Hidden Wilds of Healdsburg

Hike the Less Traveled Healdsburg Open Space Preserve

04.06.2022
Hiker at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve hiking amid lupine wildflowers

Don’t judge a book by its cover or an open space by its limited parking. When you arrive at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, you may wonder what could possibly be tucked behind a subdivision. Get ready for a pleasant surprise. Within minutes of hiking the quiet trails in this 155-acre preserve, the beauty reveals itself: majestic oak trees, wetland, spring wildflowers, and wowing views of the Mayacama Mountains and Russian River.

Hiker passing trail sign for All the Oaks Trail and Ridge Trail at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space

Hiker crouching to take a phone photo of lupine wildflowers at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

Hiker on trail festooned by lupine wildflowers at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

For an easy 1.5-mile hike (you know, in between wine tastings!) connect Ridge Trail and All-the-Oaks Trail, with a brief detour to the Russian River Overlook bench.

Two people on the Russian River Overlook bench at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

Hiker at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

Hiker on the All the Oaks Trail at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

The easy trails have relatively gentle ascents through a shaded canopy of coast live oaks, and out to a few bench overlooks with vistas including Fitch Mountain, the Mayacamas, and the Russian River. At the first bench overlook there’s currently a purple carpet of lupine decorating the landscape. Follow the All-the-Oaks Trail back down to the start, then decide whether to wine taste or grab a bite to eat in downtown Healdsburg.

WINERY TIP: There’s plenty of excellent options for wine tasting in and around Healdsburg, so have fun exploring. Our recommendation is Bricoleur Vineyards. Book a tasting or show up and buy a bottle to enjoy on their expansive property—the cornhole and gazebo patio area is lovely and overlooks the vineyards.

BONUS EATS: Cocktails and wood-fired pizzas along with a lively and charming outdoor patio make Campo Fina a good bet for a post-hike meal in the heart of Healdsburg’s downtown. Mix it up from the wines or pay a $20 corkage if you bring a bottle from your wine-tasting excursions.

Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve is at Bridle Path and Arabian Way in Healdsburg (map). Look for street parking (park on the streets at the end of Arabian Way if you can). The trailhead is at the eastern end of Arabian Way. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. 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
  2. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View
  3. Two people fly fishing on the Truckee River with guides from Reno Fly Shop

    Zen and the Art of Fly Fishing

    Learning to fly fish is one of the most fun and beautiful ways to connect with nature, family, friends, and yourself. It’s also a great way to truly experience the magic of a place. Make that place Reno Tahoe, where a fly fishing adventure with Reno Fly Shop is like being planted in a plein air painting of dreamy outdoors.

    View

  4. Roaring Good Time

    There’s nothing quite like the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests. Now, imagine experiencing those towering giants aboard a historic 19th-century steam train. Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton is home to some of the oldest and most authentically preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  2. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View
  3. A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

    Going Wildwood

    Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.

    View
  4. A woman on the overlook deck overlooking the Truckee River at Oxbow Nature Study Area in Reno

    This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road

    Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.

    View