Quick morning hike before the July 4th festivities. Third time since opening day. The new Red Tail trail to the existing Western route makes for a fast entry to Taylor Mountain, especially if you are coming from the South.
Having worked many volunteer days helping to build this, I’m especially happy to see how popular it is already.
worked several days heping the Sonoma County Trails Council build this new trail. More trails coming to Taylor Park, ~15 miles of new trails in the master plan IIRC
Quick climb and you’re looking down to the valley in < 5 mins
a lot of rock work was fone by hand on this trail mostly unseen — as it should be, right?
it’s about 1/2 mile from the TH to the Western Route. turning right loops down to the far end of the parking lot.
like the beginignof the Western Route (from Kawana Springs TH), this trail is largley shaded by oaks
a rock drain that i did a lot of work on 3-4 feet deep, moved most if the larger rocks you see by hand usimg a canvas sling and 3-4 people
long stretch of a very difficult section to build.
cattle gate. cows have always liked this section, they’re very used to hikers, move on by quietly and they are not bother
cows, Mount St. Helena in the distance
i take a picture of this tree each time i pass
making a right onto western going uphill
the ranch road on the right goes right up the face. skip it, its too steep and not meant for hiking. take the switchbacks that cross it instead. you’ll get to the top about the same time and get some extra steps in
view of Mt St Helena
on my way down, i passed this Dad and Son heading up a bit of trail I helped build😀
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