About This Event
Event Name: Calabazas Creek Preserve Hike
Event Date: April 3, 2:00-5:00 pm
Cost: $0.00
Meeting Location: Near 2301 Nuns Canyon Road in Quarry Parking Lot. Look for the green bar gate.
Event Lead: Tony Passantino
Event Lead Contact: [email protected]
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes (trail conditions may be muddy or slippery); waterproof footwear or extra socks (for the creek crossing); water bottle & snacks; layers for changing weather (spring afternoons can be cool in the shade); trekking poles (optional, but helpful for steep sections).
Distance & Difficulty: Approximately 4 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain. The trail is narrow and steep in some sections, with uneven terrain and rocky outcrops.
Join Sonoma Ecology Center for a guided springtime hike at Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve, a stunning and ecologically rich property nestled in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. This moderately strenuous 4-mile hike will take us through oak woodlands, riparian corridors, and mixed evergreen forests along an abandoned fire road.
Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve is not typically open to the public, making this a rare opportunity to experience one of Sonoma Valley’s most pristine landscapes. Along the way, we’ll explore towering Douglas firs, ancient oaks, and seasonal wildflower displays. The hike follows Calabazas Creek, a lively waterway that cascades over mossy boulders, forming small waterfalls and deep pools, a testament to the area’s rugged beauty.
Important Note on Creek Crossing
Early in the hike, we will cross a seasonal creek that is approximately 10 feet wide and generally ankle deep in the spring. Water levels vary based on recent rainfall, so be prepared for potentially higher flows after wet weather. Waterproof boots or a change of socks are recommended.
There is no charge for this outing, which is made possible by the voters of Sonoma County who fund the work of Ag + Open Space with a quarter-cent sales tax.
