Simply Suttonfield

Hike a loop around beautiful Lake Suttonfield in Glen Ellen

Tucked in charming Glen Ellen and accessed via a pullout parking area along Arnold Drive, Lake Suttonfield pours on the charm beyond the nearby wineries. There’s a lovely and easygoing 2-mile trail that loops around this large reservoir, flanked by impressive oaks, early blooms like popcorn flowers, and—on a clear and sunny day—a primrose sky settling into a tangerine orange hue layered in lavender as the afternoon deepens.

From the parking pullout on the east side of Arnold Drive there are two entrances; one is actually to Sonoma Valley Regional Park. Though immediately adjacent to that park, Lake Suttonfield is state-managed, and technically located on Sonoma Developmental Center land. So you want to take the less formal looking trailhead, with a sign saying Lake Suttonfield (it’s on a fence, and to the right of it is the obvious entranceway)—you'll see a wide paved trail with plentiful open space immediately surrounding it. Follow the path straight and then uphill as it slightly winds to the trail encircling the lake.

Follow the trail counterclockwise and soak in the unfurling views from nearby mountains all the way to Mount Tam. The trail stays close to the water the entire time, so you’ll know which path to stay on.

A few spur trails trace their way to shoreline coves for a little extra tranquility, and to catch a closer look at the resident ducks. Sunlight winks across the water and filters through the artistry of oak branches. This park has a simple beauty and yet holds much biodiversity and an impressive resiliency.

BONUS: Post-hike, there are nearby wineries, including Eric Ross and Benziger Family Winery, as well as great places for a bite to eat (and some chocolate!) at Jack London Village. With football in playoff season, we like the Jack London Pub, where you can grab some good beer and tasty chicken wings, and catch up on the games; it also has a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the free-flowing creek.

Dog-friendly! Be mindful parking on Arnold Drive; this is a busy road. The pullout is shortly after the gray bridge (you’re likely to see other cars there already).

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View