Sugarloaf Park : Bald Mountain

8.5 miles - A tough course with lots of elevation loss and gain. Ultimately you get to the summit of Bald Mountain (2,729 ft.), which offers some great views on a clear day. You will certainly earn the view. Start at the parking lot right after the Ranger Kiosk ($6 to park as of 02/22/07). Go up Lower Bald Mountain trail (single-track) and make your way to Meadow trail. You will follow Meadow trail past Gray Pine and proceed up Brushy Peaks eventually following the ridgeline. Brushy Peaks merges with Gray Pine which provides some roller coaster trails, lots of elevation loss and gain) for the next mile or so before you reach the summit. After catching your breath you head down Bald Mountain Trail which is a wide fire road. It is a steep down but the trail is not technical and eventually becomes a paved road before you turn left on the Lower Bald Mountain Trail back to the parking lot. Taking the purple route above adds an extra .6 miles to the run but is well worth it. Very beautiful trails with great views. Approx. 8.5 mile loop or 9.1 with added purple route.

• From Parking take Lower Bald Mtn trail.
• 0.4 mi - Go right at Y to Meadow trail
• 0.6 mi - Go left onto Meadow trail
• 1.4 mi - Pass Gray Pine & Turn left on Brushy Peaks
• 4.4 mi - Stay right onto Gray Pines
• 5.6 mi - Summit of Bald Mountain (2,729 ft)
• 5.7 mi - Head down Bald Mtn Trail (fire road)
• 7.3 mi - Turn left onto Lower Bald Mtn Trail
• 8.1 mi - Stay right on trail towards parking
• 8.5 mi - Finish at parking area

Directions to Sugarloaf Park:

• Hwy 12 East towards Sonoma.
• Turn left on Adobe Canyon Rd. at light near Landmark Winery
• Head into Sugarloaf Park.
• Pay $6 to park (as of 02/22/07) at Ranger Kiosk. (maps available)
• park in first dirt lot to left after kiosk. (bathrooms available)