Conquer Sonoma County's peaks: 5 challenging trails with stunning views

By Regional Parks staff

Ready to conquer new heights? Discover five Sonoma County regional park peaks that offer breathtaking views and fresh perspective. These challenging yet rewarding trails will leave you feeling accomplished and recharged.

View of forested mountains and valley as seen from the Bennett Valley Overlook

Bennett Peak (at right) and Bennett Valley as seen from the Bennett Valley Overlook

Bennett Valley Overlook at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Distance: About 4 miles round trip, 1,067 feet of elevation gain

Difficulty: Moderate

Sonoma Mountain, centrally located near Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Sonoma, is a prominent peak in the Sonoma Mountains range, with its east side framing Sonoma Valley and its west side rising along Highway 101. This trail meanders through bay and oak woodlands, crosses open meadows with vineyard views and climbs to a picnic spot with panoramic views of the Santa Rosa Plain, Bennett Peak and Bennett Valley. It’s a great option for those seeking a quieter trail, especially on weekdays, with a little challenge to boost your spirits.

Start by following the Ridge Trail through the tunnel of bay trees and over a bridge crossing the south fork of Matanzas Creek. Zigzag up the north face of Sonoma Mountain, passing through open grassland and stands of oak and bay trees.

At about 2 miles, take the steep-but-short spur trail to Bennett Valley Overlook and a scenic perch with a picnic table — an ideal spot to recharge before heading back the way you came.

For a longer adventure, continue on the Ridge Trail to Jack London State Historic Park. This extended 9-mile round trip includes 2,700 feet of elevation gain.

Please note: Dogs are not allowed on trails at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve. Bring your own water.

Hiker sits on large rock overlooking valley

The rocky outcrop known as Gunsight Rock offers one of the most iconic views in Sonoma County

Gunsight Rock at Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Distance: About 7.1 miles round trip, 2,454 feet of elevation gain

Difficulty: Challenging

One of the most challenging trails in the regional park system, this rugged trek leads to Gunsight Rock, an exposed rocky outcrop sitting just below the 2,730-foot summit of Hood Mountain, where vistas stretch from Sonoma Valley to San Pablo Bay and beyond. With nearly 2,500 feet of elevation gain round trip, this is a peak for seasoned hikers, and it offers one of the most iconic views in Sonoma County.

Be prepared for a hike of about 4.5 hours. Due to its remoteness and difficulty of its trails, this park tends to be less crowded. We recommend hiking with another person, wearing shoes with good tread, bringing a map (or a screenshot of the online map) and plenty of water.

Begin at the Pythian Road upper parking lot, where the Lower Johnson Ridge Trail starts with a steep ascent on a paved access road. Follow trail signs as it transitions to dirt, climbing through a creek canyon and across oak woodlands. After about 1 mile of steep climbing, you'll come to a (usually) shallow ford crossing Hood Creek. This area burned twice in the 2017 and 2020 wildfires, so you’ll see signs of wildfire burn and recovery.

Continue ascending the Lower Johnson Ridge Trail, then a short descent through another creek canyon will take you to Pond Trail, circling Blue Heron Pond. Then begin climbing again to Orchard Meadow and veer on to the Upper Johnson Ridge Trail for a series of steep switchbacks and the start of some great views, transitioning from forest to open chaparral on Hood Mountain Trail. Make your way another 3 miles to Gunsight Rock via Summit and Nattkemper Trails.

The final stretch ends with awe-inspiring 180-degree views of Sonoma Valley south to San Pablo Bay, Sonoma Mountain and beyond. Gunsight Rock is a good place for a rest, snack and taking in the view; but it’s exposed and can get a little windy, so watch your step and stay back from the ledges. When ready, turn around and retrace your steps downhill to the parking lot.

Two hikers on trail with view of valley and city in distance

Samta Rosa as seen from Taylor Mountain’s 1,430-foot summit

Summit of Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Distance: About 5 miles round trip, 1,100 feet of elevation gain

Difficulty: Challenging

At 1,430 feet, Taylor Mountain’s summit delivers sweeping views of Santa Rosa, and distant coastal mountains. This route mixes open grasslands with shady oak woodlands for a rewarding climb. We recommend starting this route at the park’s north entrance at 2080 Kawana Terrace.

