California is home to both some of the country’s most gorgeous landscapes and some of the world’s best wine, and thankfully, there’s a trail that offers the best of both. The Camino de Sonoma spans 75 miles through the heart of the state’s wine country, combining history, food, and nature for a unique experience.
The Hike
The trail begins at the Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma, and passes through several towns in the Northern Bay Area, including Kenwood, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Occidental, and Jenner, before finishing in Fort Ross.
Hikers pass by the Mayacama Mountains, redwood groves, Willow Creek State Park, and various local and city parks. The trail ends with a grand finale at Sonoma State Beach Vista Point and Fort Ross, with views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Hikers typically complete the hike in about 6 days.
The trail offers a balance of secluded natural areas and time in these charming towns. Hikers will eat well on this trip; it’s easy to stop by delis and restaurants to refuel for lunch, and then relax at a winery for a nice dinner. Popular local spots on the trail include Mary’s Pizza Shack and Glen Ellen Market. There is also plenty of access to grocery stores for stocking up on snacks or putting together a picnic.
When it comes to lodging, hikers have a few options. There are two public campgrounds on the trail, so it’s possible to combine camping and hotels. If you’d like to lighten up your pack by forgoing tents, sleeping bags, and pads, you can stay at hotels, inns, and B&Bs throughout. As this area is a popular tourist destination, be sure to make reservations in advance.
If you love hiking but are not a fan of camping, this trail is an excellent choice. It combines the physical challenge and adventure of a multiday hike with some of the creature comforts of home.
How Do I Hike the Trail?
The Camino de Sonoma, founded in 2019, is a nonprofit organization that manages the trail, hosts events, and provides resources. On its website, you can find AllTrails GPS files for each stage, as well as a PDF with turn-by-turn navigation. The organization offers guided walks that you can learn more about here, and you can also hike or bike the trail independently.
When Should I Go?
The weather in Sonoma County is mild year-round, making it possible to do the Camino de Sonoma in any season. In spring and fall, expect daily highs in the 60s, perfect hiking weather. Winter will be slightly chillier, but you’ll also find fewer tourists.
How Hard Is the Trail?
If they follow the 6-day itinerary, hikers will average about 12.5 miles per day on the Camino de Sonoma. Some stages have elevation gains of up to 1,400 feet. With the trail falling on highways, roadways, sidewalks, and park trails, the terrain is relatively accessible. AllTrails estimates that each stage takes 4 to 5 hours, so there is plenty of time each day to explore local towns and sites and soak in the scenery.
