Hikers gather at the Los Alamos Parking Lot at Hood Mountain Regional Park for the annual Headwaters to Headwaters Hike and Fundraiser on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Marielle V Chua.
Sonoma Ecology Center’s annual Headwaters to Headwaters Hike & Fundraiser for Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, which took place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, was an unforgettable journey through Hood Mountain Regional Park, the McCormick addition of Sugarloaf Park, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, made even more meaningful by the community that came together to support it.
Hikers participating in the 11-mile Classic Route set off from Hood Mountain Regional Park, after opening comments from staff members from Sonoma Ecology Center and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, and Mishewal-Wappo tribe member, Adam Pina Sr. Photos by Marielle V Chua.
The Headwaters to Headwaters Hike commenced at the Hood Mountain Regional Park Los Alamos Entrance, where participants assembled at the trailhead for opening remarks delivered by Richard Dale, Executive Director of the Sonoma Ecology Center; John Roney, Park Manager at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park; Maria Mauricio, Volunteer Coordinator at Sugarloaf; and Amanda Hubbard, Development Manager for the Sonoma Ecology Center. Prior to the start of the hike, Roney provided an overview of the 11-mile route, which would take hikers from Hood Mountain, through the McCormick addition of Sugarloaf Park, and into Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. He also acknowledged that the land traversed during the hike lies within the traditional territory of the Mishewal-Wappo tribe, who have served as stewards of the region for generations. Four members of the Mishewal-Wappo tribe—Adam Pina Sr., Norene Trippo, Mark Marrufo, and Desirae Harp—were in attendance, with Pina Sr. offering a brief address to the group before departure.
Spring wildflower blooms were in full show along the trail, as hikers set off towards their first summit of the day, Hill 2530. Photo by Marielle V Chua.
Following the opening remarks, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Volunteer Coordinator, Maria Mauricio, outlined the day’s itinerary and introduced the team of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park volunteers, including designated “Sweeps” responsible for supporting hikers and ensuring safety throughout the event. With provisions donated by Healdsburg Running Company and LMNT, the group departed from the trailhead. Along the way, they navigated creek crossings and steep elevation gains, then paused for lunch and a chat with Sonoma County Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker, who spoke on the legacy of collaboration and partnership between Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Hood Mountain Regional Park, underscoring the importance of protecting our open spaces and supporting the organizations who steward them.
The afternoon brought the final push toward Bald Mountain, where spirits were high as hikers reached the summit, soaking in breathtaking views of Sonoma and Napa counties—and celebrating the finish line just ahead!
Hikers took in the stunning vistas atop the final summit of the day—Bald Mountain—and enjoyed wildflower blooms along the trail as they descended towards the finish line. Photos by Austin Noble.
Despite tired legs and trail dust, hikers rallied at the finish—staying to celebrate their achievement with fellow trailmates over a well-earned BBQ dinner and refreshing beverages. The sense of accomplishment and community was palpable, made even sweeter by beverages generously donated by Bald Mountain Ranch, St. Francis Winery, Henhouse Brewing, and Athletic Brewing Company.
Hikers were greeted at the finish line with a warm welcome, cool beverages, and a swag bag full of gifts generously donated by local businesses and sponsors. Photos by Austin Noble.
We’re so grateful to everyone who made the day possible—hikers, sponsors (including SOMO Village, Pym-Rae Winery, Veteran Anesthesia, and Pillowfight Coffee who joined us on the trail!), and the incredible staff & volunteers behind the scenes.
And to those who couldn’t hike but showed their support by bidding in the auction or donating: thank you. Your generosity helps protect and care for our beloved local state park. Together, we raised an estimated $30,000 to support Sugarloaf Ridge State Park’s valuable programming!
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Manager John Roney looks on as hikers enjoy a post-hike BBQ at the end of the day. Photo by Austin Noble.
While Sugarloaf is a state park, it is operated by Sonoma Ecology Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and does not receive operating support from the State. It is our supporters, visitors, and members that keep Sugarloaf Ridge State Park open and accessible for all to enjoy. If you haven’t already, please consider supporting the park with a donation, membership, or annual pass. Thank you for your support!
