7th Annual Gratitude Hike

Join us on our 7th annual gratitude hike this time at Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve. "Gratitude has the same Latin root as kindness and grace. It's old English meaning was "a readiness to return kindness." These connections invite us to think of gratitude as a way to usher more kindness into the world. Additionally, it's connection to grace calls us to recognize what we receive from the world as a gift rather than as an entitlement." Soul Matters - Nurturing Gratitude
Taylor Mtn is a prominent landmark in southeast Santa Rosa and offers panoramic views of the city from trails that climb to the summit. A challenging hike best for individuals with at least a moderate level of fitness.

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.
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/

Where We Meet
Taylor Mountain RP & Open Space Preserve
2080 Kawana Terrace
Make Sure You Go To The Correct Entrance
Give yourself enough time to arrive, use the restroom & pay park fee. It often takes longer than you think.

The Hike
Taylor Mountain Kawana Springs addition - Lower, Middle and Upper Colgan Creek trails to the East Knowl. A lollipop hike.
Length - +/-5.1 miles/8.2 kilometers
Elevation change - +/-984 feet/300 meters
Difficulty - 7/10 - Moderate - short steep & rocky sections.
Must be sure footed (confident and competent)!
Exposure - 30% sun / 70% shade - steep, rocky, mud, creek crossing, ticks/insects and cows.
Bring plenty of water. At least 68oz./2 liter.
Dogs - Yes, well behaved fit dogs on a leash are welcome!
Facilities at trail head - Port a potty
Cost - $5 cash.
Parking - $8 Regional Parks fee.
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, for your dog too, a hat, snack, 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?
Pascaline French Bistro
1021 Hahman Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95405
www.pascalinefinecatering.com

When We Meet
Saturday November 29, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do not attend if you're ill or have been around someone sick!
Hike may be changed, postponed or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypses etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes. The question for the morning will be "What habit has improved your life the most?"

Notice to New Hikers Only
"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."