Sonoma County Regional Parks says Sonoma Valley Regional Park is in the heart of the Sonoma Valley, next to the town of Glen Ellen. Wikipedia's list of county parks puts it at 167 acres, with the entrance on Highway 12. The park is known for its oak woodland, and the county says spring brings poppies, lupine and other wildflowers.
Trails
The main route is the paved Valley of the Moon Trail. It runs through the middle of the park between Highway 12 and Arnold Drive, along a seasonal creek and through oaks draped in lichen. The county says it is ADA accessible except for a couple of short stretches. Picnic tables line the trail. Other options:
- The Woodland Star Trail climbs from the Valley of the Moon Trail to a ridge on the southern boundary, with occasional views of the valley.
- The Cougar Trail crosses the northern edge of the park, with views of Sonoma Valley and the Mayacamas Range.
- Several shorter trails, including the Black Canyon Creek, Glen Ellen and West and East Sutton Lake trails, connect to the surrounding ridges.
Trails are open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. The county says the land is an important part of the Sonoma Valley Wildlife Corridor, a set of protected lands that let animals cross the valley floor safely.
After the fire
The 2017 Nuns Fire burned through the park but left much of the oak canopy intact, the county says, which makes it a place to see a landscape regenerating from wildfire.
Before you go
The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking is $8 or free for members. Leashed dogs are allowed, and the fenced Elizabeth Perrone Dog Park next to the Highway 12 lot lets them run off leash. Restrooms are portable. Nearby Jack London State Historic Park makes a good second stop in Glen Ellen.