Sonoma High

Hike The New North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park

03.24.2015

The Bay Area Ridge Trail will one day connect over 500 miles of trail along the hills and ridgelines to make one big Bay Area loop. So far, over 350 miles have been completed, and the North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park is one of the newest pieces to this impressive puzzle. The gorgeous park just north of Jack London State Park has some of the richest biodiversity in Sonoma County. Explore the terrain and enjoy the vistas on a 4-mile (round-trip) hike. Early on you'll pass a small redwood grove with two picnic tables set close to a burbling creek. Cross a wooden bridge and begin a gentle ascent up a trail clearly demarcated by large stones lining the pathway. Also lining the landscape right now: wildflowers! Get your Easter colors when you pass by newly blooming beauties like shooting stars, Douglas iris, and California poppies. As you start onto switchbacks there's a small pond with a few lucky ducks quacking about. You'll feel like a lucky duck too, walking under a canopy of live oaks, valley oaks, buckeys, madrones, and Douglas firs. Parts of this trail seem designed by an artist, as the arms of oak trees twist overhead and lush spring greenery runs from ground to tree. The main trail is the Ridge Trail, and it connects all the way to Jack London State Park. For the 4-mile (round-trip) hike, ascend to the Bennett Valley Overlook, which will be your turnaround point. Just don't turn around until you've taken in the views first! From 1,720 feet at the vista point, look west and north toward to the Santa Rosa Plain and the surrounding beautiful green galloping hills. You can also see distant Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Hood Mountain. Good as new!

BONUS: The next level after organic? Biodynamic! Check out one of wine country's pioneers down the road at Benziger Family Winery. Their biodynamic tram tour takes you around the property and teaches a bit about the process−tasting included!

North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park is southeast of Santa Rosa (map). Print out a park map to bring with you. There's a $7 parking fee. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

    View

  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

    View

  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

    View

  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View