The practice of Forest Therapy has been shown to improve health and well-being.
Have you heard about Shinrin-yoku or Forest bathing? Here is an opportunity to take a walk and experience the practice for yourself. Learn techniques to maximize the health benefits and stress reducing qualities of this walking practice. Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan and is gaining popularity in the United States for its documented health benefits.
This practice takes a walk in the woods to another level. A centering and calming restorative practice, it promotes balance and restored vitality through a quality of presence and heightened sensory awareness. Recent articles have been written up in Oprah, Time Magazine, and National Geographic, as well as numerous other publications. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its ParkRx Program the 4th Sunday of each month. These walks are led by certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) practitioners. Visit natureandforesttherapy.earth for more info about this practice.
Tickets are $20 or free with an July 2023 or newer ParkRx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx information. To sign up with a Park Rx, please email alma@sonomaecologycenter.org. Please have your Park Rx available at the time of sign-up, as the number of Park Rx tickets is limited and you will be asked to turn in a copy at the time of registration.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Volunteers play a crucial role at keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open and accessible to all! Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work by coming to our every-other-Thursday Volunteer Trail Crew. Activities include bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying, and hiking.
Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Long sleeves are suggested as poison oak is present. We have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, and if allowed, lunch.
If you are a current Sugarloaf volunteer, log onto Better Impact to sign up. First-time volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to formally join our volunteer program if they’d like to support us more frequently. Start here to become a volunteer.
Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark. This hike begins at the White Barn and heads up to the viewpoint on Vista Trail, where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.
This is a moderate-to-strenuous, 4.2-mile hike with 700ft of elevation not recommended for children under 7.
Tickets are $10 general, and $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children 7-12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Be at the meeting location at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: the White Barn parking area has one van-designed parking spot and one accessible porta-potty. The Lower Bald Mountain Trail has two trailheads; one starting from the main parking lot and one starting from the group camp. It is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines for an elevation gain of approximately 500ft. Vista Trail is a narrow, single-track dirt trail with steep, rocky, slippery sections and multiple sections of stairs. Grey Pine connects Vista Trail to Meadow Trail. The section between Vista and Meadow is a double-track dirt trail with a creek crossing. Hikers cross a plank to continue onto the trail. Meadow Trail is a mostly flat composite trail manageable by strollers and wheelchairs from the trailhead to about a mile in, although officially not an ADA-compliant trail.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Fall is a wonderful time to check out migrant and resident birds in Sugarloaf’s diverse habitats. Join Carolyn Greene, bird-nerd and Certified California Naturalist on an easy 2-mile walk along Creekside and Lower Bald Mountain trails. Emphasis will be on ear-birding and recognizing multiple ID characteristics in the field. No prior birding experience needed; just bring a curiosity and appreciation for birds.
Tickets are $10 for general audiences, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by an adult), Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12 years old. Meet at the White Barn. Wear layers, comfortable footwear, sun protection, water, and if desired, a snack. If you have them, we recommend bringing binoculars, scope, camera, and/or bird identification guides. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking area has one van-designed parking spot. The western side of Creekside Nature Trail is a composite dirt and gravel trail of 0.45 miles that is ADA-compliant. Its western trailhead is across from the main parking lot. Lower Bald Mtn Trail starts at the main parking lot. It is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines for an elevation gain of approximately 500ft.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Join Desi Harp, Sugarloaf staff and member of the Mishewal-Wappo, in this walk of storytelling and reflection to honor Indigenous Peoples Day.
Tickets are $15-$5 sliding scale and free for children under 12. Meet at the White Barn. Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear for two miles of leisurely walking and chatting. Heavy rains cancel; parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking area has one van-accessible designated parking spot and one accessible porta-potty. Although the rest of the parking area is not designated as accessible, it is an open dirt lot that can accommodate up to 40 vehicles. There is a flat, paved 1/4 road from the parking area to the Meadow trailhead. Meadow Trail is an unpaved fire road that is mostly flat although not ADA-compliant. In the dry season, it is passable by stroller or wheelchair with off-road capability tires up to the bridge, about a mile in.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Join Sugarloaf docent Dana Glei in a 2-mile hike (250 ft elevation change) focusing on some of the most social birds at Sugarloaf: woodpeckers. Learn how to identify them by sight, sound, flight pattern, and/or behavior. We are almost certain to see acorn woodpeckers, and might be able to spot Northern flickers, pileated woodpeckers, Nuttall’s woodpeckers, Downy woodpeckers, Hairy woodpeckers, or Red-breasted sapsuckers. We’ll meet at the White Barn. From there, we’ll start off hiking toward the Observatory, continue on Lower Bald Mt. to Creekside Trail, and then up Hillside Trail, where we will stop at the lookout vista. We’ll make our return to the White Barn via Hillside.
