Hike Sugarloaf for the Big Picture on Fourth of July

Sugarloaf is trying to put itself back into the weekend plans of Sonoma County lovers of the outdoors, after escaping closure last year from the knife of state budget cuts. The group of local environmental and community organizations that came together to manage the park, known as Team Sonoma, have started or continued several programs that hope to attract visitors, funds and supporters.

Last week they launched their Funky Fridays at Sugarloaf, a $10 concert for overnighters or evening visitors – Fundraising Fridays, they might call it. While modestly attended, the audience got a quality evening of good music, with dogs and wine available. Soft jazz group Shade was playing, and it occurred to me a good way to handle the 3.4 mile each way off Hwy 12 would simply be to overnight at Sugarloaf: Set up camp, head over to the amphitheater and see the show.

This Friday brings out the harder-jazz Guarneri Jazz Quartet, with Mario Guarneri on trumpet, Randy Vincent on guitar, John Wiitala on bass and drummer Akira Tana. These gentlemen have played together frequently, and have a top-shelf chemistry going on. Camping reservations links can be found on this page.

Looking further ahead, Team Sugarloaf is repeating last year’s successful July 4 Fireworks Hike & Fundraiser,  and invite you to celebrate Independence Day by climbing the tallest mountain in Sonoma Valley—  2,729 ft. Bald Mountain. It affords a spectacular vantage point to view as many as 18 different fireworks displays from throughout the Bay Area.

A mountaintop reception will greet hikers when they reach the summit, with light snacks and sweets thanks to Kenwood’s Vineyard Inn and Café Citti, while waiting for show to begin.

Then sunset is matched by the beautiful sight of fireworks displays that span the Bay Area—from Windsor in the north, Berkeley and Oakland in the east, San Francisco to the south, with possible views even into the South Bay.

The event is recommended for seasoned hikers. The total distance of this strenuous hike is 6.5 miles round-trip and the elevation gain is 1500 feet. The hike begins promptly at 7 pm, in order to assure arrival at the top before dark. Return to the parking lot at approximately 11 pm.

This special July 4 fundraiser/ hike is by reservation only. Space is limited to 120 guests; price is $50, with 100% of proceeds support Team Sugarloaf’s operation and maintenance of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. More information and ticket reservations at Brown Paper Tickets.  

Team Sugarloaf partner organizations include Sonoma Ecology Center, Valley of the Moon Observatory, Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, United Camps Conferences and Retreats, and the Sonoma County Trails Council.