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Taylor Mountain Loop

Santa Rosa, California

4.2/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

1000 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Ali Van Houten

This steep hike puts you up above the Santa Rosa plain, with sweeping views of Sonoma County and beyond.

From the northern entrance to the park, you can access an 18-hole disc golf course as well as a number of trails. The Eastern Trail takes you up a steep 1,000 feet to the top of Taylor Mountain, where you can see most of Sonoma County laid out before you. Mt. St. Helena is visible in the distance as well. This makes a great brisk 1-2 hour hike, or even a steep trail run if you're in good shape. You can also make a loop out of it via the Western Trail, a more gentle ascent to the peak.

Besides the usual suspects—hawks, turkeys, lizards—you may also see some cattle that freely roam the grassy hillsides. Dogs are allowed on leash only. Parking is $7 or free for regional pass holders, but there's also plenty of spots along the road that are free for non-pass holders.

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Features

Fitness
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Scenic
Wildlife

Taylor Mountain Loop Reviews

I hike this frequently as I work less than a mile away, it's a great little hike! If I don't have time to go to the top I just do the first steep hill on the Eastern trail and back around.

Thanks for recommending this hike! I just went today with my dog. He's such a couch potato, but it was really nice to get him outside and active on a nice hike. It was a perfect time to do this hike because it was cloudy but had a light breeze. The sun would poke out a few times to make it a little warm, but the hike was enjoyable. I can't see myself doing this during the hot summer though. A couple times it was pretty steep going up, but not bad. Popular trail. View is amazing at several parts of the hike. I like that there were restrooms at the parking lot and dog bags -- convenient. Beware of poison oak in some spots. Also, cows are around. We were in close proximity to a bull -- I was kind of terrified -- but all went well and kept my dog close to my side. It took us a total of 2 hours to do this hike. We parked on the left side just before the designated parking lot for Taylor Mountain. FREE.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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