First, but not our last, visit to this preserve

Mayacamas Mountains
A closer up look at the mountains in the distance.
User: Austin Explorer - 6/18/2023

Location: Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

Rating: 4stars
Difficulty: 3stars  Solitude: 3stars
Miles Hiked: 2.74 Miles  Elapsed Time: 1 hour, 24 minutes

Comments:

Coppertone and I decided to take a day trip to Headldsburg.  For our exercise part of the day we decided to explore this park north of town that we had not yet visited.

When we got near the trailhead we were a bit surprised to find a large group of people gathered and all of the nearby parking taken.  Thankfully, there was plenty of other parking nearby and the group was finishing up their hike and quickly dispersed.

We started out by hiking along Nancy's Hill Trail on the northern end of the park.  This is a good segment tackle first since it's the more exposed.  Trail segments on the southern end of the park include much more tree cover.

We found the trails to be very well maintained and punctuated with overlooks containing wonderful views.  Several of those spots included benches to allow for thoughtful lingering.

After Nancy's Hill Trail we made a loop by continuing to the Ridge Trail and finally the All-the-Oaks Trail leading us back to our starting point.

We were almost run off the trail at one point by a young boy barrelling downhill.  Rather than controlling his speed through the use of a brake, he seemed to flail his feet around in an attempt to arrest his progress like Fred Flintstone.  This was the closest we've ever come to being injured by a cyclist on a trail.  He seemed completely oblivious to the danger he was presenting to others and ignorant of how to control his bike.

Despite our near miss with the cyclist, we thoroughly enjoyed our hike and plan to return to map out those trail segments we did not have time for this day.  We celebrated our hike by going into Healdsburg and having a brisket BBQ lunch at Kinsmoke!



Log Photos
Fox Pond
Nancy's Hill Trail
Mayacama Overlook
Mayacamas Mountains
Russian River
Recommended Item
Recommended Item Day Hikes Around Sonoma County: 125 Great Hikes
Robert Stone
List Price: $21.95 Your price: $18.46 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.