Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
Explore over 1,100 acres of woods, creeks, and oak woodlands with new trails and scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 1,100 acres of woods, creeks, and oak woodlands with new trails and scenic views.
"Great park with well-maintained trails shaded by beautiful oak trees."
🚗 Drive Slowly on Gravel Road
The gravel road to the park has many dips. Drive slowly to avoid damaging your vehicle.
💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen
Most trails have moderate to significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New Trail Loops
Northeast side of the park
Explore 8 miles of new trails with shaded creeks, oak woodlands, and stunning views.
Summit Views
Park summit
Hike to the summit for panoramic views of Santa Rosa and Bennett Valley.
Beaver Dam Analogs
Creek channels
See innovative, hand-built structures that mimic beaver dams, restoring creek habitats.
Friendly Cows
Various trails
Encounter curious young cows that may approach hikers and follow them along the trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Access & New Additions
Wildlife & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly on Gravel Road
The gravel road to the park has many dips. Drive slowly to avoid damaging your vehicle.
💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen
Most trails have moderate to significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
The park is dog-friendly, but all dogs must be kept on a leash.
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in warmer months, as rattlesnakes can be present.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly on Gravel Road
The gravel road to the park has many dips. Drive slowly to avoid damaging your vehicle.
💧 Bring Water & Sunscreen
Most trails have moderate to significant elevation gain. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
🐶 Leash Your Dogs
The park is dog-friendly, but all dogs must be kept on a leash.
🐍 Watch for Snakes
Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in warmer months, as rattlesnakes can be present.
🅿️ Arrive Early on Weekends
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Get there early to secure a spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the recent expansion of trails at Taylor Mountain, offering beautiful views and diverse terrain suitable for various fitness levels. The park is dog-friendly and provides opportunities to see wildlife like cows. However, the gravel road can be challenging, and parking fills up quickly on weekends.
"I appreciate the added trails to this mountain and thank you to the Sonoma County regional Parks for their work. I had not been here in a while as there were not many trails before. The views are always quite nice. Be mindful where you step as we almost stepped on a rattler today as it was basking in the sun. The gravel road up to the park has so many dips in it you have to drive extremely slow to traverse it safely. Plenty of parking spots."
Lisa
"Great park with well maintained trails shaded by beautiful oak trees. There is nice/moderate elevation gain on most trails so be prepared with some water & sunscreen if it’s warm out. The park is very popular especially on weekends and the parking lot fills up fast so get there early. Many people walking their dogs and a few mountain bikers as well.🤗"
Kevin Gortney
"Trails are maintained well enough. Close to town with easy access and two entrances with plenty of parking. Disc golf course off the Kawana entrance. Not many flat trails from either entrance-- mostly up, just at varying degrees. Views are nice from both entrances. From Kawana you can take in views of the east side of the mountain which is fewer houses, but can't see as far. Lots of lizards. Sometimes even cows! Dog friendly but keep them on a leash. Watch for snakes in the hot months (rare, but sometimes you'll see them.) Plenty of trails to get in a good workout. If you're looking for something more difficult, go to Hood Mountain. If you're looking for something easier, check out Crane Creek down the road, or Sonoma Valley Regional Park outside Glen Ellen. Enjoy!"
Chris Cabral
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve has two main entrances. The gravel road leading to the park has dips, so drive slowly. Parking is available at both entrances.
Yes, there are plenty of parking spots available at both entrances. However, the lots can fill up quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
The road leading to the park is a gravel road with many dips. It's advised to drive very slowly to traverse it safely.
Yes, the new trails on the northeast side are open for biking, offering shaded creeks and oak woodlands.
Information on public transport access is limited, but driving is the most common method. Check local transit schedules for potential routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, parking at the park costs $7.00.
Operating hours are not explicitly stated but are generally from dawn to dusk for regional parks. It's best to check the official Sonoma County Regional Parks website for the most current information.
No, advance booking is not typically required for general park entry. Parking fees are usually paid on-site.
The park is generally open to the public for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Always check for any temporary closures or specific regulations before visiting.
Yes, there are two entrances to the park, each offering different trail access and views.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Taylor Mountain offers a variety of trails, including new loops with shaded creeks and oak woodlands, as well as trails with moderate to steep elevation gain.
The park offers nice views, especially from the summit, overlooking Santa Rosa and Bennett Valley. +1
Yes, the park features innovative beaver dam analogs (BDAs) that mimic natural beaver dams to restore creek channels.
For a more difficult hike, Hood Mountain is recommended. Taylor Mountain offers good workouts with varying degrees of incline.
You might see friendly cows, lizards, and potentially rattlesnakes during warmer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park itself does not have dining facilities. It's recommended to pack your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Yes, the park description mentions picnic tables, making it a great spot for a picnic lunch.
Since Taylor Mountain is close to Santa Rosa, you can find numerous restaurants and cafes in the city for post-hike meals.
Park regulations regarding alcohol can vary. It's best to check the official Sonoma County Regional Parks guidelines before consuming alcohol.
It's advisable to bring your own water as water fountains may not be readily available throughout the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, and the new trails with shaded creeks and oak woodlands provide picturesque scenery.
Absolutely! The diverse terrain, from woodlands to open vistas, offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during spring.
Yes, you might encounter cows and lizards, offering unique photo opportunities. Remember to maintain a safe distance and respect their space.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for your photos. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage is typically restricted in regional parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Check the park's official policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park is dog-friendly, ensure your furry companions are on a leash. The new trails offer a chance for exploration, and the diverse scenery provides a stimulating environment for children to connect with nature. Just be mindful of the gravel road's condition when driving in and out of the park.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
While the park is generally safe, solo hikers should always be aware of their surroundings, especially regarding wildlife like snakes during warmer months. Bringing water and a fully charged phone is recommended. The summit views offer a rewarding experience after a good workout, providing a sense of accomplishment and tranquility.
🐶 Dog Owners
The varied trails offer opportunities for your dog to get a good workout, whether you choose a more moderate path or a steeper climb. Be sure to bring extra water for your canine companion, especially on warmer days. The presence of cows on the trails might be an interesting encounter for some dogs, so keep them close.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the New Trails
The development of these trails highlights the park's commitment to enhancing visitor access and preserving the natural beauty of the area. The integration of these new paths means more opportunities for exploration, whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. The variety ensures that there's something for every fitness level, contributing to the park's reputation as a versatile outdoor destination.
Wildlife Encounters and Safety
However, it's crucial to be aware of potential hazards. During the warmer months, rattlesnakes can be present, so it's important to watch where you step and stay on marked trails. The park is dog-friendly, but owners must keep their pets on a leash to ensure the safety of both their dogs and the local wildlife. Following these simple safety guidelines will help ensure a pleasant and secure visit for everyone.
Park Accessibility and Amenities
The park is well-equipped for visitors, with picnic tables available for those wishing to enjoy a meal amidst nature. While the park itself doesn't have dining facilities, its proximity to Santa Rosa means that numerous food options are just a short drive away. The trails are generally well-maintained, though most involve some degree of incline, so visitors are advised to bring water and sunscreen, especially during warmer periods.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit