Taylor Mountain New Route Day 2

Another opportunity to join me in exploring the new addition to Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve which is a prominent landmark in southeast Santa Rosa and offers panoramic views of the city from trails that climb to the summit. A challenging hike best for individuals with at least a moderate level of fitness.

Six things to remember when hiking near cattle
1- Properly latch any gates you pass through on trails.
2- Always keep dogs on leash. Do not let pets chase or harass livestock.
3- If cattle are blocking the trail, approach them slowly, speak normally, and allow them to move away. If they don’t move away on their own, provide a wide berth by walking around them off-trail, if necessary.
4- If you see a stray calf, leave it alone; the mother is often feeding or watering nearby and will return. Do not get between a mother cow and young calves.
5- Give space to any cow that shows signs of aggression. This may mean giving them lots of space and walking off-trail if necessary.
6- If you encounter a cow that is acting in a threatening manner, or appears to be injured, sick or dead, please note the location, the color of the animal, the ear tag number, and report it to the park.
https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Learn/Blog/Articles/Sharing-Sonoma-County-trails-with-cows/

Where We Meet
Taylor Mountain RP & Open Space Preserve
2080 Kawana Terrace
Make Sure You Go To The Correct Entrance
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. It often takes longer than you think.

The Hike
Taylor Mountain Kawana Springs addition - Lower, Middle and Upper Colgan Creek trails to the East Knowl. A lollipop hike.
Length - +/-5.1 miles/8.2 kilometers
Elevation change - +/-984 feet/300 meters
Difficulty - 7/10 - Moderate - short steep & rocky sections.
Must be sure footed (confident and competent)!
Exposure - 30% sun / 70% shade - steep, rocky, ticks/insects and cows.
Bring plenty of water. At least 34oz./1 liter.
Dogs - Yes, well behaved dogs on a leash are welcome!
Facilities at trail head - Port a potty
Cost - Suggested $5 cash donation. No one turned away!
Parking - $7 Regional Parks fee.
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, for your dog too, a hat, snack, layered clothing.
Please Do Not Use Any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.

When We Meet
Sunday December 15 2024
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do not attend if you're ill or have been around someone sick!
Hike may be changed, postponed or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypses etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes.