First Hike on Newly Opened Trails w/ Sweeping Views | Sonoma

Submitted by the Event Organizer

On Saturday, March 14, 2015, Jack London State Historic Park will host a community celebration and ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the East Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail.

This trail, on land never before accessible to the public, is the culmination of nearly two decades of focused effort and collaboration. Hikers, cyclists, and equestrians will experience sweeping panoramas from the top of Sonoma Mountain, finding different views than ever seen before.

March 14 Ceremony Schedule

• 10:30 am: Ceremony in the Winery Ruins of the Beauty Ranch
• Noon: Hike commences. Plan to return by 6 pm.

The March 14 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and First Official Hike are both free and open to the public.

About the Hike

The 13 mile roundtrip hike will be led by Craig Anderson of LandPaths, Dave Chalk former board member of the VMNHA , and founder of the popular Bill and Dave Hikes along with John Lynch, Jack London State Historic Park naturalist. The hike will start at the Beauty Ranch and make its way 1 mile to the Jack London Lake where shorter-route hikers and kids can enjoy an assortment of activities before returning to the Beauty Ranch. Continuing around the lake the hike will lead us on Mountain Trail through an evergreen forest, abundant with spring wildflowers to the Ridge trailhead. The Sonoma Ridge Trail has a slow elevation gain by a series of switchbacks through lush green forests with viewing opportunities of the Sonoma Valley and even San Pablo Bay on a clear day. At 5 miles you will reach the begining of the East Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail and start exploring this new trail. Spectacular views await! At 6.5 miles you will reach the end of the new trail and make your way back to the Beauty Ranch.

Want to participate but not sure you can make a 13 mile hike? Not a problem. There will be numerous turn-around points along the trail with Jack London Park docents to lead you back.

Don’t have time for the inaugural 13 mile hike on March 14th? They will offer two additional guided hikes on March 28-led by John Lynch and on May 2nd-led by Dave Chalk. Both hikes will leave at 10 am and return by 4 pm.

Hikers should bring water, hiking poles, a snack, cameras, binoculars, dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.