Kenwood, CA: Northern California Chapter, Sugarloaf Ridge Hike

Join us for our first Sonoma hike of 2022! Sugarloaf Ridge State Park boasts some of the best views in the Bay Area from the top of Bald Mountain and offers over 25 miles of trails, 47 campsites and the Robert Ferguson Observatory. This hike is exclusively on dirt trails with thrilling views of both Sonoma and Napa Valleys, extending to Mt. Diablo, Mt. Tamalpais, San Francisco and more! There are lovely local vistas along the hike up the mountain. Bald Mountain summit is at 2,739 feet above sea level. Conditions and interest permitting, we may extend the hike to include the waterfall at Sugarloaf. Registration required (see instructions below).

Schedule: Meet at the Robert Ferguson Observatory parking lot (Lower Bald Mountain trailhead) about a half-mile past the park visitor center at 9:30 AM. Entry fee is $10 ($8 Senior) per vehicle (cash or credit). Restrooms (portable toilets) are available in the parking lot only. We’ll break for lunch during the hike and expect to arrive back at the parking lot by 3:00 PM. Cancelled by rain. If weather is questionable, we will send out an email to registered participants.

Level of Difficulty: Very difficult. This is a challenging hike due to the steep elevation gains totaling 1,600 feet and a total distance of 6.7 miles with a 2-mile steady ascent to the mountain summit. To make this an enjoyable event for all, please have recent and comparable hike experience. Several 6 to 7-mile hikes with rigorous climbs should set you up for success.

COVID-19 Policy: We request participants be up to date with vaccinations as defined by the CDC. Also, we ask participants to use masks whenever social distancing is not possible, such as at meeting locations or if directed by event leaders. Thank you for helping ensure the health and safety of all.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up by Saturday, February 5. Because space is very limited, 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: The park is located at 2605 Adobe Canyon Road in Kenwood.

From Locations South: Take US-101 N, CA-37 E and CA-121 N to Arnold Drive in Sonoma County. Continue on Arnold Drive to Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Caliente. At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto Agua Caliente Road. Turn left onto CA-12 W. Turn right onto Adobe Canyon Road.

From Santa Rosa: Take CA-12 E towards Sonoma. Turn left onto Adobe Canyon Road.

What to Bring: A bag lunch, snacks, water and rain gear, if weather calls for it. Layered clothing is recommended as it is usually quite cold and windy at the top of Bald Mountain (Hike Leader Kerin always carries a beanie/gloves/puffy jacket). Good boots advised as the trails may be wet and there are several creek crossings. Hiking poles are highly recommended.

Leaders: Kerin McTaggart and Martin Peña

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