02
Rugged ridge option
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park
Hills East Of Windsor • Shaded Oak And Chaparral Preserve • Best Moderate Workout
Steeper, quieter trails wind through mixed forest to ridgelines that feel surprisingly remote from town.
Shiloh’s network of fire roads and singletrack lets you custom-build anything from a one-hour loop to a solid half-day outing. Expect a mix of oak woodland, open chaparral, and glimpses into the surrounding vineyards. The Ridge Trail in particular rewards the climb with long views toward the Russian River and coastal hills.
03
Big-day adventure
Trione-Annadel State Park
Eastern Santa Rosa Hills • Expansive State Park With Lake • Best For Longer, Varied Hikes
Miles of rocky singletrack link meadows, shady forest, and Lake Ilsanjo for classic Sonoma County hiking.
If you’re up for a few hours on your feet, Annadel is where locals go to really stretch their legs. Start from the Spring Lake or Lawndale side to tap into a spiderweb of routes, from the smooth Channel Drive path to rockier climbs like Cobblestone and Rough Go. Come in spring for wildflowers along the meadow edges and a cool stop at the lake before looping back.
04
Easiest family-friendly loop
Spring Lake Regional Park
Southeast Santa Rosa • Lakeside Urban-Edge Park • Best For Relaxed Strolls
A mostly flat loop around the lake offers water views, birdlife, and plenty of benches and picnic spots.
Spring Lake is a go-to when you want nature without a long drive or serious elevation. The paved and dirt paths circling the water work well for mixed groups, strollers, and casual walkers, and you can always add a short detour into the oak woodland for more of a trail feel. It also serves as a gateway into Annadel if you decide to turn a short walk into something bigger.
05
River and redwoods combo
Riverfront Regional Park
Russian River West Of Windsor • Shady Riverfront Regional Park • Best Mellow Escape On Hot Days
Short trails loop past a small lake, through a redwood grove, and out to the Russian River’s edge.
Tucked just off River Road, Riverfront feels far more removed than the drive time suggests. It is an easy choice when the weather heats up, thanks to deep shade, breeze off the water, and plenty of spots to sit and watch paddlers drift by. The loops are short, but you can do a few laps or linger on the riverbank to stretch the visit.