Semi-hidden hike

Standing atop a vine covered hill, looking out across a little valley, seeing San Pablo Bay and Mount Diablo in the distance, I can't believe that I've lived in Sonoma for close to twenty years and until recently didn't realize this trail existed.



The hiking area I've just discovered is one many Sonoma Valley residents are likely familiar with. Just off Gehricke road, about a mile past Ravenswood, a sign has been placed by the owners of a hillside vineyard, welcoming hikers to enjoy the property (horses, bicyclists, and motor vehicles are strictly prohibited).





As I started walking up the trail, I was amazed at how much space there was to explore. From the road it looked as if the property would take half an hour or so to circumnavigate, but after hiking around the first hill I was overwhelmed. The property extends farther up and back into the hills than I'd initially thought. Crisscrossed with utility roads, there are numerous routes that can be hiked ranging from moderate to difficult.

The quality of the trails was better than I had anticipated after the heavy rain last week; straw had been placed to dry up the road for service vehicles. Still, there were spots off the main access roads that were a bit soggy, but nothing that couldn't be traversed.




Like I said the trail is about a mile up the road from Ravenswood, which you will have to walk as the parking lot at the winery is the closest public parking available. This brings me to the downside of the hike, having to walk up Gehricke Road itself. It's a narrow one lane road rife with potholes and crumbling edges. Motorists are generally courteous to pedestrians, slowing down to pass safely, but sometimes big trucks or careless drivers added to the narrowness of the road make the walk a bit treacherous at times. However, myself and countless others have walked up the street without incident so as long as one is aware of their surroundings their isn't great cause form concern.