Tickets are $10 general, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by an adult), Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12 years old. Bring at least a quart of water, wear layers, comfortable shoes, and sun protection. If you have them, we recommend bringing binoculars, scope, camera, bird identification guides, and if you’d like, a snack. If you use iNaturalist or would like to learn how to use it, make sure it’s already installed on your phone before you arrive to the park. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking area has one van-designed parking spot. Lower Bald Mt Trail is a single track trail not accessible by wheelchair or stroller. Creekside Nature Trail is flat and ADA-compliant for 0.4 miles, but its path splits, with the Southern side of the trail being a single-track trail with a small incline. Hillside Trail is a gravel fire road with a hill of approximately 100 feet up to the former boy scout camp.
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For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.
Volunteers play a crucial role at keeping Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open and accessible to all! Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work by coming to our every-other-Thursday Volunteer Trail Crew. Activities include bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying, and hiking.
Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack). Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Long sleeves are suggested as poison oak is present. We have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, and if allowed, lunch.
If you are a current Sugarloaf volunteer, log onto Better Impact to sign up. First-time volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to formally join our volunteer program if they’d like to support us more frequently. Start here to become a volunteer.
The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.
Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.
You must have a ticket to attend, as we are limited to 40 attendees per County Health Orders. Proof of vaccination or a negative rapid test taken within the last 48 hours are also required to attend.
FAQs:
- Map and Directions
- When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
- There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
- White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory. - Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
- The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.
Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707) 833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.
Enjoy your yoga experience in the beautiful setting of our park! Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation, no mat necessary. The route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. All levels and ages welcome.
Tickets are $30 and include parking if registered in advance online. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.
Sonoma County Resident? Free with a October 2023 or newer Park Rx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for Park Rx info.
Ease of access: we’re unable to determine ease of access as the route will be decided the day-of by the hike leader and other logistics (mud, small water crossings, slippery trails, etc).
Acompáñanos en una caminata única en Sugarloaf llena de curiodades escalofriantes, incluyendo relatos acerca de personas que fallecieron en el parque, los hábitos funerarios de los cuervos, y si es posible, observar murciélagos.
Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento principal y seguiremos el circuito Hillside-Meadow. Por favor trae al menos un litro de agua, calzado apropiado para senderos resbaladizos, repelente de insectos o una playera de mangas largas, y una lámpara de mano, ya que la caminata terminará en el crepúsculo.
El evento es gratis pero requiere registración por adelantado ya que el espacio es limitado. El estacionamiento, usualmente $10, es gratis para este evento.
Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767.
Este evento es en colaboración con la Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma. Si vives cerca de la biblioteca, visítales o llámales para inscribirte al programa– ¡incluyendo transporte!
Facilidad de acceso: el sendero Hillside es una carretera de servicio con dos colinas de alrededor de 100 pies cada una y un pequeño cruce de riachuelo. El sendero Meadow es un camino de grava compacta plano. Carriolas o sillas de ruedas pueden avanzar alrededor de una milla en este sendero (desde el Observatorio), el cual no es oficialmente un sendero que cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA). Este circuito de grava actúa como un cortafuegos, manejable por vehículos autorizados.
Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.
ENGLISH: Senderos: Fauna
Sat, 10/21, 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Join us in a unique hike at Sugarloaf full of spooky curios, including stories about characters who have met their end in the park, the funerary habits of crows, and if possible, we might observe some bats. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. Email senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org with your questions. This event is in collaboration with Sonoma Valley Regional Library. If you live near the library and need transportation, call or visit them to sign up for this program– and a ride!
Ease of access: Hillside Trail is a gravel and dirt road with two 100-ft hills and a small stream crossing. Meadow is a mostly flat composite trail manageable by strollers and wheelchairs from the trailhead to about a mile in, although officially not an ADA-compliant trail. The entire loop is a fire road sometimes driven by authorized vehicles.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.