Bring a flashlight and your sense of wonder as you explore the park after dark on Wednesday, July 9, 7:15-9:30pm. This hike heads up to the viewpoint on Vista Trail where we will see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley.
This route is a moderate-to-strenuous, 4.2-mile hike with approximately 800ft of elevation gain and begins at 7:15pm from the White Barn parking lot. It is not for children under 7.
Tickets are $10 general, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds), Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children 7-12 years old. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. You must register on this page to attend. Be at the meeting location at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the hike for a prompt departure. Bring your flashlight, at least a quart of water, snacks, and extra layers for the evening. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one van-designated accessible parking spot and an accessible porta-potty, as well as three water spigots. There is a 1/4-mile paved road from the Observatory to the Meadow trailhead. Meadow Trail is an unpaved fire road that is mostly flat although not ADA-compliant. In the dry season, it is passable by stroller or wheelchair with off-road capability tires up to the bridge, about a mile in. Grey Pine Trail is a fire road with a year-round creek crossing passable by board. Vista Trail is a single-track dirt trail with at least 700ft of elevation. It has at least two small seasonal water crossings, at least two sections with steps, and multiple steep, slippery sections. Bald Mtn Trail is a paved fire road that connects Vista Trail to Lower Bald Mtn Trail. Lower Bald Mtn Trail is a single-track dirt and gravel trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines with an elevation gain of approximately 500ft. It has two trailheads; one at the main parking lot, and one that leads back to the Observatory.
