Bedazzled Ridge

Glitter, sparkles, bright paint … there are all kinds of ways to add a little color to your life. Nature’s version? Wildflowers! And they pop up all over the East Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail. Access this high, rolling trail from Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. This is a long hike at 10.5 miles (round-trip). Early on, you’ll pass Jack’s manmade lake, and head up through a cooling forest of second-growth redwoods. Much of the hike is in the shade, making it refreshing on warm days. After a couple of miles turn onto the Sonoma Ridge Trail, a singletrack beauty that gradually ascends Sonoma Mountain. Enjoy wide-open views looking down on Sonoma Valley as well as glimpses south to San Pablo Bay. The wildflowers are beautiful when in bloom: Poppies, buttercups, red larkspurs, and blue-eyed grass color the landscape. After 4 miles you’ll reach the East Slope Trail, a ridgetop rambler that goes for 1.25 miles. You can turn around and return wherever you like, but we recommend going to the end for the full mountain experience. Return the way you came.

BONUS MEDITATIVE WALKS: As part of California State Parks Week, Jack London State Historic Park is offering "A Mindful Walk in the Park" on June 15, 2023. There is no charge for the guided walk, though registration is required, and so is a park entry fee ($10).

PRIDE EVENT: Sonoma County is home to the upcoming Gay Wine Weekend (July 14 to 16, 2023) brought to you by Out in the Vineyard. The 3-days of LGBTQ+ celebration benefits Face to Face, Sonoma County HIV/AIDS Network.

From the main parking lot at Jack London State Historic Park follow the signs to London Lake and the Lake Trail. Continue on the Sonoma Mountain Trail. After about 1 mile turn left on Sonoma Ridge Trail. Follow this for 2 miles until it becomes the East Slope Trail, where it continues for 1.25 miles until it dead-ends. Out and back is 10.5 miles. Check for ticks during and after your hike! No dogs.