Hours:
The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.
Parking:
$7 per vehicle for day use.
Dogs:
Permitted on leash no longer than 6' in length. License required.
Accessibility:
Accessible parking, picnic site and portable restroom.
Ranger Phone:
(707) 539-8092
Trail Conditions:
Existing trails are limited to pedestrians only during the winter, and one or both routes may be temporarily closed because of wet conditions.
Taylor Mountain consists of five contiguous parcels acquired by the Open Space District between 1995 and 2011 with funding from a voter-approved sales tax. A prominent county landmark, Taylor Mountain provides sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Plain, and its oak woodlands, meadows, wetlands and springs are habitat for a variety of wildlife.
The site now has 4 miles of dirt trails along two routes, one of which leads up the mountain. A recently completed master plan for the property suggests the eventual development of 17 miles of primarily multi-use trails along with low-impact campsites, picnic sites, a visitor center and other recreation amenities closer to its urban boundaries.
Regional Parks soon will begin construction of the park’s first phase along Petaluma Hill Road. Work will include trails, a play course, picnic areas, restrooms and equestrian facilities, which will be accessed from a parking lot to be constructed south of Yolanda Avenue. The work is funded by a $750,000 state grant and completion is expected by summer of 2014. Additional trails and features will be added to the park as funding becomes available. Read more
In keeping with the site’s agricultural history and resource management goals, cattle grazing will continue on the property.
Taylor Mountain Trails
Length:4 miles of trails
Taylor Mountain Regional Park currently offers four miles of trail along two routes. The Eastern trail is the more difficult of the two routes, offering a steep ascent up the side of the mountain. The Western Route offers a challenging, but more gradual, uphill hike. Both routes offer sweeping views of the Santa Rosa plain.
Cattle Grazing Area Safety Tips
In keeping with the site’s agricultural history and resource management goals, cattle grazing will continue at the park and preserve. Although cows are not aggressive by nature, if aggravated or threatened, they will defend themselves.
Here are some important safety tips:
- Keep your dog on a leash at all times!
Dogs are perceived as predators. Cows cannot always distinguish the difference between a coyote and a dog and may become aggravated by an approaching dog off leash. - Do not attempt to pet, feed or touch the cows. Cows are very
protective of their young.
Do not get in between a calf and its mother and do not approach a stray calf,
its mother is likely nearby. - If Cattle are on the trail ahead of you:
Make yourself known well in advance by waving your arms and shout. This will usually make them scatter. The other option would be to turn back! - Be sure to give cattle plenty of space and an avenue of escape.
If you encounter a cow that is acting in a threatening manner or appears to be sick, injured or dead, please take note the location and report it to park staff.