The Occidental Tourist

Grove of Old Trees in Occidental

When logging threatened a rare stand of residential ridgetop redwoods just a few miles west of Occidental, the neighbors of Fitzpatrick Lane banded together. The result: the Grove of Old Trees, 33 hidden acres of towering redwoods and the only privately owned preserve in Sonoma County that's free to the public. Hike one of two flat loop trails shaped like an upside-down peace sign. All in, it's a 1-mile jaunt. For the best scenery, head left up the trail from the parking lot through the center of the grove. Sunlight filters down to a lush bed of sword ferns and gnarled roots despite redwood heights reaching 225 feet. (Watch for great horned owls nestled in branches!)

At the next fork, marked "Annie's Place," stay left to reach a picnic table and the edge of the woods. Turn right and follow the trail around the grove's periphery, passing dense vegetation and faded blue lines used to mark trees previously slated for logging. A left at the next intersection gently descends toward Fitzpatrick Lane before a narrow path to the right re-enters the grove. Continue straight to the parking lot to complete the hike.

occidentaltrees2_lrg-image-jpeg

BONUS EATS: Grab some post-hike grub at either Howards Café Bakery & Juice Bar (open 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends) or Barley and Hops Tavern (open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays).

From CA-1 N, turn right onto Bodega Hwy. and left onto Joy Rd. for a little over 4 miles. Turn left onto Fitzpatrick Lane and continue for 1.4 miles. A free parking lot that can fit up to six vehicles is on the right of the narrow road. No trail signs after the trailhead, but trails are well developed and easy to follow. Most trails are also suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View