Explore 8 miles of new trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Sonoma County Regional Parks has opened 8 miles of new trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa, nearly doubling the park’s trail network and providing the first public access to hundreds of acres on the park’s northeastern side. 

Located just minutes from downtown Santa Rosa, the 1,100-acre park has been a popular destination since it opened in 2013, known for its sweeping views from the 1,380-foot summit, its natural play area, disc golf course and multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

The project represents Sonoma County’s largest trail construction project in more than a decade. It reflects years of planning, public investment and community input to transform protected open space into a public park that balances outdoor recreation with natural resource stewardship.

“This is a wonderful example of what’s possible when we support the long-term planning of our parks and open spaces,” said Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair Lynda Hopkins. “Through partnership and collaboration this land was protected, and in the same spirit, we’re now delivering on the vision to expand access to nature and offer new opportunities for recreation and well-being.”

Visitors will find a distinct experience on the new trails, in contrast with the more exposed, open grasslands on the park’s west side. Highlights include Kawana Terrace Trail, which passes the historic ruins of a 19th century hot springs resort; Colgan Highlands Trail, which climbs to the East Knoll overlook at 1,140 feet for panoramic views of Bennett Valley; and Lower Colgan Loop Trail, a gentler trail that crosses Colgan Creek over several bridges under a canopy of oaks and bay laurels. A stacked-looped trail design offers routes of varying lengths, elevation and difficulty.

"These new trails are a big deal,” said Supervisor Chris Coursey, whose 3rd District includes part of the park. “They offer a very different experience at Taylor Mountain. It's almost like we're opening a new park. Sonoma County residents are continually looking for close-to-home ways to stay active and connected to nature, so this opening is very welcome news.”

With this expansion, the park now features more than 15 miles of trails that wind through oak woodlands, along seasonal creeks and across scenic ridgetops with sweeping views of Bennett and Sonoma valleys, the Santa Rosa Plain and coastal mountains. New walk-in and bike-in entrances at Linwood Drive and Kawana Terrace Road improve access for nearby neighborhoods. The new trails initially opened to hikers only in spring 2025, to allow the trails to stabilize and ensure long-term durability, and are now open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.

“It’s incredibly meaningful to see this vision realized, expanding access for nearby neighborhoods and creating more welcoming, walkable ways for people to enjoy nature right next door,” said Supervisor Rebecca Hermosillo, whose 1st District touches the east side of the mountain. “Now Taylor Mountain is becoming even more of a shared space where families, neighbors and future generations can feel a real sense of connection to the land.”

Taylor Mountain opened with only 3 miles of trail in 2013. This followed a multi-stage process: the parkland's acquisition and conservation by Sonoma County Ag + Open Space; its transfer to Regional Parks; and the adoption of a community-driven master plan. This plan continues to guide the park's development, recreational uses and natural resource protections. Phased projects have restored natural habitat, added trails in the central and southwest sections of the park and developed the primary trailhead, parking area and a natural play area on Petaluma Hill Road.

“Taylor Mountain Regional Park has grown from one bold idea into one of our most beloved parks, thanks to years of planning, investment and strong partnerships,” said Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker. “This expansion adds a whole new way to experience the park, whether you’re out for a quiet walk, a challenging ride or just taking in the views, and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating parks that are welcoming, accessible and sustainable.”

The trail expansion was funded by a $2.16 million Recreational Trails Program grant from California State Parks, with contributions from the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, park mitigation fees and Parks for All – Measure M, the local sales tax that supports Sonoma County’s regional and city parks. The trails and 7 bridges were constructed by Yakima Construction and the Redwood Trails Alliance has been supporting the ongoing work to fine tune and stabilize the trails for year-round uses.

Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve has two entrances with parking, 2080 Kawana Terrace and 3820 Petaluma Hill Road. Parking fee required; parking is free for Regional Parks members. Neighborhood trailheads are walk-in/bike-in only, with no parking available.

To view a park map and learn more, visit SoCoParks.org/Taylor
Download high-resolution images here: share.sonoma-county.org/link/mZ_D4WUoZRk/
Watch this video to learn about the creation of Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Preserve

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Media Contact:  
Sarah Campbell 
Marketing and Communications 
Sonoma County Regional Parks 
(707) 331-9027 
Sarah.Campbell@sonoma-county.org 
SonomaCountyParks.org