Upcoming Hikes on Sonoma Mountain

Hikes:
Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, April 5
The Foot of Sonoma Mountain, April 7
Sonoma Mountain Vernal Pools, May 6

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Explore Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve

Saturday, April 5, 2025

2 pm to 4:30 pm

Registration HERE

Description: The Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve is a Sonoma Mountain Pleasure and only accessible via guided hikes. We will (once again) be joined by Sarah Reid and Carolyn Greene as highly knowledgeable naturalist guides for this leisurely 2-mile walk across uneven floriferous ground with only a brief uphill. Be prepared for walking through tall wet grass, ticks, small gurgling creeks you can step over. We always see plenty of birds, butterflies and other insects. Last year, we saw coyotes. This year’s hike is a bit earlier in the year than last year’s, so we will be seeing a different array of wildflowers.

Thank you, Sonoma Environmental Center, for managing this regional treasure, and the Goodes for agreeing to SMP sponsoring a hike here.

Logistics: Wear good hiking shoes or boots for uneven ground. To disuade ticks, wear light colored pants with gaiters or socks you can pull up over the end of your pant legs. Remember to bring your camera/phone, water, layers, a hat, sunscreen, a snack, and binoculars if you use them.

Heavy Rain Cancels

Directions: We will meet at the green and white barn at 2303 Grove Street, west of Arnold Dr. on the south side of the street at 2:00 pm.

Maximum 20 people.
Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival.
Pets and smoking are not permitted.

REGISTER

 

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Explore the Foot of Sonoma Mountain

Flowers, Frogs, and Burrowing Owls

Monday, April 7, 2025

10 am to 2 pm

Registration HERE

Description: Join us to explore the wildflower-covered low hills at the foot of Sonoma Mountain with Sonoma Land Trust’s (SLT) Julian Meisler and Riley Scaff. If the rains have been right, the hillsides will be carpeted with flowers and very beautiful.

From Sear’s Point Trailhead, we will walk up into the hills to see the wildflowers and learn about burrowing owl restoration work. Then, we will head down to see some wetlands and SLT’s frog restoration work.
3 miles roundtrip with 360 feet of elevation. Hills are short but steep.

This hike is another rare opportunity to experience the foot of Sonoma Mountain looking out to the Bay and restored wetlands.

Some conditions to be aware of:

• The highway underpass is a little low, so most people need to crouch to get through it. It can get muddy under there too.
• We won’t follow a discernable trail, so expect grassy, uneven terrain. Good footwear is a must. Ticks will be out, so long pants and are a must as well. Recommend gaiters or tucking pant legs into socks.
• It’s a working cattle ranch, so cattle could be in one of the pastures we walk through. They’re totally docile and will get out of the way when they see we don’t have hay.

Logistics:
Bring your lunch and water.
Children should be able to walk the distance (3-4 miles) independently.
Pets and smoking are not permitted.
Heavy rain cancels.

Directions: Sears Point Trailhead, 7699 Reclamation Road, Sonoma, CA 95476. Details will be emailed to you before the hike.

Can’t attend, after all? Email sonomamountainpreserve@gmail.com

Maximum 25 people.
Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival.
Pets and smoking are not permitted.

REGISTER

 

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