Sugarloaf Ridge, a State Park ‘gem’ tucked back in the hills east of Kenwood in Sonoma County.

Thursday, May 1, times 10 am to 3 pm 

Leader:   Kurt Rademacher

Please sign up for this field trip here.

Get information about carpooling and shared campsites by emailing Ann Elliott.

Join us for a hike exploring the spring wildflowers, shrubs & trees of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.  Portions of our route through woodlands, chaparral, grasslands and riparian woods burnt in 2017, and it’s interesting to see how these different plant communities have been regenerating.  Just a few of the plants we hope to see are the golden fairy lantern, Oregon oak, coffee fern and, in keeping with your drive through the Sonoma Valley, the wine-cup clarkia.

Our five-mile loop will take us up the Lower Bald Mountain Trail, contour along the aptly-named Vista Trail, and descend to the Meadow Trail leading back to our starting point.  Much of the 5-mile route is along single-track trails with a rise and return of 700 feet elevation; mostly gentle but quite steep in two stretches.  Sturdy boots and hiking poles are advised.   

State Park entry fee; $10 per vehicle. If you want to camp the night before, after or both, reserve your sites and/or tent online: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The campground does have a handful of first-come, first-served campsites which can be reserved at exactly 10 am on the day of camping. The camp ground is near our hike starting point.  For more details, please visit Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

Directions:

Approaching from either northward up the Sonoma Valley, or eastward from Santa Rosa, follow State Route 12 to Adobe Canyon Road. Look for the sign “STATION, Golden Bear” atop a Café, and turn east up Adobe Canyon Road 3.5 miles to its end at the state park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA. We will convene at the parking lot and restroom just 200 yards past the entrance kiosk.  Cell phone service is weak or non-existent in the park.

Bring:  Water, a snack/lunch. Dress in layers.  Boots or sturdy shoes.

Rain cancels.

Email Ann with any questions. 

Text for day-of-trip questions or issues: cell phone  530-521-4402