Follow the Eastern Route past water tanks, then take a left onto Sky Lupine Trail. Its switchbacks offer increasingly dramatic views as you ascend through scenic meadows.

Trails can be muddy in winter or rocky in summer, so sturdy footwear is essential. The summit features a bench where you can pause to take in the scenery. When rested, retrace your steps down the Sky Lupine Trail until its intersection with Western Route, descending this trail for views of the oak woodlands on the west side of the park, and making a loop that ends back at the Kawana Terrace parking lot.

Sunset view of distant mountains and a valley with wetlands

Bay View Vista provides views of San Pablo Bay and beyond

Bay View Vista at Tolay Lake Regional Park

Distance: About 7.6 miles round trip, 750 feet of elevation gain

Difficulty: Moderate

Tolay Lake Regional Park offers over 11 miles of trails that weave through rolling grasslands and open meadows. The trail to Bay View Vista Point follows the West Ridge Trail, treating visitors to views of San Pablo Bay, the Petaluma River and glimpses of San Francisco on clear days. This trail is an excellent winter and springtime option, as its ridgeline route makes it less prone to seasonal flooding than trails on the valley floor, which becomes a natural seasonal lake in wetter months.

Start in the park center. Follow the Cardoza Road Trail, a wide ranch road that climbs steadily past a group picnic area and toward the ridgeline. At the junction with the West Ridge Trail, turn left passing through grazing gates as you make your way across open meadows.

About halfway on West Ridge Trail, follow the sign to take a short spur trail to the Petaluma Marsh Vista, with views of the Petaluma River and surrounding marshlands. It’s the largest remaining natural tidal brackish marsh in California and supports a variety of wildlife and native plants.

As you near Bay View Vista Point, the trail levels out, leading to a picnic bench perfectly placed to take in panoramic views of the bay and surrounding hillsides. This scenic destination invites a well-deserved break and photo opportunity before retracing your steps back to the trailhead.

Note: The trails are exposed with limited shade; bring water and sun protection.

View of Bodega Bay and Bodega Head from Coleman Hill

On a clear day, Bodega Bay and Bodega Head can been seen from Coleman Hill

Coleman Hill at Chanslor Ranch

Distance: About 3.2 miles round trip, 807 feet of elevation gain

Difficulty: Moderate

Located along Highway 1, this former ranch’s trails wind through wide-open coastal grasslands and provide views of Salmon Creek, Bodega Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Salmon Creek's surrounding wetlands, a vital stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific Flyway, make a good spot for bird watching. The hike to Coleman Hill, the ranch’s highest point at 628 feet, promises vistas of the surrounding coastal landscape, including on a clear day Bodega Bay and Bodega Head.

Start at the Vista Loop Trailhead near the parking lot. Take a right on the loop trail to follow it counter-clockwise past the horse stables as it gradually ascends through grasslands. Keep an eye out for raptors soaring overhead and other wildlife along the way. You’ll most likely be sharing the trails with horseback riders (a commercial stable leases a portion of the property.), so be sure to abide by trail etiquette; hikers yield to horses, keep dogs on leash and leave gates as you found them.

At the junction with the Coleman Hill Trail, turn off for the final ascent. This section is steep, offering an added challenge. Pause at Mesa Viewpoint for a preview of the expansive views, then continue another half mile to the summit for panoramic views the Salmon Creek wetlands, the coastline and Pacific Ocean.

After soaking in the scenery, retrace your steps to the Vista Loop Trail. Take a right to continue the loop on Osprey Trail to get closer views of the Salmon Creek wetlands. You might even spot a kayaker or paddler or two, depending on season. Return to the parking lot.

Note: Bicycles are not permitted on trails at Chanslor Ranch. The trails are exposed with limited shade; bring water and sun protection. Parking at the park is currently free.

woman walking dog on leash

Know before you go

Dogs on leash are welcome on all these trails, with the exception of those at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve.
We graze cattle at all of these parks; please leave gates as you find them and follow our guidelines for safely sharing the trails with livestock.
Unless otherwise noted, parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members.

Published January 2025