Hiking and Caching

Sonoma Valley View
The great view of Sonoma Valley from the overlook just off of the You-Walk Miwok Trail.
User: Austin Explorer - 7/23/2022

Location: Bartholomew Park

Rating: 4stars
Difficulty: 3stars  Solitude: 3stars
Miles Hiked: 3.21 Miles  Elapsed Time: 2 hours, 35 minutes

Comments:

Coppertone and I decided to revisit Bartolomew because of the four geocaches that were hidden along its trails.  It's always nice to have an extra reason to revisit a spot already hiked.

As it turns out the hike itself was reason enough.  We had forgotten how challenging some of the trail segments were and how wonderful the views were after ascending those steep pitches.

The park's trails suffered from wildfires in years past and the signs of damage are still visible in many areas.  The regrowth was encouraging.  More encouraging was the number of large, mature Redwoods with blackened, battle scared trunks that none-the-less sported lush, green canopies indicating they were ultimate survivors.

We hiked and outer loop consisting of the Grape Stomp and You-Walk Miwok trails.  Along these trails we succeeded in finding all four of the geocaches on our list.

Towards the end of our hike we encountered blackberry bushes that had a few ripe berries ready to be eaten.  So we celebrated our hike and geocache success with a little snack.

As we crossed one of the vineyards to get back to our trailhead we stopped and watched a gopher snake with another hiker as it checked out a few holes for a snack of its own.



Log Photos
Sonoma Valley View
Creek Crossing
Recommended Item
Recommended Item Day Hikes Around Sonoma County: 125 Great Hikes
Robert Stone
List Price: $21.95 Your price: $18.52 Buy Now
Day Hikes Around Sonoma County is a collection of 125 of the county's best day hikes, providing access to both well-known and out-of-the-way greenspace. Hikes are found along the Pacific Ocean, across the coastal ridges, into wide valleys, and through thick forests. A third of the hikes are located along the coastline, accessed by Highway 1, which connects the coastal towns as it snakes along the oceanfront cliffs and bluffs. Many coastal access points that are not easily recognized from Highway 1 are clearly described. The remaining hikes explore the inland mountains, hillsides, and valleys through numerous state parks, regional parks, and undeveloped land. Highlights include fog-shrouded redwood forests, creekside canyons, wildlife sanctuaries, lakes, tidal bays, wave-pounded coastline, and sweeping panoramic views. A wide range of hikes accommodates amateur to avid hikers, from beachfront strolls to canyon treks. Straight-forward directions and clear maps accompany all hikes. A thorough index includes cities, trails, and points of interest.