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. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View