There’s a reason writer Jack London planted roots in Glen Ellen — and this fall, staff and volunteers at his namesake park have come up with a fun way to remind us of the beauty of our Sonoma County backyard while getting our blood pumping.
The WILD Trail Challenge features five hikes spread across five consecutive Saturdays, beginning Sept. 7 and concluding Oct. 5. Tackle them all to be part of an admirable group that can say they’ve explored every trail in Jack London State Historic Park.
But that’s not the only brag-worthy benefit nature lovers can look forward to. Along with a history lesson and firsthand look at the sheer beauty of the park, which offers stunning views in the fall, hikers can expect a fun fitness challenge.
“The hiking routes were selected to provide participants with a gradual increase in hiking duration and difficulty level,” said Ciara Pegg, tour coordinator and visitor services associate at Jack London State Historic Park. “Each hike focuses on a different region within the park, offering unique historical and natural highlights along the way.”
The idea for the WILD Trail Challenge was proposed by Malcolm Walter, board president of Jack London Park Partners, the nonprofit organization that operates and funds the park. When he and his wife moved to Glen Ellen, they purchased the home where Jack and Charmian London lived for five years while readying Beauty Ranch, now Jack London State Historic Park, to become their permanent home.
“The Park has been our go-to place for hiking, however, we were guilty of doing the same two or three trails over and over,” Walter said. “Upon assuming the role of president, I picked up a trail map and decided I needed to hike every trail in the park.”
After considerable research, Walter mapped and trekked a handful of varying-length hikes that cover all of the park’s trails. One day, the park’s executive director, Matt Leffert, joined him on one of the trails and the idea to offer the challenge to the public took hold.
Walter will lead the first three hikes (Sept. 7, Sept. 14, Sept. 21) and park staff and volunteers will guide the others. Hiking shoes and plenty of water are a must to participate.
For anyone on the fence about being physically able to take part, Pegg says the first two hikes will provide good insight into the planned hiking pace. Several park volunteers will be on every hike. If a participant wants to turn around or shorten the jaunt, volunteers will guide them back to the parking lot.
Outdoor enthusiasts can sign up for any number of the hikes individually or do them all. The cost for each hike is $15, or commit to all five hikes before Sept. 7 for $60. The hiking series cost does not include the park’s day use fee of $10 per vehicle.
All hikes except the third in the series (the Historic Orchard trek on Sept. 21) begin in the Ranch parking lot of Jack London State Historic Park (turn right after the entrance kiosk). The Historic Orchard hike starts at the Sonoma Developmental Center, at the main campus parking loop at Arnold Drive and Harney Street.
The 2024 WILD Trail Challenge
Hike 1: Historic Trails
Sept. 7, 9 a.m. – Noon
This hike explores the park’s trails and historic sites, including Beauty Ranch, London Lake and the Wolf House ruins. Listed as an easy to moderate hike (approximately 3.5 miles roundtrip).
Hike 2: Ancient Redwood
Sept. 14, 9 a.m. – Noon
Meander through the redwoods and sunny oak woodlands of the park’s three Bridge Trails (Upper, Lower and Fallen). The hike travels to the park’s ancient redwood, also known as the Grandmother Tree. Listed as a moderate hike (approximately 5.7 miles roundtrip).
Hike 3: Historic Orchard
Sept. 21, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Stroll along the blue shores of Fern Lake before reaching the park’s historic orchard. Learn the story behind the 110 acres of apple, pear, apricot, peach, cherry and plum trees planted primarily in the early 1900s. Listed as a moderate to difficult hike (approximately 5.5 miles roundtrip).
Note: The hike begins at the Sonoma Developmental Center, 15000 Arnold Drive, in the main campus parking loop at Arnold Drive and Harney Street.
Hike 4: The Ridge
Sept. 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
On this hike, gain elevation and an appreciation for the diverse habitats found within the park and explore part of the ever-growing Bay Area Ridge Trail. Listed as a moderate to difficult hike (approximately 8.5 miles roundtrip).
Hike 5: The Summit
Oct. 5, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Complete the hiking series with a trek to the park summit. Listed as a difficult hike (approximately 8 miles roundtrip).
2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-938-5216, jacklondonpark.com