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Pony Gate-Canyon Loop

Kenwood, California

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

2.17 miles

Elevation Gain

568 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Emily Kent

Pony Gate-Canyon Loop is a gorgeous one-hour hike in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The trail takes you along Sonoma Creek through lush green tree canopies, fern beds, and mossy boulders, taking you to a 25 foot waterfall. 

The Pony Gate-Canyon Loop within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a new favorite of mine on my list of family and kid-friendly hikes. Our little girls did great with this hike and loved it. If you can get moving early in the day and begin your hike around breakfast time, you might find there are few or no others on the trail with you, even on a weekend day. 

To get to the trail head, take Hwy 12 to Adobe Canyon Road. Continue on Adobe Canyon Road for 3.2 miles until you reach the posted trail head parking lot (spaces are limited, so it's beneficial to get an early start). Begin your hike at the trailhead and head up the hillside through the oak canopies and pines. Soon you'll come to the junction with Pony Gate Trail. Stay left here. You'll reach a fork and again, stay left here and follow the creek downstream. Descend to Adobe Canyon Road (just over a mile in), and take the Canyon Trail down the steps into the forest of oak canopies and fern beds. Cross over a small footbridge and head off the path to the right to check out Sonoma Creek Falls.

After you've soaked it all in, head back to the trail to begin your climb back toward Adobe Canyon Road. 

Fees
There is a day-use entry fee for Sugarloaf Ridge SP. Learn more at the park website: Sugarloaf Ridge Park Info

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    Features

    Photography
    Hiking
    Bathrooms
    Easy Parking
    Family Friendly
    Forest
    River
    Scenic
    Waterfall
    Wildflowers
    Wildlife

    Pony Gate-Canyon Loop Reviews

    It was an Awesome Hike Pretty Smooth Too!

    Leave No Trace

    Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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