Soothing North Sonoma

Hike North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Visit Matanzas Creek Winery

A hiker looking over wildflower fields

Shooting stars don’t just happen at night. They happen in spring on the hills of North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, along with fellow wildflowers Douglas iris and California poppy. The 820-acre park southeast of Santa Rosa has some of the richest biodiversity in Sonoma County.

Explore it on a 4-mile out-and-back hike that’s part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. From the trailhead, pass a small redwood grove with a few picnic tables, cross a wooden bridge, and gently wind up the trail festooned by spring flowers. You’ll pass under a canopy of live oaks, valley oaks, buckeyes, madrones, and Douglas firs. The main trail is the Ridge Trail, and it connects all the way to Jack London State Park (ideal for those who love a good, long through-hike).

For this particular hike you’ll ascend to Bennett Valley Overlook, your turnaround point. At 1,720 feet, relish a wide-open view west and north toward the Santa Rosa Plain and hills galloping out as far as the eye can see. You can also spot distant Sugarloaf Ridge State Park and Hood Mountain.

Special Event May 22: “Soak in Spring”: A hike at Sonoma Mountain Regional Park that helps you slow down, relax, and take in the sights, sounds, scents, and essence of nature.

Post-Hike Wine, Lavender, Bocce, Picnic: Book ahead for nearby Matanzas Creek Winery, a Weekend Sherpa favorite. The wine is excellent and the serene, laid-back outdoor setting is easily one of the best in wine country.

Picnic tables are spaced throughout the grounds, and a large patio overlooks Taylor Mountain. The beautifully sculpted lavender garden sets the stage upon entry, with drought-resistant Provence and Grosso lavender. It’s an aromatic haven in shades of purple (and yes, there’s plenty of bath and body products created from it and sold at the winery … indulge!) Reserve a game on the bocce court, currently flanked by California poppies.

The merlot at Matanzas is amazing (we like the 2014 Jackson Park Vineyard), as are the 2019 Bennett Valley pinot and the 2019 Kelli Ann Vineyard chardonnay. A comparative tasting is a reasonable $30 for six distinct wines. Sit back relax and un-wined.

North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park is southeast of Santa Rosa (map). Print out a park map to bring with you. There’s a $7 parking fee. No dogs. Matanzas Creek Winery is at 6097 Bennett Valley Road. Reserve a tasting.

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