Hidden Gem Hike: Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve

If you’re drawn to dramatic landscapes and hidden corners of Sonoma Valley, this hike is for you.

Join Sonoma Ecology Center for a guided, moderately strenuous exploration of Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve, a 1,290-acre protected gem nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains and shaped by both time and fire. This special outing, in partnership with Sonoma County Regional Parks and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, offers a rare chance to traverse a preserve still closed to regular public access.

Starting from a forested trailhead near the heart of the 2017 Nuns Fire footprint, this route leads you through open meadows, dense oak woodlands, and along year-round streams—punctuated by seasonal waterfalls and stunning ridge-top vistas. The trail winds through diverse microclimates with notable elevation gain and a shallow water crossing (conditions vary with rainfall), making it ideal for experienced hikers looking for a unique experience off the beaten path.

What to Bring:

Sturdy hiking shoes
Ample water and trail snacks
Weather-appropriate layers and sun protection
Trekking poles if preferred for uneven terrain

About the Preserve:

Calabazas Creek Open Space Preserve is a living example of nature’s resilience. Originally protected by the Ag + Open Space District in 2004 with voter-approved funding, the land was later transferred to Sonoma County Regional Parks for public access and long-term stewardship. Ag + Open Space retains a conservation easement to ensure that the natural and cultural values of the land are preserved in perpetuity.

This area is ecologically rich and significant: home to native wildlife, diverse plant communities, and geological features shaped by fire and water. With its varied terrain and rare public access, it remains one of Sonoma Valley’s most treasured and least-known landscapes.