Jenner Headlands w/Dogs on Father's Day

A morning hike on the Raptor Ridge trail to Hawk Hill. Jenner Headlands is a spectacular 5,630-acre mosaic of redwood and Douglas fir forests, oak woodland, chaparral, and coastal prairie overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Coastal prairie is rare and only found along the Pacific Coast of California and southern Oregon. These areas support a rich assemblage of native plants and are one of the most diverse types of grasslands in North America. Many rare and endangered species inhabit the property including the northern spotted owl, peregrine falcon, and red tree vole. Deer, bobcat, coyote, mountain lion and steelhead trout are also found on the property. A challenging hike best for individuals with at least a moderate level of fitness.

Where We Meet/Important Directions
Jenner Headlands Preserve
Hwy 1 Jenner, Ca
Get there Early! Carpool if you can - This is a very Popular Park!
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. It often takes longer than you think.

Six things to remember when hiking near cattle
1- Properly latch any gates you pass through on trails.
2- Always keep dogs on leash. Do not let pets chase or harass livestock.
Cows cannot distinguish the difference between a coyote and a dog.
3- If cattle are blocking the trail, approach them slowly, speak normally, and allow them to move away. If they don’t move away on their own, provide a wide berth by walking around them off-trail, if necessary.
4- If you see a stray calf, leave it alone; the mother is often feeding or watering nearby and will return. Do not get between a mother cow and young calves.
5- Give space to any cow that shows signs of aggression. This may mean giving them lots of space and walking off-trail if necessary.
6- If you encounter a cow that is acting in a threatening manner, or appears to be injured, sick or dead, please note the location, the color of the animal, the ear tag number, and report it to the park.
https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Learn/Blog/Articles/Sharing-Sonoma-County-trails-with-cows/

The Hike
Sea to Sky and Raptor Ridge trails - A loop hike
Length - +/-5 miles/8.1 kilometers
Elevation change - +/-950 feet/290 meters
Difficulty - 7+/10 - some steep & rocky sections and a seasonal creek crossing. Must be sure footed (confident and competent)! Bring trekking poles.
Exposure - 99% sun/1% shade - steep, rocky, ticks/insects, poison oak and cows.
Bring plenty of water! At least 68 oz./2 liters *Think Exposure*.
Dogs - Yes, well behaved fit dogs on a leash are welcome.
Facilities at trail head - Picnic tables and restrooms.
Cost - $5 Cash.
Parking - Free but only 30 parking spaces!
Get there Early! Carpool if you can - This is a very Popular Park!
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, for your dog too, a hat, snack/lunch and layered clothing.
Please Do Not Use Any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.

After Hike Gathering
Café Aquatica
(One of our favorites
and dogs are allowed)
10439 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450
https://www.cafeaquaticajenner.com/#/

When We Meet
Remember it's Father's Day
Sunday June 15, 2025
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Get there Early! Carpool if you can - This is a very Popular Park!
If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do Not Attend if you are sick, running a fever, were exposed to or have tested positive for Covid-19 or any other contagion!
Hike may be changed, rescheduled or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypse etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes.

Notice to New Hikers Only
After six years and approaching 300 guided hikes I'm adding a new rule for New Hikers Only Effective Immediately, 05/22/2025. In my experience New Hikers have a 90% chance of not showing up (No Show) to a hike they have rsvp'd to attend. The new rule is "When a New Hiker (never hiked with me before) doesn't show up (No Show) to their first hike with the group, they will be removed (not banned) from the group immediately." When a New Hiker does attend then the current No Show policy applies after that point.