Calendar of Events

The Hiking for Fitness Series is back! Join us for the Beginner Hiking for Fitness program, where the leaders will guide you on a series of 8 weekly hikes with the challenge increasing each week. Before the first hike, the leader will discuss proper shoes, hydration, incorporating hiking poles, proper pacing, etc. The group’s final hike aims for the route up Brushy Peaks Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.

The following is a list of possible routes specifically selected for this hiking series:

1) Sat 5/11 – White Barn to Uranus, 2.1 miles, 180 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
2) Sat 5/18 – Hillside-Meadow loop, 3 miles, 490 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
3) Sat 5/25 – Lower Bald Mtn-Stern loop +, 2.5 miles, 586 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
4) Sat 6/1 – Jack London State Historic Park, May’s Clearing (map link), 3.5 miles, 820 ft elev [meet @ upper parking lot, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442] (this specific date meets at 9:00 am)
5) Sat 6/8 – Vista Trail loop, 3.5 miles, 830 ft elev [meet @ white barn]
6) Sat 6/15 – Stern + Waterfall loop, 2.7 miles, 750 ft elev [meet @ main lot]
7) Sat 6/22 – Sonoma Valley Regional Park & Lake Suttonfield loop, 4.3, miles, 770 ft elev [meet at Valley of the Moon Trailhead, Sonoma Valley Regional Park, on Arnold Dr.]
8) Sat 6/29 – Hillside to Neptune picnic table, 4.4 miles, 970 ft elev [meet @ white barn]

Please note these routes are subject to change. Wear appropriate footwear for muddy or slippery trails and layers, as the group hikes in light rains. Bring at least a quart of water, and if desired, a snack. The group will be limited to 35 participants.

The hiking series costs $80, or free-of-cost for participants with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx info. The number of available ParkRx tickets is limited; please have your ParkRx ready at the time of sign up.

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 for general audiences 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). The April hike will meet at the Goodspeed parking lot, whereas the May hike will meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.

Sonoma County Resident? Free with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx 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).

UPDATE 4/17, 1:40 PM: The April Yoga Hike has been canceled due to lack of sign-ups.

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 for general audiences 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). The April hike will meet at the Goodspeed parking lot, whereas the May hike will meet outside the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike. Limited to 12 participants.

Sonoma County Resident? Free with an April 2024 or newer ParkRx from a participating Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx 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).

¡Ven a conocer más acerca de nuestro universo! Los docentes del Observatorio Robert Ferguson (ubicado dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge) nos guiarán en una charla astronómica bilingüe y en el uso de telescopios para que usted y su familia puedan observar el cosmos. El evento comenzará a las 7:00 pm en el aula del Observatorio con una presentación.

La admisión es $10 para adultos, $5 para jóvenes (12 a 18 años; debe ser acompañado por un adulto responsable), y gratis para menores 12 años. Si posees una tarjeta de EBT, el dueño y tres familiares pueden asistir por gratis a través del programa Museums for All. Regístrate por adelantado ya que el espacio es limitado y se llenará pronto. Recomendamos asistir abrigado, traer agua, una linterna pequeña de mano para aluzar el camino del estacionamiento del granero blanco al estacionamiento del Observatorio, (pero no puede ser usada cerca del Observatorio a menos que tenga un filtro rojo)  y si la tienes, una guía al cosmos norteamericano. Nos reuniremos en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. 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. Condiciones lluviosas cancelan el evento.

Facilidad de acceso: el Observatorio Robert Ferguson se ubica dentro del Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge. Cuenta con un espacio designado para estacionar vans que necesitan acceso y aunque no oficialmente, hay mucho estacionamiento que puede ser accesible en esa misma área y en el estacionamiento del granero blanco. Hay una rampa que oficialmente cumple con los requerimientos de la Ley para Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA) para ingresar al observatorio. El área de asentamiento en el aula principal del observatorio está compuesto de sillas que fácilmente pueden moverse. Hay baños disponibles dentro del edificio, incluyendo uno accesible. El telescopio de la sala oeste tiene una rampa portátil, y el telescopio de la sala este es una pantalla grande instalada en la pared.  

BOLETOS AQUÍ.

Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para aprender más acerca de RFO, visita su página de internet. Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.

Senderos & RFO: Star Observing (en español)
Saturday, May 11, 9:00-11:00 pm

Come learn more about our universe! Robert Ferguson Observatory (inside Sugarloaf Ridge State Park) docents will guide us in a bilingual astronomical presentation and in the use of telescopes for you and your family to observe the cosmos. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Observatory classroom with a presentation.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for youth (12-18 year olds; must be accompanied by a responsible adult), and free for children under 12 years old. If you have a current EBT card, the owner and three family members from the same household can register for free through the Museums for All Program. Please register in advance, as space is limited and this event will fill up quickly. This event is planned around a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino audience. Families from underrepresented groups are encouraged to attend. Wear layers, bring water, a small flashlight (for walking to the gate only; white light is not to be used around the Observatory unless it has a red filter). We’ll meet at the White Barn parking lot. Parking, usually $10, will be waived for this event thanks to the generosity of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

For more information, email us at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org or call Alma al 707-247-5767. Rainy conditions cancel.

Ease of access: the Robert Ferguson Observatory is located within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. There is one van-designated parking spot and although not ADA or van-designated, there is more parking adjacent to the Observatory/group camp and at the White Barn lot. The observatory has a wooden ramp from the designated parking space to the main level deck. Inside the classroom, seating is fluid and mobile. There is an accessible stall in the bathroom inside the building and an accessible porta-potty at the group camp (directly outside the observatory). The telescope in the west wing has a mobile ramp and the telescope in the east wing projects off a screen attached to the wall.

TICKETS

Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
To learn more about RFO, visit their website. For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

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. Tickets are available at rfo.simpletix.com

FAQs:

1. Map and Directions
2. 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.
3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
5. 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.
6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
7. 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.

TICKETS

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. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program the 4th Sunday of the month led by certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) practitioners.

We invite you to join us on this therapeutic experience of sights, sounds, scents, touch, and memory. The outing begins at the White Barn and meanders less than one mile from the start point in a reverie of introspection and connection to the natural world.

Tickets are $20 or free with an April 2024 or newer Park Rx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx information. To sign up with a ParkRx, please email a PDF of your Rx to alma@sonomaecologycenter.org.

Wear layers, comfortable footwear, bring water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack or a picnic to enjoy after the event. Parking fees apply. Heavy rains cancel.

Ease of access: Creekside Nature Trail has two trailheads. The trailhead from the White Barn is ADA compliant for about 0.1 miles. Our route for this hike veers off to the left across a narrow bridge and single-track dirt trail that connects with Hillside and then backtracks. The entire route is approximately 3/4 of a mile with approximately 100ft of elevation gain. 

______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

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. Tickets are available at rfo.simpletix.com

FAQs:

1. Map and Directions
2. 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.
3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
5. 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.
6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
7. 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.

TICKETS

Want to do a thru-hike from Sugarloaf to Hood Mountain or vice versa? Ride the Sugar-Hood Shuttle!

How it works
Every half hour our Shuttle will leave from either Sugarloaf Ridge State Park or Hood Mountain Regional Park’s Pythian Rd parking lot. Make a reservation and then ride to the other end of the trail, or hike and ride back. We recommend riding first and hiking back to your car afterwards– no worries about how long you take to finish your adventure. The hike should take 3½ to 4½ hours; the distance is about 7.4 miles one way with approximately 2300ft of elevation gain. Registration is strongly encouraged, as there is only space for 5 riders at a time, but you can ride on a space-available basis as well. There is no charge for the ride, but the suggested donation of $10 helps keep us going. Dogs and bikes are not allowed in the shuttle or on Goodspeed Trail (the State Park portion of the route).

MAP PDF

Shuttle operated by Team Sugarloaf/Sonoma Ecology Center in partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks.

______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

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. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series as part of its Park Rx Program the 4th Sunday of the month led by certified Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT) practitioners.

We invite you to join us on this therapeutic experience of sights, sounds, scents, touch, and memory. The outing begins at the White Barn and meanders less than one mile from the start point in a reverie of introspection and connection to the natural world.

Tickets are $20 or free with an April 2024 or newer Park Rx from a Sonoma County Medical Provider. Click here for ParkRx information. To sign up with a ParkRx, please email a PDF of your Rx to alma@sonomaecologycenter.org.

Wear layers, comfortable footwear, bring water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack or a picnic to enjoy after the event. Parking fees apply. Heavy rains cancel.

Ease of access: Creekside Nature Trail has two trailheads. The trailhead from the White Barn is ADA compliant for about 0.1 miles. Our route for this hike veers off to the left across a narrow bridge and single-track dirt trail that connects with Hillside and then backtracks. The entire route is approximately 3/4 of a mile with approximately 100ft of elevation gain. 

______________________
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.

Sábado 29 de junio, 1:30-4:30 pm
Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma & Parque Estatal Sugarloaf Ridge

¿Qué tipo de macroinvertebrados podemos encontrar en el arroyo de Sonoma? Wendy Hayes nos acompaña en esta exploración bilingüe de insectos acuáticos. Comenzaremos detrás del centro de visitantes y bajaremos al lecho del arroyo después de aprender acerca de los mayores grupos de insectos que pueden ser encontrados en el arroyo.

Este evento gratuito requiere registración, ya que proveeremos transportación gratuita de la Biblioteca Regional del Valle de Sonoma (755 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476) a Sugarloaf (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452) y de regreso con tu registración. El autobús saldrá de la biblioteca prontamente a la 1:30 pm a Sugarloaf y regresará a la biblioteca alrededor de las 4:30 pm. Salida limitada a 25 participantes.

Recomendamos vestirse en ropa que pueda mojarse o ensuciarse, calzado adecuado para exploración acuática, traer una gorra o protección solar, al menos un litro de agua, y si deseas, un bocadillo. Para más información, manda un correo electrónico a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org o llama a Alma al 707-247-5767.

Facilidad de acceso: El centro de visitantes de Sugarloaf está rodeado por una plataforma acessible de madera. Hay un espacio designado como acessible para estacionarse frente a la rampa que conecta el estacionamiento con la plataforma. Hay un baño portátil accesible a unos metros de esta rampa. No hay acceso de la plataforma al lecho del arroyo; uno tiene que caminar algunos metros en terreno disparejo. Sin embargo, la plataforma tiene una sección que se extiende con más proximidad al arroyo y que dispone de un área para sentarse. Acomodaciones para personas que necesitan más acceso se pueden hacer al escribir a senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org al menos dos días antes del evento.

Este evento es en colaboración con Sonoma Valley Regional Library y es respaldado por Route to Parks, un proyecto de Parks California. Encuentra más oportunidades recreacionales a través del programa Senderos Naturales en ésta página.
Para más eventos en Sugarloaf, visita nuestro calendario.

ENGLISH:
Senderos: The (Wild)Life Aquatic
Sat, 6/29, 1:30-4:30 pm
Sonoma Valley Regional Library & Sugarloaf Ridge SP

What type of macroinvertebrates can we find in Sonoma Creek? Wendy Hayes joins us in this bilingual exploration of creek insects. We’ll start off at the back deck of the Visitor Center and move down to the creekbed after learning about the major groups of insects that can be found in the creek. We’ll start behind the Visitor Center and will walk to the creekbed after learning about the major groups of insects found in the creek.

This free event requires registration, as transportation from Sonoma Valley Regional Library (755 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476) to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA 95452) and back is included with your registration. The bus will leave the library at 1:30 pm towards Sugarloaf and will return to the library around 4:30 pm. Limited to 25 participants.

We recommend dressing in clothing and footwear that can get wet/dirty. Bring a hat or sun protection, water, and if desired, a snack. For more information, write to us at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org or call Alma at 707-247-5767.

Ease of access: Sugarloaf’s Visit or Center is surrounded by an accessible wooden deck. There is one van-designated parking space in front of the ramp/deck, and an accessible porta-potty a few feet away from the parking spot. There is no access from the deck to the creekbed; one must walk a few feet down on a short dirt path. However, the deck does have a large section that extends closer to the creek with seating area available. Additional accessible accommodations can be made if contacted in advance at senderos@sonomaecologycenter.org.

This event is in collaboration with Sonoma Valley Regional Library and sponsored by the Route to Parks Grant, a project of Parks California.
Find more recreational opportunities through the Senderos Naturales program in this page.
For more events at Sugarloaf, visit our calendar.