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

Join us for this morning hike in Glen Ellen. This hike, mostly on dirt trails, will begin in the historic Sonoma Developmental Center in Glen Ellen, 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.

Schedule: Meet us for sign-in and briefing at 9:30 AM at the Sonoma Development Center, corner of Sonoma and Wilson, near the Elridge Fire Department. Plenty of free parking is available. We’ll arrive back at the parking lot around 12:30 PM.

Post-Hike Lunch: You’re invited to join us for a communal peregrino lunch, featuring hearty bowls of Caldo Gallego. If you’re inclined, feel free to bring beer, wine, bread, a side dish or desserts to share. Lunch gathering will be an easy 10-minute drive to Kenwood and, depending on weather, will take place in a sheltered outdoor patio or inside a heated barn. Bathrooms available. Directions will be provided for attendees.

Because it may take place indoors due to bad weather, we are requiring attendees to this optional post-hike lunch only to be vaccinated or have received a negative test result within 72 hours of attendance. This is in accordance with American Pilgrims on the Camino’s policy on indoor chapter events.

Level of Difficulty: This hike is a loop and is rated as “easy”; total mileage is 5 miles with elevation gains of 814 feet. Poles will be helpful, but not required.

Advance online registration is required. Sign up by Thursday, November 11. Because space is limited to 15 participants, please register if/when you are certain you can attend. If later you are unable to attend, contact us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org.

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 Sonoma Development Center, corner of Sonoma and Wilson: https://goo.gl/maps/CTKCBb9WNJuQPEsn7

What to Bring: Snacks, plenty of water, and hiking poles are recommended. 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.

Leaders: Kerin McTaggart and Martin Peña

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