2.7 hr
Overview
This varied trail has something for everyone!<br><br>From the small parking lot (you may have to go further up the road and walk back to the trail), you'll most likely be cold and damp as you descend to Sonoma Creek in a deep redwood forest. Cross a lovely bridge and pass through more redwoods until you climb up out of the creek floor.<br><br>This area is near the edge of the redwood life zone, so they thrive in the cool wet valley, but as soon as you ascend you'll be in more familiar CA scrubland. It can suddenly feel quite hot and exposed over the next section of trail.<br><br>Descend slightly to cross a road and then begin the non-stop climb to the summit of Hood Mountain. Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful open meadows, often filled with wildflowers, oak forests, and madrone groves. We've seen rattlesnakes, rabbits, and deer of course.<br><br>Near the top, take the left fork to the Gunsight Rock Overlook. It has a terrific view over Sonoma valley, and is a much better destination than the summit of Hood Mountain, which is mostly tree covered.
Trail Stats
5.1 km
632 m
829 m
226 m
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Photos
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park singage
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park singage
View west over Sonoma Valley towards the Pacific ocean
View west over Sonoma Valley towards the Pacific ocean
One tiny section requires good footing. We once found a rattlesnake here.
One tiny section requires good footing. We once found a rattlesnake here.
Nice stretch of smooth path on Goodspeed Trail
Nice stretch of smooth path on Goodspeed Trail
As you get higher, the views start to open up.
As you get higher, the views start to open up.
Sonoma Creek bridge and redwoods at trailhead parking lot.
Sonoma Creek bridge and redwoods at trailhead parking lot.
Heading up the beginning of the Goodspeed Trail
Heading up the beginning of the Goodspeed Trail