Canceled-Family Hike to the Waterfall at Sugarloaf

Heavy rain cancels. Come to the park for a peaceful hike through the woods on Friday, December 26! Join our Docents on this fun family hike that is good for all ages. During this 2-mile hike with 400-ft elevation gain, you will learn about Sugarloaf Park, its plants, animals, and history.

The hike begins from the Visitor Center and heads down to the waterfall on the Pony Gate-Canyon loop, or along the Creekside Nature Trail, but the route is bound to change depending on logistics and the participants’ physical ability. Free event, RSVP required. Wear layers, appropriate footwear for slippery/rocky trails, bring at least a quart (32oz) of water, sun protection, and if desired, a snack. Heavy rains cancel. Parking fees apply.

Ease of access for Pony Gate- Canyon loop: 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.

Ease of access for Creekside Nature Hike: Creekside Trail has two trailheads: one across from the main parking lot and one at the White Barn parking lot. It is a 0.95-mile flat, composite trail one way, and designated as ADA-compliant. The route continues up for about 100 ft on a single-track dirt trail to Hillside Trail. Hillside is a gravel fire road that returns to the campground after a descent of 100 ft and a small year-round water crossing passable by a 2×4 plank.