Jack London State Historic Park presents the WILD Trail Challenge

Jack London State Historic Park invites avid hikers to participate in its new WILD Trail Challenge, a series of five guided hikes of increasing duration and/or difficulty on five consecutive Saturdays beginning September 7 and ending October 5.

The series includes all of the park’s trails, totaling 31.2 miles. Participants can sign up for individual hikes or do them all and become a true “WILD One.”

The cost of each hike is $25 (including the $10 park entrance fee). Those who register for all five hikes before September 7 will save 20% and pay only $100. Details and reservations are available at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/hiking-series/. Each hike is limited to a maximum of 25 people.

The hikes highlight the history and natural beauty of the park while providing a fitness challenge for participants. The hikes are led by staff and volunteers from Jack London Park Partners, the nonprofit organization that operates and funds the park.

All hikes except hike #3 begin at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. Meet in the ranch parking lot (turn right after the entrance kiosk).

Hike #3 begins at the Sonoma Developmental Center, 15000 Arnold Drive, meeting at the main campus parking lot at the corner of Arnold Drive and Harney Street.

The hikes:

Hike No. 1 – Historic hiking trails

September 7, 9:00 a.m. to noon. This hike explores the park’s historic sites and trails. You’ll traverse both sides of the park to discover Jack London’s Beauty Ranch, London Lake, and the Wolf House ruins. Easy to moderate hike (approximately 3.5 miles round trip).

Hike No. 2 – Ancient Redwood

September 14, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Stroll through the redwoods and sunlit oak forests of the park’s three Bridge Trails (Upper, Lower and Fallen). The journey leads to the majestic old-growth redwood known as the Grandmother Tree. Moderate hike (approximately 9.2 kilometers there and back).

Hike No. 3 – Historic Orchard

September 21, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Walk along the blue shores of Fern Lake before reaching the historic orchard to learn about the history of the land and the fruit trees whose produce is donated to Farm to Pantry. Moderate to difficult hike (approximately 5.5 miles round trip).

Hike No. 4 – The Ridge

28 September, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Climb to elevation and learn about the park’s diverse habitats. Hikers will also traverse a portion of the ever-growing Bay Area Ridge Trail. Moderate to difficult hike (approximately 8.5 miles round trip).

Hike No. 5 – The Summit

October 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Complete the hiking series with a hike to the top of the park. Climb Sonoma Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views, celebrate with other hikers, and become a “WILD One.” Difficult hike (about 8 miles round trip).

Hikers are advised to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Participants will also receive a reminder email 48 hours before the hike with updates on current trail conditions and hiking gear recommendations.

Dogs are not allowed on any of the five hikes that pass through the park’s remote trails and protected wildlife habitats. For more information about dogs in the park, visit https://jacklondonpark.com/policies/.

For more information about the WILD Trail Challenge, contact Ciara Pegg at [email protected] or (707) 938-5216 ext. 5.

You can reach Vince Basada at [email protected]. Follow him on X (Twitter) @VinceBasada