Sonoma County Regional Parks has officially opened eight new miles of trails at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, situated just a stone's throw from downtown Santa Rosa. This marks a significant expansion for the 1,100-acre park, which has been a go-to spot since 2013 for its panoramic summit views, diverse recreational facilities, and previously existing 7-mile trail network.
In what's been dubbed the largest trail expansion project in over a decade, the newly unveiled trails nearly double the park's offerings. They also include the first-ever public access to the park's northeastern acres. According to Sonoma County Regional Parks, visitors can now slowly uncover the distinct character of this side of the preserve, one that contrasts sharply with the west's open grasslands.
Some of the trails worth mentioning are the Kawana Terrace Trail, featuring ruins of a 19th-century hot springs resort, and the Colgan Highlands Trail, which offers a lofty vantage point for sweeping views. Regional Parks Director Bert Whitaker told Sonoma County Regional Parks, "This expansion adds a whole new way to experience the park, whether you're out for a quiet walk, a challenging ride or just taking in the views."
This spring, the trails were initially opened to hikers only to allow the trails to more fully stabilize, ensuring their durability for long-term use. Now, they also welcome mountain bikers and equestrians. Supervisor Chris Coursey enthusiastically said, per the Sonoma County Regional Parks, "These new trails are a big deal. It's almost like we're opening a new park." These statements come from Sonoma County Regional Parks' official announcement.
The project was not just an expansion but a concerted effort for responsible land stewardship, funded by a mix of public investment, community donations, and grants, such as a $2.16 million Recreational Trails Program grant from California State Parks. The Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation, park mitigation fees, and revenue from the local sales tax, Measure M, also pitched in – according to data provided by Sonoma County Regional Parks.
