12th Annual Christmas on Sugarloaf (moderate)

Here’s the perfect way to celebrate Christmas—hiking on Sugarloaf! Combine the views, the scenery, the company, the exercise, the weather, and the holiday cheer, and you end up with something special every year. With few bugs, fewer leaves (better views!), and fewest people, there’s no better place close to home to enjoy a natural Christmas. (Says the ghost of Christmas Natural.)

As a monadnock, Sugarloaf stands out from its surroundings, providing spectacular views in all directions from several cliff overlooks and offering some of the best hiking near the Capital area. The mountain is home to a wide variety of trees, wildflowers, and assorted critters. It has an interesting geology and a fascinating history, including being the site of a proposed presidential retreat (before Camp David).

Sugarloaf of Christmases past: 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.

HIKE:
The hike is an 7.6-mile circuit hike with about 2900 ft. of elevation change (moderate). There are some strenuous stretches and many ups and downs. This is not an easy hike. A map of the hike route is posted as a photo below, to print, if you wish.

LEADERS are Vicky Hsu and Mike Darzi.

WEAR:
You will need to dress for the weather, in layers so that some stuff can come off as you warm up hiking. Consider the wind chill in addition to the temperature, so an extra jacket or windbreaker is advised. Consider wearing ear covers, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or high collar. The trails are rocky and may be icy, so hiking boots are strongly recommended. Don’t forget your walking poles if you use them. Carrying an extra pair of socks is a good idea.

BRING:
Bring two or more quarts of water, a bag lunch, and leftover holiday treats (especially homemade) to share. Bring binoculars and a camera if you like.

WHEN & WHERE:
We’ll meet at 10:00 am at the West View parking lot on Sugarloaf Mountain. Enter Sugarloaf from the main gate at the intersection of Comus Rd. and Sugarloaf Mountain Rd. Follow Sugarloaf Mountain Drive (not "Road") between the barns (then porta-john on left) and up the mountain, past the East View lot, and take the right at the next fork (with a sign) to West View lot. (Use the porta-john before coming to the trailhead.) From the gate entrance, it is 1.8 miles to our parking lot.

There is no formal carpooling. If you need a ride, try posting a request in the comments. (Offering to pay for gas may help.)

SCPRO DONATION:
A voluntary $2.00 donation per event is requested. You may use paypal by sending money to [email protected] using “For friends and family” as payment type.

You may join the Sierra Club by clicking "JOIN" on the website of the Virginia Chapter.