If you attended Headwaters to Headwaters, you may have noticed two of our wonderful volunteer photographers, Marielle Chua and Austin Noble snapping photos through the first mile of the hike and at the finish line. We’re grateful for their support in helping tell our story, and will be sharing more of their photos from Headwaters to Headwaters soon. Be sure to follow @sugarloafpark on Instagram and Facebook!
If you have photos of your own to share, we’d love to see them! Submit your photos and videos from Headwaters to Headwaters 2025 using the button below.
THANK YOU TO OUR HEADWATERS TO HEADWATERS 2025 SPONSORS!
Thank you to March Conservation Fund, Sonoma Clean Power, Recology Sonoma Marin, Sonoma Water, Nugget Markets, Pym-Rae Winery, SOMO Village, LMNT, Peter Michael Winery, and Veteran Anesthesia, Inc.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
It takes many hands to pull off an event, and a united community to keep Sugarloaf Ridge State Park thriving. Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who contributed to Headwaters to Headwaters 2025:
In-Kind Donors: Athletic Brewing, Bald Mountain Ranch, Cain 5 Winery, Canevaris Deli, Charles Smith Winery, Fairmont Mission Inn, Friedman’s Home Improvement, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Healdsburg Running Company, HenHouse Brewing, Honey Bucket, Kistler Vineyeards, Kunde Winery, Larkmead Vineyards, LMNT, Mortons Warm Springs, Palooza Brewery and Gastropub, Pillow Fight Coffee, Pym-Rae Winery, REI Santa Rosa, Robert Ferguson Observatory, Sonoma Outfitters, St. Francis Winery, Swedes Feeds, Tapestry Productions, Thacher, The Rental Place, VJB Cellars, Wellington Cellars, Wine Country Deli, and World Centric.
Epic Route Volunteers: Brian Fujizawa (Lead), Lisa Frugoli (Co-Lead), Adam Stetins (Sweep), Chad Dienhart (Sweep), and Judy Barcelon (Sweep).
Classic Route Volunteers: Conci Mack (Lead), Bruce Hope (Co-Lead), Teri Tansey (Sweep), Doug Schrock (Sweep), Aisha Khamsaysoury (Sweep), Louise Winter (Sweep), Barney Locke (Gator Crew), Tom Gulya (Gator Crew), Scott Sandine (Mountain Biker Sweep), Cindy DeMoore (Mountain Biker Sweep).
Staff on the Hike: John Roney (Park Manager, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park), Maria Mauricio (Volunteer Coordinator, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park), Woody Woodbury (Campground Manager, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park), Richard Dale (Executive Director, Sonoma Ecology Center), Caitlin Cornwall (Senior Project Manager, Planning & Grants, Sonoma Ecology Center), Amanda Hubbard (Development Manager, Sonoma Ecology Center), Aila Fassett (Communications & Events Specialist, Sonoma Ecology Center).
On-Site Event Support: Alma Shaw (Bilingual Program Manager), Kristina Schulze Torres (Lead Volunteer for Headwaters Event), Dana Glei & Nancy Vineyard (Food Prep Volunteers).
BBQ, Set-Up & Clean-Up Volunteers:
Sherry Buchan, Denise Benguerel, Janet McCann, Deric Torres, Lynn Pelletier, Chris Engel, Hugh Helm, Bill Myers, Kam Shadan, Nancy Vineyard, Susie Albrecht, Ruth Cooper, Kjersti Hansen, Ann Shippey, Karen Murad, Dawn Kastelli, Stephanie Brown, Eric McHenry (President, Robert Ferguson Observatoy).
Kiosk Team:
Bonnie Campbell and Larry Valco.
Supporting Staff:
Danny Angel, Rachel Hallaway, Scott Lawyer (Campground & Maintenance Staff).
Trail Prep Team:
A huge thank you to the 27+ park and trail maintenance volunteers who came out Thursday to ensure the trails were in top shape for the event.
This event was especially meaningful as it was dedicated to Dave Chalk, one of our most treasured Sugarloaf Ridge State Park volunteers, who suffered a stroke earlier this year. Dave has played a huge role in the park’s success and in this event, year after year. While he couldn’t join us in person, we received word from his best friend, Bill Myers, that Dave was heading home for rehabilitation on the very same day as our hike. We’re beyond grateful to his family, friends, and medical team for his recovery, and we all look forward to seeing him back at the park soon.
Hikers celebrate a midway milestone atop Hill 2530.