July 4 hike begins a month of hiking in Sonoma Valley parks

Saturday, July 1: Start the month out on the right feet at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park with a 1.4-mile nature hike along Sonoma Creek. The guided hike will include information about the plants, animals and aquatic life of the upper reaches of the creek that defines Sonoma Valley. The hike starts at 10 a.m. at the visitors center. No fee, but $8 parking charges apply. The hike, or something similar, repeats most Saturdays, check sugarloafpark.org for details.

Tuesday, July 4: Team Sugarloaf celebrates the annual 4th of July Fireworks Hike to the top of Bald Mountain to view over a dozen fireworks displays visible from the high vantage. The hike begins at 7 p.m. from the group campsite near the observatory, and should reach the summit well ahead of sundown, where hikers can enjoy a “sumptuous mountaintop reception” of hearty snacks and sweets, lemonade and water. Cost of $50 includes the food and non-alcoholic drinks; feel free to pack your own picnic or a bottle of wine. The hike is over six miles, about an hour and a half each way. Complete details and tickets can be found at brownpapertickets.com/event/2954725.

Saturday, July 8: The next-to-last hike in the six-hike “Hiking for Fitness” series at Jack London State Historic Park travels the Sonoma Ridge Trail, beginning at 8:30 a.m. from the ranch parking lot. Naturalist John Lynch will lead the hike, which helps promote cardio-respiratory fitness, lowers risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, reduces depression and encourages better sleep among other benefits. Each hike costs $15, which includes parking. Go to jacklondonpark.com/hiking-for-fitness-2017.html to register, or call 938-5216.

Also July 8, a Full Moon Hike at Sugarloaf beginning at 6:45 extends past sunset into the silver hours of the full moon’s rise. This moderate-to-strenuous route will begin at the White Barn and head over Meadow and Vista trails, to view the moon rising over the Mayacamas and the sun setting over the Valley. Return is via Lower Bald Mountain trail and back to the White Barn by about 9:30. Cost is just $5 for students and volunteers, $10 general, free for under 18. Register at brownpapertickets.com/event/2954746.

Saturday and Sunday, July 8 and 9: The Sugar Shuttle passenger van will be running beginning at 8:30 a.m. to make through-hiking from Sugarloaf to Hood Mountain easier. Every half hour until 10:30 a.m. the Shuttle will leave from either Sugarloaf Park or Hood Mountain Regional Park’s Pythian Road parking lot. Jump aboard then ride to the other end of the trail and hike back to your car. Reservations recommended or ride on a space-available basis. Suggested donation of $10. The hike should take 3.5 to 4.5 hours, about 7.4 miles with approximately 2,300-foot vertical climb.

Saturday, July 15: This is the “graduation hike” in the six-hike Hiking for Fitness (see July 8). Today’s hike is to the summit of the Park with John Lynch, an appropriate climax to the series. Each hike costs $15, which includes parking.

Saturday, July 15: Today’s weekly Sugarloaf hike is a bilingual one, in Spanish and English, to learn about the plants, animals and aquatic life of Sonoma Creek on a 1.4 mile nature hike. No fee, but parking charges apply. Contact John at 833-5712 to register.

Friday, July 21: Come explore the Montini Trail at dusk on this Twilight Nature Hike, beginning at 7 p.m. See how nature transforms in the early evening with interpretation focusing on nocturnal animals. This is a one-mile, slow-paced hike with minor elevation change. Sturdy shoes and water recommended. All ages, free of charge. Meet at Vallejo Home, 363 3rd St W.; contact Joleen Ossello at 938-9547

Saturday, July 22: Susan Topf’s Yoga Hike at Sugarloaf Ridge balances hiking with gentle yoga postures, breath work and guided meditation. Wear weather-appropriate clothing to feel comfortable in a natural setting. The hike will probably be along 2.5-mile Meadow/Hillside Loop with yoga stops at secluded glades, hilltop vistas and tranquil creek-side settings. Cost is $20 including parking if registered online. For tickets go to brownpapertickets.com/event/2869473

Saturday, July 29: And if yoga doesn’t get you there, perhaps “shinrin yoku” will. It translates as “forest bathing,” an immersion in the beneficial influences of nature. The practice originated in Japan and is gaining popularity in the U.S. for its health benefits. It is thought to promote balance and restore vitality through heightened sensory awareness. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park hosts a Forest Therapy Series on the last Saturday of each month, May through November, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free to those with a Parks RX prescription, $10 to park docents or members, $20 general. Register at brownpapertickets.com/event/2914032.