Highlander - An Ongoing Quest
Bald Mountain

Click on the links above to see a description of each individual hike. Patches can be obtained at the Pleasant Hill Scout Shop or by sending in the patch order form.

Hike Information

Bald Mountain - Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
2605 Adobe Canyon Road
Kenwood, CA 95452
(707) 833-5712
Online: http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=481

Trail Length - 5 miles
Average Elevation - 1200 to 2700 feet
Elevation Change - 3000 feet
Hiking Level - Moderate

Overview

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park contains the headwaters of Sonoma Creek. It runs through gorge and canyon, across the meadow floor, beneath scenic rock outcroppings, and is surrounded at times by redwoods and ferns. A 25-foot waterfall flows after the winter rains. There is a self-guided nature trail along Sonoma Creek that starts near the picnic area.

With 2700 acres of oak woodland and chaparral, the park has 25 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Deer, gray foxes, the occasional bobcat and coyote can be seen in the park. In spring, wildflowers provide a colorful palette across the green hills. On a clear day, visitors can see views of the Sierra Nevada and the Golden Gate Bridge from the 2729-foot summit of Bald Mountain.

The park also houses one of the largest public viewing telescopes: a 40-inch telescope at the Ferguson Observatory. It can be rented with the group campsite.

It is possible to combine this hike with the Mt. St. Helena hike, which is only a short distance away by car.

How To Get There

From Highway 12 in Kenwood, take Adobe Canyon Road east until you reach the park.

Camping Facilities

Rates are $15/night, 8 people per site. A 50 person group campground is also available for $67 per night. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica at 1-800-444-7275 or online at http://www.reserveamerica.com/. For more information, contact the park at (707) 833-5712.