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Sonoma County Trails Council volunteer trail work day at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. From 9am to about 1pm. We will provide parking passes, tools and Clif bars with beverages and snacks afterwards.

Bring gloves, a hat and water that you can take with you (hands free!) while working, and wear long pants, boots or hiking shoes and sunscreen. No experience necessary – we have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all strengths and sizes of volunteers.

In order to make sure we have enough tools and after-work beverages reply to trailscouncil@sonic.net if you plan to attend. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Help Sugarloaf with trail restoration work. Work includes bridge and step construction, installing signs, clearing, lifting, carrying and hiking. Bring gloves, hat, and water that you can carry hands-free (i.e. bring a backpack).Wear long pants, boots or sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Poison oak is present, so long sleeves are suggested. We have tools and trained crew leaders with tasks for all. Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will provide tools, food and beverages. If you are a current State Parks volunteer, signup in vicnet. If you are an SEC volunteer, sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0e4aaca62ca3ff2-sugarloaf1

The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon.

Star Parties: Presentations on astronomical topics are given in the classroom throughout the course of the evening. Starting at dusk, the Observatory’s three main telescopes are open for your viewing. Docents set up additional telescopes in front of the building. Friendly and knowledgeable docents are available to answer your questions.

FAQs:

1. Map and Directions
2. When to arrive: We keep the observatory open as long as there are visitors, but you must arrive within 3 hours after start time to ensure that we remain open for you. Summer Star Parties begin with tours and presentations until it’s dark enough for observing.
3. Bring warm clothing, even in summer—observing is done outdoors.
4. There is a short walk from the parking area to the Observatory and you may wish to bring a small flashlight.
5. White Light: No white lights should be used after dark; the observatory is a red-light-only area to protect everyone’s night vision. We will supply red cellophane to cover flashlights. Please note:
   ◦ Bring a SMALL flashlight (large camp lanterns, light sticks, etc., cannot be adequately covered by red cellophane).
   ◦ Cell phones or cell-phone flashlights are acceptable but must be covered in red cellophane. (No cell service at the observatory).
   ◦ Some head lamps are difficult to cover with red cellophane. Once covered, head lamps should be worn around the neck or used pointing down as they are usually very bright at eye level.
   ◦ Red flashlights are available for $5 at the observatory.
6. Alcohol is prohibited on Observatory grounds.
7. The Observatory is not open to the public except for scheduled events.

Classroom presentations are always offered on Star Party nights even if the weather is poor. For current conditions call the observatory at (707)833-6979.
For more info please visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory website.

Want to do a through hike from Sugarloaf to Hood Mountain or vice versa? Ride the Sugar-Hood Shuttle.

How it works
Every half hour our Shuttle will leave from either Sugarloaf Ridge State Park or Hood Mountain Regional Park’s Pythian Rd parking lot. Make a reservation and then ride to the other end of the trail, or hike and ride back. Riding first and hiking back to your car is the easiest way – no worries about how long you take to finish your adventure. No charge for the ride, but the suggested donation of $10 helps keep us going. Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle or the State Park portion of the trail.

——–CHECK OUR TIMETABLES HERE———
https://sugarloafpark.org/events/sugar-shuttle-2020/

We recommend a reservation, but you can ride on a space available basis as well.

The hike should take 3½ to 4½ hours.

Map: https://www.sonomaecologycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Shuttle_Sugarloaf_HoodMtn_Map.pdf

The distance is about 7.4 miles with approximately 2300 foot vertical climb.

Suggested donation of $10. Register at: https://sugarshuttle2020hm-py.bpt.me/

Shuttle operated by Team Sugarloaf / Sonoma Ecology Center in partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks

Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike balances a mix of easy hiking and gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation. No mat necessary. Please wear weather appropriate clothing to feel comfortable being in a natural setting and bring water (as needed). Route varies on weather conditions and group interest that typically covers 2-3 miles of varied terrain. Cost is $25 and includes parking if registered in advance online. Purchase the yoga pass for each group of 3 sessions this year and save $15. All levels and ages welcome. Meet at the Visitor’s Center unless otherwise noted in confirmation email prior to the hike.

Tickets – https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3913399

The Robert Ferguson Observatory (RFO) is open to the public at least once a month, usually on a Saturday near the time of the New Moon (see schedule here).

Daytime Solar: Solar telescopes are set up so you can safely look at and listen to our favorite star, the Sun.

For more information, visit: rfo.org

The Robert Ferguson Observatory: Both peaked roofs roll back to reveal the telescopes inside.
The dome opens and revolves with its telescope. The tall poles attached to the sides of the building
are part of RFO’s radio astronomy set-up that allows us to listen to the Sun. Photo: Mark Hillestad

Want to do a through hike from Sugarloaf to Hood Mountain or vice versa? Ride the Sugar-Hood Shuttle.

How it works
Every half hour our Shuttle will leave from either Sugarloaf Ridge State Park or Hood Mountain Regional Park’s Pythian Rd parking lot. Make a reservation and then ride to the other end of the trail, or hike and ride back. Riding first and hiking back to your car is the easiest way – no worries about how long you take to finish your adventure. No charge for the ride, but the suggested donation of $10 helps keep us going. Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle or the State Park portion of the trail.

——–CHECK OUR TIMETABLES HERE———
https://sugarloafpark.org/events/sugar-shuttle-2020/

We recommend a reservation, but you can ride on a space available basis as well.

The hike should take 3½ to 4½ hours.

Map: https://www.sonomaecologycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Shuttle_Sugarloaf_HoodMtn_Map.pdf

The distance is about 7.4 miles with approximately 2300 foot vertical climb.

Suggested donation of $10. Register at: https://sugarshuttle2020hm-py.bpt.me/

Shuttle operated by Team Sugarloaf / Sonoma Ecology Center in partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks