UPDATE, 9/18/2026, 6:00 pm: The time for the outing has been confirmed to 11:00 am-1:00 pm.
UPDATE, 9/12/2026, 7:00 pm: At the hike leader's request, the time for the outing has been updated from 11:00 am-1:00 pm to 5:00-7:00 pm. If the day is cooler than anticipated, the outing will take place at the original time of 11:00 am.
Do you enjoy a slow walk in a valley, breezes, wildflowers, the sounds of songbirds, the taste of a Douglas Fir needle or a California Bay leaf, the aroma of Tarweed, or watching wild turkeys and California Quail hunt for seeds and insects in the grass? Join Certified California Naturalists and Sugarloaf docents for this series of meandering explorations. Each month (weather permitting) we will explore one or two of our accessible trails-- the Creekside Nature Trail, and the Meadow Trail. Suitable for all levels and a range of mobility, these Sunday afternoon adventures will accommodate people using walkers or wheelchairs, young children, parents with babies in strollers, as well as those who just enjoy slow walks in nature that stimulate the five senses.
Our September outing will focus on the reptiles of Sugarloaf. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for children under 18 years of age. All minors must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Tickets day-of, on site will be $10 and might not be available. Park at the White Barn parking lot and meet inside the Robert Ferguson Observatory.
There will be frequent stops and opportunities for conversation, photography, nature journaling, wildlife viewing, resting, etc., so bring your nature journal, camera, or binoculars if you have them. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sun protection, bring water and if desired, a snack. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking lot has one accessible, van-designated parking spot, one accessible porta-potty, and a potable water spigot by the information kiosk. There is no cell service in this area. There is a flat, 0.1-mile paved road from the parking lot to the Observatory. The Robert Ferguson Observatory has an ADA-compliant wooden ramp to access the classroom. The seating area in the classroom is composed of stackable chairs that can easily be rearranged. From the Observatory, the group will backtrack to the White Barn parking lot and enter the Creekside Nature Trail, which is an ADA-compliant trail 0.45 miles long (one way) with a slope of no more than 5°. If further accommodations are needed, please contact [email protected] as soon as possible.