Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve
A peaceful 155-acre preserve with easy-to-moderate trails through grasslands and oak woodlands, ideal for hiking and beginner biking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A peaceful 155-acre preserve with easy-to-moderate trails through grasslands and oak woodlands, ideal for hiking and beginner biking.
"A beautiful gem of a park with good mix of shaded and sunny trails, perfect for a relaxing hike."
🚗 Park Smart
Street parking is your only option. Arrive early and be considerate of residents.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails can be rooty and rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Overlooks
Various points along the trails
Enjoy peaceful views of the Russian River and surrounding residential areas from strategically placed benches.
Gentle Hiking Trails
Main loop and branching paths
Explore 2-3 miles of easy to moderate trails winding through grasslands and oak woodlands.
Wildlife Spotting
Throughout the preserve
Keep an eye out for deer, jackrabbits, coyotes, and over 40 species of birds in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Trail Conditions & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smart
Street parking is your only option. Arrive early and be considerate of residents.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails can be rooty and rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
No facilities here! Stay hydrated on your hike.
🌿 Watch for Poison Oak
Stay on marked trails to avoid contact with poison oak, especially in certain areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smart
Street parking is your only option. Arrive early and be considerate of residents.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trails can be rooty and rocky. Good hiking shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
💧 Bring Your Own Water
No facilities here! Stay hydrated on your hike.
🌿 Watch for Poison Oak
Stay on marked trails to avoid contact with poison oak, especially in certain areas.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Your furry friends can join the adventure, but keep them on a leash.
🚴♀️ Beginner Mountain Biking
Gentle inclines make it ideal for beginner mountain bikers looking for a fun, less strenuous ride.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve for its accessible trails, gentle terrain suitable for beginners, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere are frequently mentioned positives. However, the lack of dedicated parking and restroom facilities are noted drawbacks.
"Was told about this place by a family friend, so my family and I made the trip to it with the dogs. First, there is really not any dedicated parking, as the entrance is at the dead end street to a residential neighborhood. Thankfully, there was enough street parking for us to find a spot that didn't inconvenience the local homeowners, but it'd be nice for a dedicated parking space in the future, of deemed necessary.
You walk a short paved section next to a home to the entrance to the park, and then it splits off in a few different directions. We decided to do the outer loop of the park in a counter-clockwise direction, and overall, that loop is about 2 miles (we didn't take the extra self contained loop in the southwest corner of the park). The trail was extremely well groomed in most sections, and only occasionally got a bit rooty (and a bit rocky in the more exposed North side). There's quite a few little overlooks off the main loop, each of which has a bench to relax and see the views (although to be honest, the only interesting view for me was the Russian River one, as the others generally just overlook the residential houses right next to the park). The elevation change was fairly minor (something like 200ft total), so overall I'd consider it pretty easy, but I'd also describe it as very peaky, meaning as you go, you are either going up hill or downhill for long stretches, so if you have some troubles with that, be aware (contrasted to something that might have the same elevation change, but you get longer stretches of flat with shorter, steeper sections).
The exciting thing, for me anyways, is that it seems to be the PERFECT spot for beginner mountain biking. I've tried some of the other parks in the County (Annadale, Taylor Mountain, Shiloh, Foothills, etc), and while the downhill portions at those parks can be exhilarating, the uphill climbs can be a complete slog, and I tend to hike more than bike. Healdsburg Ridge, however, has such a gentle incline, that climbing it shouldn't really be an issue. Now, I'm not gonna have a huge downhill section on the other side, but can probably find a couple flow-y lines to have some fun with, and since it's so gentle, it means I'd expect to lap the park at least a few times before getting tired. I'm thinking the best route would be to immediately go right or left at the entrance, come around and back down the middle path, then hit the opposite side you didn't get back at the entrance, doing a figure-8 of the park. Seems like it'd be a blast, and suitable for more climb-averse riders. Didn't run into TOO many people, but always be aware of others, and make sure to yield to hikers if you do bike it! Most of the paths are pretty wide, but no need to hit and hurt somebody.
I really liked this place and was super stoked after our first visit there. Definitely want to go back and do it again (still want to tackle that separate portion in the Southwest). Outside of the parking being almost non-existent, the only other issue I have with it is that it's just small. A fit person (or persons) could do the whole park in under an hour, and while there are a decent number of unmarked trails to explore, it seems the vast majority of those are actually closed for vegetation rehab, so the only marked trails there are pretty sparse and simple. There are some cool little footbridges/bridge paths to cross at the backside of the park though!"
Anthony DeGrazia
"There is only on street parking available in the neighborhood for this park and there are no toilet facilities sadly.
Dogs are welcome on leash and the trails are pretty well marked and would be classified as easy to moderate.
There are some nice views to be had for the various lookouts but don’t wander from the path or the poison oak may get you."
Andrew Healy
"Beautiful gem of a park in Healdsburg. Have lived in Sonoma County most of life, and this is the first time I've hiked here. Good mix of shaded trails and sunny trails. When I was there (Mid June '23) there was quite a bit of poison oak just off the trail on both sides in places - be aware and be on the lookout!"
Daryl Shook
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is accessed via city streets through a residential neighborhood, ending at a dead-end street. Parking is available on nearby neighborhood streets.
No, there is no dedicated parking lot. Visitors must rely on street parking in the surrounding residential area.
Yes, using GPS to navigate to the end of the dead-end street in the residential neighborhood will lead you to the preserve entrance.
It is generally easy to find by navigating to the residential area and following signs or the road to its end.
Navigate to the residential area of Healdsburg and follow the road to its dead-end, where the preserve entrance is located. Specific directions may vary based on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve is a free public park. There are no admission fees or tickets required.
The preserve is open daily for visitors to enjoy the trails and natural scenery.
There is no entrance fee. The preserve is free to access for all visitors.
No reservations are needed or available, as it is a public open space with no entry fees or timed access.
The main restriction is to stay on marked trails and keep dogs on a leash.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The preserve offers 2-3 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails, including a main loop and some smaller branching paths. Trails can be rooty and rocky in sections.
Unfortunately, there are no restroom facilities available at the preserve. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Yes, dogs are welcome at the preserve as long as they are kept on a leash.
You can expect views of the Russian River, Fitch Mountain, and the surrounding residential areas from various overlooks.
Yes, the trails are generally considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginner hikers and even beginner mountain bikers due to gentle inclines.
📸 📸 Photography
The overlooks offering views of the Russian River and the rolling hills provide scenic photo opportunities. The diverse landscapes of grasslands and oak woodlands are also picturesque.
You might spot deer, jackrabbits, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and various bird species, offering chances for wildlife photography. 
Yes, the preserve offers varied landscapes including open grasslands, oak woodlands, and wetlands, which can be appealing for landscape photography.
The overlooks along the main loop trail, particularly those facing the Russian River, are often highlighted for their views.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on-site. The short loop trails mean you can easily tailor the hike to your children's energy levels. The overlooks provide nice spots for a picnic break with a view.
🐶 Dog Owners
Be sure to bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and always clean up after them. The gentle inclines are also a plus for older dogs or those with less stamina.
🚴♀️ Beginner Mountain Bikers
You can easily create a fun loop by combining different paths, and the relatively short duration of the trails means you can do multiple laps to get a good workout. It's a great place to build confidence on a mountain bike in a beautiful natural setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Hikers can expect a mix of environments, including open grasslands, oak woodlands, and wetlands. The trails are designed to offer scenic vistas, with benches placed at various overlooks. While some views primarily overlook the adjacent residential neighborhoods, others provide pleasant glimpses of the Russian River and the surrounding Sonoma County landscape. It's important to stay on marked trails, as there are areas with poison oak, and some unmarked paths may be closed for vegetation rehabilitation.
For those looking for a more comprehensive experience, the outer loop is about 2 miles, and there's an additional self-contained loop in the southwest corner. The preserve's relatively small size means a fit individual could complete the main trails in under an hour. However, the gentle nature of the climbs and descents allows for repeated laps or exploration of the marked paths for a more extended outing.
Wildlife and Nature
+1Birdwatchers will also find the preserve rewarding, with over 40 species of birds documented in the area. The preserve's location near the Russian River contributes to its biodiversity. Instagram reels often highlight the natural beauty and the opportunity to connect with the outdoors.
+1When exploring, it's crucial to be mindful of the natural environment. While the trails are generally well-maintained, it's important to stay on them to avoid disturbing sensitive vegetation and to prevent encounters with poison oak, which is present in some areas. The preserve is a testament to conservation efforts, with its acquisition and development aimed at preserving these natural resources for public enjoyment.
Beginner Mountain Biking Potential
The preserve's layout, with its interconnected trails, allows for a figure-eight riding pattern or multiple laps. Riders can ascend one side of the ridge and descend via a different path, creating a flowy experience. While there might not be extremely steep downhill sections, the gentle gradients offer enough fun for a satisfying ride. The wide trails also accommodate passing, though cyclists are reminded to yield to hikers.
This accessibility makes Healdsburg Ridge a great spot to practice biking skills or simply enjoy a leisurely ride in a natural setting without the fatigue of challenging climbs. It's a place where both hikers and beginner bikers can coexist and appreciate the outdoors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit