Sonoma County Regional Parks says Shiloh Ranch Regional Park, in southeast Windsor, has a rugged landscape in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. The county puts it at 850 acres. Wikipedia's list of county parks gives a similar figure, 845 acres. The entrance is at 5750 Faught Road.
The landscape
The park includes oak woodland, mixed evergreen forest, canyons, rolling hills, a shaded creek and a pond. Ridges have sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Plain.
The county says much of the park burned in the 2017 Tubbs Fire. Burned trees are still visible in some areas, and hiking here shows how a landscape regenerates after a wildfire. The group picnic area at the entrance was not damaged.
Trails
There are nearly 8 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, and the county rates them moderately difficult. Most wind through oak woodland. The Ridge Trail has panoramic views of north-central Sonoma County. The county suggests two loops:
- Ridge Trail to Creekside Trail to Pond Trail, back to Ridge Trail and on to Big Leaf Trail.
- Big Leaf Trail to Canyon Trail to Pond Trail to Creekside Trail to Ridge Trail.
Many trails are former ranch roads. Their width and the large horse trailer lot make the park popular with equestrians.
Before you go
The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is $8 or free for members, and there are flush restrooms and a drinking fountain. Dogs are not allowed on the trails, even on leash, but they are allowed in the picnic area and parking lot.