Simply Sunsational!

Hike Sonoma Valley's Overlook Trail at Sunset

Sometimes the best things are right under your nose—or in this case, right off Sonoma’s historic plaza. Enjoy a 2.5-mile (round-trip) sunset hike on Sonoma’s Overlook Trail. Locals have long been enjoying this backyard park that offers an expansive panorama of Sonoma Valley and its cascading green hills and vineyards.

There’s no need to drive to this trailhead (though you certainly can): The hike starts and ends just a few blocks off Sonoma’s town square. The trail gently ascends through blue oaks, manzanitas, and madrones. In the spring, it’s decorated with buttercups, mule ears, sky lupine, and royal larkspur. On hot days, oak-shaded benches make a nice break spot.

You’ll wind your way up Schocken Hill, with views of Mount Tamalpais, San Pablo Bay, and even San Francisco on a clear day. Sunset-watching here is sublime from the stone bench marking the top of the hill. Finish the loop and take the five-minute stroll back to Sonoma Square.

BONUS FIRE PIT & WINE: After your late-day hike, get down to the plaza for some fireside chatting and pinots at Roche Winery (open until 7:30 p.m.). Their garden patio also has food pop-ups. Or head to dinner at any of the surrounding restaurants.

TIP: Every Tuesday from May through September, Sonoma Valley's historic plaza is home to a lively locals' favorite Farmers' Market beginning at 5 p.m. Bring your own picnic (wine is allowed) and pick up fresh locally sourced fruits and vegetables, plus artisan goods. There are food trucks too!

To reach the trailhead from the square, head north on First St. West. Find the staging area just beyond the Veterans Memorial Building on the right side of the street. Follow the signs for the Overlook Trail’s Upper Loop Trail. There’s a small parking lot at the trailhead. No dogs.

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