Sonoma Creek has its headwaters near the Headwaters Trail, within the main area of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and meanders through the canyon, down into Sonoma Valley and out to San Pablo Bay. The Wappo, one of the local tribes who have called the village of Wilikos (Sugarloaf) their ancestral homeland, are deeply connected to these waters and its inhabitants. Join Desi Harp, member of the Mishewal-Wappo, in this family hike with a native perspective about the riparian ecosystem of Sonoma Creek.
Meet outside the Visitor Center. Wear appropriate footwear for muddy trails and layers, bring at least one quart of water, and if desired, a snack. Heavy rain cancels. Parking fees apply.
Ease of access: The main parking lot has one accessible-designated parking space and an accessible vault toilet. Pony Gate Trail is a narrow foot trail, steep in sections with a descent of 450 ft. A seasonal creek crossing without a bridge is unsafe for crossing immediately after storms. Pony Gate exits on the lower part of Adobe Canyon Rd. A few yards down, across the road, the Canyon Trail is a narrow foot trail with a few steps down into a fairly flat, narrow trail adjacent to Sonoma Creek. There are two very narrow wooden bridges until the detour to Sonoma Creek Falls. There are about 120 steps built into the steep trail between the waterfall detour and upper Canyon trailhead. The upper Canyon trailhead exits on the upper part of Adobe Canyon Rd, about ½-mile away from the main parking lot.
