provides fully accessible nature experiences on flat, smooth paths for people of all abilities.
- Park Rx: The nation’s most active “prescription for nature,” offering over 1,000 participants each year free access to fitness hikes, yoga, Tai Chi, and forest therapy.
- Partnership with the Mishewal-Wappo: Honors local history and culture, fostering a relationship grounded in respect, patience, and courage.
- Resilience Amid Budget Cuts: In times of limited state funding, non-profit partners help keep the park’s operating and guarantee that critical conservation and educational projects move forward.
Your support, in the form of ticket purchases, event sponsorships, and donations, helps us strengthen community ties, fuel innovative outreach, and empower a passionate volunteer base—ensuring Sugarloaf Ridge State Park remains a place of discovery, well-being, and shared stewardship for generations to come.