Top 5 Sonoma Valley Hikes

Top 5 Sonoma Valley Hikes

1) The Overlook Trail

A locals’ favorite, and spectacular at sunset, the Overlook Trail is walking distance to Sonoma’s historic plaza, with valley views rolling all the way out to Mount Tam.

2) Hood Mountain Regional Park

Hiking to Hood Mountain’s Gunsight Rock Overlook (2,730 feet) is a rite of passage, offering an amazing view of Sonoma Valley’s crescent shape, all the way out to the bay and Golden Gate Bridge.

3) Jack London State Park

In the heart of the valley, the ranch and mansion ruins of its namesake adventure writer include miles of hiking trails through redwood trees and up to fantastic valley vistas of vineyards.

4) Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has a liquid asset that’s not wine (a waterfall!) and a panoramic peak hike, Bald Mountain, offering a spectacular view of the valley.

5) Sonoma Valley Regional Park

Oak woodland, wildflowers, a large reservoir with trails around it, a hidden picnic spot with an incredible view of the rolling landscape—these are just a few features that make Sonoma Valley Regional Park special (it’s also dog-friendly!).

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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

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  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields. DECEMBER BONUS: Enjoy a holiday market, see The Nutcracker, and visit Santa at Sensorio.

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  2. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  3. O Enchanted Night!

    Prepare to be mesmerized! Holiday-season nights in Descanso Gardens are a magical interplay of lights and natural beauty that dazzle as you stroll through the Enchanted Forest of L

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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