7 Great Parks and Trails for Horseback Riding

Horseback riding can be done all year long in Sonoma County, California, where you’ll encounter deep woods, mountains, lakes, creeks, Pacific Ocean views, historic buildings, and wildlife. Many state and regional parks in Sonoma Wine Country welcome equestrians. Here is where you’ll find some of the very best places for horseback riding. 

Trione-Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa

Pristine and largely undeveloped, the 5,092-acre Trione-Annadel State Park is home to a hilly terrain that supports seasonal streams, meadows, redwoods, grasslands, a 26-acre lake, dense chaparral, volcanic rock formations, and what many biologists consider to be a prime example of undisturbed northern oak woodlands. Thanks to more than 40 miles of multi-use trails geared to horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers, you can explore this wonderful place.

Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen

Equestrians are welcome to share certain trails at the park with hikers (you’ll find those trails on this map). You can also take guided trail rides here through Triple Creek Horse Outfit. Either way, you’ll ride through old-growth oak woodlands, past ancient winery ruins, and vineyards.

Helen Putnam Regional Park, Petaluma

A beautiful 216-acre park in Petaluma, Helen Putnam offers nearly six miles of horse trails that wind through lush woods to arrive at far-reaching ridgeline views. You’ll also find good wildlife viewing, a gazebo, a picnic area, a fishing pond, and a children’s playground.

Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa

One of the county’s most popular parks, Spring Lake offers equestrians dirt trails surrounding the lake, crossing wooded hillsides, and connecting with Trione-Annadel State Park. Access horse trailer parking at the Newanga Avenue entrance. Other amenities at the 320-acre park include camping, fishing, many picnic areas, trails for walking, hiking, bicycling, a three-acre swimming lagoon with an inflatable water park, and a 72-acre lake.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Kenwood

Sugarloaf is big (3,900 acres), and this park is home to the headwaters of Sonoma Creek, with many of its 25 miles of trails open to equestrians, hikers, and cyclists. The trailhead can accommodate 12 horse rigs; there’s also a watering trough and hitching posts. You’ll encounter plenty of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and gray foxes. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Golden Gate Bridge from the 2,729-foot summit of Bald Mountain. 

Salt Point State Park, Jenner

Stunningly beautiful, Salt Point has more than six miles of rugged coastline characterized by rocky promontories, panoramic views, kelp-dotted coves, and the dramatic sounds of pounding surf. It’s also home to open grasslands, forested hills, and pygmy forests with 20 miles of hiking trails and equestrian trails to explore. You can also enjoy picnicking, fishing, skin and SCUBA diving, and camping. Trail maps are available at the entrance station.

Hood Mountain Regional Park, Santa Rosa

With 1,750 acres, Hood Mountain offers 19 miles of trails, many offering sensational views. The terrain here is rugged and can be challenging, so it’s best left to experienced riders. You’ll find trailer parking and a horse trough one mile southeast of the Pythian Road trailhead.

These are just some of the many park trail options available in Sonoma Wine Country. Find more ideas at Sonoma County on Horseback and check our listings of Horseback Riding companies.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

---

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez