Stage 2: Kenwood Plaza Park to Santa Rosa Trail House (14.5 miles) (1)

“If you would like to go fast, you go alone; if you’d like to go far, you go with others” therefore we offer a guided experience of history, story, and reflection along the Camino de Sonoma. The route was discovered as a conduit between cultures, and this healing path has been established to engage the story of the land and the pilgrims who walk it. Because of this, we are invited to walk purposefully while we enjoy the wonder of each step furthering an encounter with the exceptional beauty of this land. We are thrilled to see a very diverse group of people walking the Camino de Sonoma. Our guided walks invite all people to experience the value of walking.

>> START “Opening Circle”: 8:00am at Kenwood Plaza Park  >> Please ARRIVE BY 7:50am.

>>End at Trail House (4:30p eta depending on group pace).

>> Transportation & Parking Reminder: we prefer that you arrange your own rides/carpools from Trail House, there is free parking behind Mary’s Pizza 535 Summerfield Rd (parking lot connects to Trail House). Leave Trail House by 7:30am to make the START in time for our 8am Opening Circle.

>> Guides can assist with shuttling pilgrims back to the START at the end of the day if needed.

> All Trails Stage #2 Link

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-6a21bd0--491?u=i&sh=ywzlpk

>> Distance & Route:

Estimated 14.5 miles and 1,360ft elevation gain, walking poles are helpful through Trione-Annadel State Park.  We’ll begin at the Kenwood Plaza Park to open our pilgrim circle before winding through the quiet morning neighborhood of Kenwood and onto Hwy 12 with the Sonoma Valley vineyards leading our way to Trione-Annadel State Park. We’ll enter the park via the Lawndale entrance and then experience the natural pattern of forest recovery from the recent fires, stunning views of Sonoma Valley and the Mayacamas Mtns, pass by Ledson Marsh, Buick Meadow, Redwood groves, fern grottos, Lake Illsanjo. We’ll then follow Spring Creek down the mountain before a quick pause at Spring Lake and follow the trail out through oak trees to Howarth Park and end our day's journey in the parking area behind Mary's Pizza.  The Santa Rosa Trail House is nearby for anyone interested in a refreshing beverage and/or pub grub for table fellowship post-walk.

This is a moderately strenuous 14.5 mile walk.  For your own safety and in consideration of fellow walkers this walk should not be attempted unless you know you are experienced and capable at this distance.

> Food: PACK A LUNCH,  snack and water and/or beverage(s).  Lunch stop will be in Trione Annadel State Park at the intersection of Marsh and Two Quarry Trails.  Note: There are no water refill opportunities once we leave Kenwood.

> Restrooms: available at Kenwood Gas Station (porta-potty), pit toilet at our lunch stop and Spring Lake. We advise packing personal wilderness potty needs in your daypack, just in case.

> Theme: “Simplicity”

> You need to RSVP for each day you will join us. There is a 17 pilgrim limit per day.

Remember to bring your passports.  Passports and stickers will be available for those new to the Camino de Sonoma.