Stage 6: Jenner Visitors Center to Fort Ross Historic State Park (13.5miles)

“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.

>> START “Opening Circle”:  8:00am at Jenner Visitor Center (park along Hwy1 as best and safely as possible).  >> Please ARRIVE BY 7:50am.

>>End at Ft. Ross State park.  (4:30p eta depending on group pace).

>> Transportation & Parking Reminder: we prefer you arrange your own rides/carpools from the end point.   Ft. Ross parking lot hours are usually 7am - 5pm, $10 parking fee, and is a 1hr-15min drive from Santa Rosa. Carpools should leave Ft. Ross State Park by 7:15am to the start.

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

>> Transportation & Parking Reminder: arrange your own rides/carpools from the end point.

> All Trails Stage #6 Link (note that we alternate this route per certain conditions and are not on Hwy 1 the entire time).

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/camino-de-sonoma-stage-6-jenner-to-fort-ross-dbb4229?u=m

>> Distance & Route:

Estimated 13.5 miles and 1,450ft elevation gain, walking poles are not necessary.  We’ll begin at the Jenner Visitor center and pause for an appreciation of our journey thus far, and the sight of the Russian River hitting the Pacific Ocean. After we open our circle we scale up and over the Jenner Headlands Persevere with an important pause at “Elijah’s Rock” before appreciating the tangibility of Cypress Trees. We will then descend Hwy 1 into the Russian Gulch State Beach and pause before tackling our most strenuous climb of the day, aka Billy Goat’s Climb. Our concluding 5 miles before reaching Reef Campground will involve a few pauses to enjoy the view and appreciate the journey. Our day will end through the campground onto the Ft. Ross beach and then into the fort to ring the bell at the chapel.

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. There are no food/water refill options once we leave Jenner.  Lunch will be at the Vista Point Overlook (across from Meyer’s Grade Rd).

> Restrooms: there are only two porta-potty options: Jenner Headlands and Vista Overlook. We advise packing personal wilderness potty needs in your daypack, just in case.

> Theme: “Commencement”

> 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.