Glen Ellen, CA: Northern California Chapter, Ancient Redwood Hike

Join us for a lovely autumn hike in Sonoma County. This hike, mostly on dirt trails, will begin in the historic Sonoma Developmental Center in Glen Ellen/Eldridge, and skirt by Fern Lake, before entering Jack London State Historic Park where we’ll find the 2,000-year-old, 14-foot diameter ancient redwood. After our lunch break in the shade of redwood trees, we’ll meander through the forest and the SDC fruit orchards, and return via the sacred SDC cemetery.

Schedule: Meet us at 9:30 AM at the Sonoma Development Center, corner of Sonoma Circle and Wilson, near the Elridge Fire Department. Plenty of free parking available. We’ll have lunch on the trail and expect to be back at the parking lot by 2:00 PM.

Level of Difficulty: This hike is a loop and rated moderate. Total mileage is 6.3 miles with total elevation gain of 1,073 feet.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Because space is limited, please register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can update our list.

Getting There:

• From Marin and southern locations, follow US-101 N and CA-37 E to CA-121 N in Sonoma County. Continue onto CA-116 W. Follow Arnold Dr. to Wilson. Turn left onto Wilson.
• From Santa Rosa and northern locations, from Highway 101, take CA-12 E (towards Sonoma). In Glen Ellen, turn right onto Arnold Dr. Turn right onto Wilson.

For exact directions, map to the Sonoma Development Center, corner of Sonoma Circle and Wilson.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: A day pack with water, snacks, and a bag lunch. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and a jacket or sweater in case it’s cool. Good hiking shoes are recommended and hiking poles may be helpful. Also, there are no restrooms or water available at the parking lot or along the trail. The first facilities will be at the lunch stop about 3 hours after departure. Please plan accordingly.

Post-Hike Happy Hour: You are invited to join us for a communal gathering with appetizers and lively pilgrim conversation at the Kenwood home of chapter members Martin Peña and Bob McCormick. Feel free to bring beer, wine, and appetizers. Their home is an easy 10-minute drive from the SDC, and depending on weather, will take place on a sheltered patio. Directions will be provided to attendees.

Leaders: Kerin McTaggart and Martin Peña

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.