What is a habitat? Join CA Naturalist and Sugarloaf docent Marie Kay Hansen through the featured habitat, grasslands, to explore all it has to offer. As you hike along the Meadow Trail, you'll learn about simple grasslands (as well as more biodiverse grasslands that we call meadows), about the geological features that make it a meadow, and about the plants and animals that thrive in the park's largest meadow at the end of Adobe Canyon Rd.
This hike is the second in our four-part ‘Habitats of Sugarloaf’ series. Other hikes will explore redwood forest habitat and oak woodlands. Past hikes have explored chaparral habitat.
Meet at the White Barn parking lot. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for youth (12-17 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian), students, Sugarloaf members, Sugarloaf volunteers, and free for children under 12. Wear layers, appropriate footwear for muddy and/or slippery trails, sun protection, bring at least a quart of water (32 oz), and if desired, a snack. Heavy rain cancels. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The White Barn parking area has one van-accessible designated parking spot, one accessible porta-potty, and a potable water spigot nearby the information kiosk. There is a flat, paved 1/4-mile road from the parking area to the Meadow trailhead. Meadow Trail is an unpaved fire road with a typical slope of 5%, although not ADA-compliant. In the dry season, it is passable by stroller and wheelchair with off-road capability tires up to the bridge, about 3/4 of a mile in.
