Sonoma Outdoors: Fitness hikes, moonlight walks and star parties

Hiking for fitness: Saturday June 18 marks the first of seven classes in a series on the physical and mental benefits of a good hike. Participants will learn the basics of hiking and how to get the most from hiking, plus how to use yoga and mindfulness to enhance the outdoor experience. Each week hikes will increase in length and difficulty until a “graduation hike” to the park’s highest point, on Aug. 6. Each class is $15; entire series is $90. Classes start 8:30 a.m. on successive Saturdays. For more information and to sign up visit jacklondonpark.com/hiking-for-fitness-2016.html.

Full moon hike: Bring a flashlight and sense of wonder to explore Sugarloaf Ridge State Park after dark on Saturday, June 18. The moderate-level route will begin at the white barn and head up Lower Bald Mountain to see the moon rise over the Mayacamas and the sun set over Sonoma Valley. $10 for adults, $5 for students, under 18 are free, does not include parking fees. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.com/event/2559781

Star party: The month of June’s second celestial viewings will be held Saturday, June 25 at Robert Ferguson Observatory, first with a solar viewing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a “star party” beginning at 8 p.m. The solar viewing allows visitors safe observation of the sun through specially filtered telescopes, and is free. The star party opens up the observatory’s 3 main telescopes for viewing plus additional telescopes in the parking area. The star party begins at 8 p.m. and costs $3 per adult; under 18 are free. Both events are at RFO at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood; state park admission is $8 per car.

Forest bathing: Julie Cade and Christine Collins will lead a series of therapeutic nature walks in Glen Ellen during June. Each walk combines guided mindful walks with gentle warm-up movements of qigong and yoga. Walks begin at 8:30 a.m. from the Glen Ellen Village Market. Cost is $15 per week or $60 for the whole series. Coming dates are Thursdays, June 23 and 30. Call 228-5765 or email wejulie@wellnessencounters.com to sign up.