New Trails Coming to Taylor Mountain
Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve is home to a mosaic of grassland, wetland, riparian, scrub and oak woodland plant communities. The park supports an abundance of wildlife species, and it links the stream corridors, parks and backyards of Santa Rosa to the Sonoma Mountains. It is also a hub for outdoor recreation in Sonoma County.
Providing a picturesque backdrop to Santa Rosa, Taylor Mountain offers ample public recreation on the urban edge. Over half the county's population lives within just 20 minutes of the park. Park visitors take in a sweeping view of the Santa Rosa Plain, while disc golf enthusiasts enjoy the 18-hole course. The park offers a vital reprieve from the urban landscape for families who live on nearby Santa Rosa Avenue.
Currently, the park offers 8 miles of trails, mostly old ranch roads that deliver access to this outstanding playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike. Construction has been underway that will double the trail mileage at the park. The Park Master Plan calls for 18 miles of primarily multi-use trails. Upon completion of the new trails, 75% of the 1,100-acre park will be available for public access.
Funding from the Parks Foundation is key to making this expanded trail system possible. The project is funded by a $1.83 million Recreational Trails Program grant through California State Parks, and the grant requires local matching funds from the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. This grant requires a 12% match from Sonoma County Regional Parks, and the Parks Foundation has committed to raising $80,000 towards that match. Join us on this exciting opportunity!
Providing a picturesque backdrop to Santa Rosa, Taylor Mountain offers ample public recreation on the urban edge. Over half the county's population lives within just 20 minutes of the park. Park visitors take in a sweeping view of the Santa Rosa Plain, while disc golf enthusiasts enjoy the 18-hole course. The park offers a vital reprieve from the urban landscape for families who live on nearby Santa Rosa Avenue.
Currently, the park offers 8 miles of trails, mostly old ranch roads that deliver access to this outstanding playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders alike. Construction has been underway that will double the trail mileage at the park. The Park Master Plan calls for 18 miles of primarily multi-use trails. Upon completion of the new trails, 75% of the 1,100-acre park will be available for public access.
Funding from the Parks Foundation is key to making this expanded trail system possible. The project is funded by a $1.83 million Recreational Trails Program grant through California State Parks, and the grant requires local matching funds from the Sonoma County Parks Foundation. This grant requires a 12% match from Sonoma County Regional Parks, and the Parks Foundation has committed to raising $80,000 towards that match. Join us on this exciting opportunity!
The recent rains have slowed trail work at Taylor Mountain Park & Preserve, but we continue to look forward to new trails opening later in 2024. Contractor Yakima Construction is building multi-purpose trails on the north and eastern sides of Taylor Mountain for hikers, cyclists and equestrians. These new trails will include several bridges across seasonal wetlands and creeks, and three new walk-in/bike-in entrances for neighborhood use. New trails range from steeper grades to the top of 1,120-foot Colgan Peak to an ADA-accessible trail through Colgan Creek Canyon for those with mobility challenges.
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In addition to new trails, Taylor Mountain will benefit from habitat restoration projects in 2024. Regional Parks will undertake restoration at multiple sites in the park, including a highly visible wetland by the Kawana Terrace entrance.
Benefits of habitat restoration include:
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For more information, please contact Parks Foundation Executive Director Melissa Kelley.
