Rules & Dogs

The key rules at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park: dogs are allowed only in the campground, the picnic area and paved developed areas, on a leash of six feet or shorter, and never on trails, dirt roads or in the backcountry. Bikes stay on designated fire and service roads at 15 mph or less. Fires go only in the fire rings provided, quiet time is 10 p.m. until 6 a.m., and every plant, animal and mushroom in the park is protected.

Dogs

• Where dogs can go: the campground, the picnic area and the paved roads and developed areas of the main park.
• Where they can't: any trail, dirt road or backcountry area. That includes the waterfall and Bald Mountain hikes.
• Leash: no longer than six feet, and keep your dog under control.
• At night: dogs must be inside a tent, camper or closed vehicle.
• Clean up after your dog.

If you want to hike, plan to leave your dog at home; there is no trail at Sugarloaf Ridge where dogs are allowed.

Bikes

• Mountain bikes may be ridden only on designated fire roads and service roads.
• Top speed 15 mph, and slow to walking speed when you can see less than 50 feet ahead.
• Warn other trail users before passing and yield to horses.
• Some named routes are posted closed to bikes. Check the sign at each trailhead.

Horses

Horses may use only designated, named trails, and some are posted closed to horses. Stay on the trail; don't take shortcuts or use unnamed paths. Some trails close seasonally, so check with staff when planning a ride.

Fires, Stoves and Smoking

• Fires only in the fire rings provided, attended at all times and fully out before you leave.
• Portable stoves and barbecues only in the established camping and picnic areas.
• No gathering wood. Dead wood is left to rot back into the soil; buy firewood at the Visitor Center or from the camp host.
• Smoking only in developed areas, never on trails. The park becomes very dry in summer.
• Fireworks are prohibited.

Camping Rules

• Up to eight people per site.
• Quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; generators only between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Alcohol-free: the operator describes the campground as alcohol-free. Anyone under 21 may not have alcohol anywhere in the park.
• Minors can't camp without a parent or legal guardian unless they are 18 or older.
• Nothing tied to trees: no hammocks, clotheslines or tarps hung from them.
• Vehicles stay on roads and in designated parking; the park speed limit is 15 mph unless posted.

Full details are on the camping page.

Plants, Animals and Mushrooms

All plants and wildlife in the park are protected. Collecting or destroying anything, mushrooms included, is prohibited, and so is picking wildflowers. Don't feed or try to pet wild animals, and lock up food at night so raccoons can't get at it.

Who Enforces the Rules

California State Parks owns the park, and the Sonoma Ecology Center runs it day to day. Report problems, downed trees or trail damage to the park office at 707-833-5712 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by email after hours. In an emergency, call 911.