About This Event
Event Name: Explore Buckeye Knob: A Challenging Hike on the Eliot Property
Event Date: May 4, 9:00 am-2:30 pm
Cost: $0.00
Meeting Location: Sonoma Developmental Center parking area (details will be provided upon registration).
Event Lead: Tony Passantino
Event Lead Contact: [email protected]
What to Bring: Lunch, plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, trekking poles (optional but recommended), and layers for varying weather conditions.
Carpooling: Participants will caravan/carpool from the meeting point to the Eliot Property.
Registration: Pre-registration is required, and space is VERY limited for this event. Registration will close on April 26.
Difficulty: This hike is approximately 6 miles and includes an ascent of 300 ft with a steep descent of approximately 2000 ft.
Join Sonoma Ecology Center naturalists for a day of exploration and adventure on the privately owned and protected Eliot Property, located on the eastern side of Sonoma Mountain. Known as Buckeye Knob for its abundance of California Native Buckeyes, this 52-acre property features breathtaking landscapes including grasslands, oak woodlands, and the lush upper canyon of Carriger Creek. Forever protected through a conservation easement by the Eliot family to Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, this property reflects the enduring legacy of the late Ted and Pat Eliot, who were passionate advocates for conservation and open space in our region.
This advanced-level hike offers a unique opportunity to access private land and take in spectacular views of Sonoma Valley, the Mayacamas Mountains, and San Pablo Bay. Starting from the Sonoma Developmental Center, hikers will drop off vehicles and carpool to the trailhead. From there, we will embark on a challenging ascent to the top of Buckeye Knob, followed by an exploration of the East Slope Sonoma Mountain Ridge Trail that connects to Jack London State Park. Be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy during our stop along the way. The journey will conclude with a steep descent via Trap Trail to Orchard Road, leading us back to the Sonoma Developmental Center. This hike features very steep ascents and descents, uneven footing, and is best suited for experienced hikers seeking a vigorous outdoor experience.
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.
