Awesome Walks & Hikes

Another trail with panoramic views of Sonoma and the Bay, from easy-to-reach vista points, is the outer loop in Bartholomew Park (just behind Bartholomew Park Winery). It is a little over a mile and a half walk or drive to Bartholomew Park from Sonoma Plaza.

There are several loop routes on these grounds, ranging from about one and three quarters to two miles in length. There is a descriptive signboard posted at each of the gated entrances to the trails.

The grade is moderately easy with occasional steep sections that are mostly articulated with curbed steps. Several shaded spots and vista points are furnished with benches. This network of trails is opened seasonally during posted Park hours – closed during the rainy season. Hiking boots are definitely recommended.

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A wonderful oak woodland park, with flat paved central trail suitable strollers. Download the complete SVVB Hike and Bike Guide here (PDF File).

North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park is the newest park to be added to the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The 820-acre park does it all: connects to trails at adjacent Jack London State Park, offers stunning views of nearby peaks, and is home to coastal redwood and live oak trees, golden eagles, bobcats, winter vernal pools with western pond turtles and rare plant species, and vibrant spring wildflower displays. The almost 4-mile Ridge trail ascends to nearly 2,00o feet. Park info.

Jack London Sate Historic Park has an excellent network of walks and trails, ranging in difficulty from 0 to 10. For families with children who aren’t up to making the longer treks, the gentle-grade Lake Trail (2-mile loop) is very diverse and satisfying. From the parking lot it passes through a large picnic area, by historic barns and the “summer” cottage, the “Pig Palace” and silos, and around a lovely vineyard. At the edge of the woods one can continue to follow the fire road or go off to the left, up through a redwood grove to reach the Lake. From the “Bathhouse,” there are two gentle loop trails available to anyone wanting more distance but not too much exertion. The Upper Lake Trail loop is approximately a half-mile circuit and the Quarry & Vineyard Trail loop is about three quarters of a mile around. A sturdy pair of sports shoes will suffice for the trip to the Lake, but hiking boots are highly recommended for longer outings. Download the complete SVVB Hike and Bike Guide here (PDF File).

Annadel State Park, located at the northern reach of Sonoma Valley, is a hiker’s paradise. These are wildlands, so sturdy shoes, sun protection, and water are essential. Hike and Bike Guide courtesy of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau.  Download the complete SVVB Hike and Bike Guide here (PDownloadDF File).

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is perched just east of Kenwood, on the side of the Mayacamas Mountains. The eastern side of the valley tends to a bit drier and more narly than the western side, but the summits are also higher and provide spectacular views. Sugarloaf is a wilderness part, so sturdy shoes, sun protection, and water are essential. Download the complete SVVB Hike and Bike Guide here (PDF File).