New Year’s Day Hike on the East Slope Trail.
7th Annual New Year’s Hike on Sonoma Mountain’s East Slope Trail!
Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
10 am to 2 pm
Description: Immerse yourself in beauty and deepen your connection with nature in the New Year! Join SMP on the East Slope Trail for a rare guided hike with special access. We’ll have a leisurely climb through private property, stopping to explore ancient Bay trees and volcanic soils, and enjoying fabulous views of Mount Tamalpais, San Pablo Bay, Mount Diablo, Sonoma Valley, the Petaluma River watershed, and the Mayacamas.
We’ll listen with our senses along the ridge trail by walking silently for a bit. We’ll connect with the bay trees, meadows, Carriger Creek, blue oaks, and the valley below. We will identify plants and talk about the wildlife corridor and land and development at the former SDC property. At lunch, we’ll explore how being in nature helps us in these turbulent times. Led by SMP Board members Meg Beeler and Nancy Kirwan.
Logistics: Park and meet at 10 am in Sonoma along Grove Street facing west, just past Bonneau’s gas and store and Picazzo off Arnold. Here, we will sign waivers and join carpools—parking is very limited at the site. Approximate 800-foot elevation gain, then a relatively level ridge trail, 3.2 miles total. Outdoor “facilities.” Bring plastic to sit on, lunch, water, walking sticks, boots, a journal, layers, and your curiosity. Heavy rain postpones.
Maximum 15 hikers.
Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival.
Pets and smoking are not permitted.
