Lafferty Ranch at a Deep, Slow Pace

10/25/2025 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT

Description

Have you wished you could visit beautiful Lafferty without taking a long hike? This is the outing for you! Along with fabulous views—of the Petaluma Valley, Mt. Tamalpais, Mt. Diablo, and San Francisco Bay— we’ll explore the land through slow silent walking, guided visualizations and prompts to connect with the land, and a “sit spot” where you can listen, rest, draw, write, or simply be on the mountain. You’ll enjoy a sensory immersion rather like Forest Bathing, walk no more than a mile on relatively flat terrain, and be invited to deepen your relationship with trees and lizards, soil and stones, Adobe Creek, and Sonoma Mountain itself.

There will also be an option for a longer hike with Larry through broad, gentle meadows up steep challenging hillsides, about 2.2 miles and 500’ elevation gain total. Something for everyone!

This is a joint hike with Landpath’s partner organization, Sonoma Mountain Preservation (SMP). We'll talk a bit about the land’s history, SMP’s role in protecting Sonoma Mountain's wildlands, and how Petaluma's Lafferty Ranch project fits in to the mountain’s preservation.

Details:

Space is limited so register as soon as you can.
The hike will be led by volunteer Lafferty Docents Meg Beeler, Madeline Kellner and Larry Modell.
You will be asked to sign a liability waiver upon arrival.
No restrooms available. This is a rustic property. Please plan accordingly.
You will receive a confirmation email upon registration. If you do not receive an email then you are not registered for the outing.
Upon registration you will receive an email with the exact location, driving directions, and parking information.
3 days before the outing you will receive a reminder email.
Please note that there are no dogs or smoking/vaping allowed at Lafferty Ranch.

What to bring:

Your own water bottle, bring enough water for you and your family. Your own food, and bag for waste . 
We recommend wearing LONG pants (against ticks) and comfortable sturdy hiking shoes that can get dirty.
Lots of layers, sun protection and whatever else you will need to be comfortable being outside in the elements.
Optional: A blanket to sit on and a journal.

*Please note that by entering the Lafferty Ranch you are going into tick habitat and there are a lot of them this season. Make sure to do frequent tick checks, shower as soon as possible after the outing, and call a doctor if you develop a rash or fever.*

If we need to cancel due to weather or other circumstances: You will immediately receive an email if the program gets cancelled. However, if you would like to confirm, check back on this post; it will say "CANCELLED" if the program is called off.

Do you you have accessibility questions or need help registering?

call Laura at 707-544-7284 or
email her at laura@landpaths.org

This event is possible thanks to the City of Petaluma!