Hood Mountain Regional Park & Preserve is a 2,000-acre wilderness park on the edge of the Sonoma Valley, about 5 miles southeast of Santa Rosa. The park offers more than 19 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
At 2,730 feet, Hood Mountain is the highest peak in the Mayacamas Mountains. Its Gunsight Rock outcropping above Highway 12 offers stunning views of the Sonoma Valley and beyond.
The Lawson Trail allows the first public access to the recently acquired “Lawson Expansion” property, 247-acres on the western flank of Hood Mountain, overlooking eastern Santa Rosa in the western foothills of the Mayacamas, with views to the ocean and a meandering tour of Hood Mountain’s many diverse habitats. Learn more about this new trail
Environmental campsites are available reservation and can be reached by hiking approximately 2 miles from parking areas. Reserve by calling (707) 565-2267 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Trails climb through mixed-conifer forests and cross meadows and creeks. The new Lawson Trail (opened in 2020) provides access to the western flank of Hood Mountain, with several great vista points and a picnic area at the top. Due to elevation gains, the hiking can strenuous.
North Entrance
Access the park's northwest side through Los Alamos Road. Get Directions: 3000 Los Alamos Road, Santa Rosa
Southwest Entrance
Access the park's southwest side through Pythian Road. Get Directions: 1450 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa