Join Sugarloaf docents Jim Sickles and Susan Perkins in a geology hike to learn about more about the geological formations that give Sugarloaf Ridge State Park its namesake, how soil composition influences native flora to thrive, and take a lightning-fast journey (in geological terms) through the history of the area, from the time California was underwater to today's volcanic caldera remains.
Meet at the main parking lot. Wear layers, appropriate footwear for muddy/slippery trails, bring at least a quart of water, and if desired, a snack, binoculars, and/or a camera. We invite you to bring a reusable drink container so your little ones can enjoy hot cocoa after the walk, if desired. Heavy rains cancel, with a rain date of Saturday, March 1. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The main parking lot has one van-designated parking spot and an accessible vault toilet. Across from the main lot, Creekside Nature Trail is a composite dirt and gravel trail of 0.45 miles to the White Barn parking lot. From here, the 1/4-mile road up to Robert Ferguson Observatory is paved. Lower Bald Mt Trail has three 3 trailheads, one of them next to the Observatory. It is a single-track dirt trail with multiple narrow switchbacks and inclines with an elevation loss of 150ft and 0.6 miles back to the main parking lot.
