Santa Rosa’s Holy Trinity of Parks
When it comes to outdoor adventures in Santa Rosa, there’s a trifecta of natural beauty, Howarth Park, Spring Lake Regional Park, and Trione-Annadel State Park. This seamless system of city, county, and state parks offers an unforgettable experience for hikers, bikers, families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in Sonoma County’s spectacular scenery.
Santa Rosa’s Family-Friendly Gateway to the Outdoors
Howarth Park, a beloved 138-acre city park, is often the starting point for exploring this natural trio. Known as the “jewel of Santa Rosa,” Howarth offers something for every member of the family. With paddle boating on Lake Ralphine, mini train rides, Big K-Land, picnic areas, a large playground, and easy nature trails. It’s the perfect place to kick off your day with a relaxed walk or some kid-friendly fun before venturing deeper into the wild.
Top Trails in Howarth Park:
- Eagle Scout Trail – A short, scenic path great for a warm-up walk that takes you around the tree-lined lake.
- Spring Lake Loop – Connects to trails leading into Spring Lake and Trione-Annadel.
Sonoma County’s Lakeside Escape
Right next door lies Spring Lake Regional Park, a 320-acre gem managed by Sonoma County Regional Parks. This is where the terrain begins to shift from city park charm to expansive natural beauty. The park’s namesake lake is a favorite for stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and non-motorized boating, while lush meadows, seasonal wetlands, and woodland trails offer peaceful places to roam.
Top Trails in Spring Lake Regional Park:
- Spring Lake Loop Trail – A 2.3-mile paved and unpaved trail around the lake, great for all skill levels.
- Ferns and Canyon Trails – Lead into Annadel for those seeking more rugged terrain.
Pro Tip: Spring Lake also features seasonal camping and a summer swimming lagoon, making it a great mid-point to pause for lunch or a lakeside picnic.
Rugged Trails and Redwood Views
The final stretch of this natural trilogy is Trione-Annadel State Park, a 5,000-acre wilderness that rewards your effort with sweeping views, serpentine rock formations, oak woodlands, and serene groves of redwoods. This state park is a haven for seasoned hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners looking for a more challenging experience.
Top Trails in Trione-Annadel State Park:
- Canyon Trail to Lake Ilsanjo – A popular moderate hike to a hidden lake.
- Ridge Trail Loop – For panoramic views and wildflower sightings in spring.
- North Burma Trail – A challenging option for mountain bikers with elevation changes and switchbacks.
These trails are all accessible by foot or bike from the connecting paths through Howarth and Spring Lake, making it possible to journey through all three parks without ever getting in a car.
One Trail System, Three Unique Park Experiences
Together, Howarth Park, Spring Lake Regional Park, and Trione-Annadel State Park form a uniquely connected park system that offers a wide range of outdoor experiences. Whether you're out for a quick nature walk or a full-day adventure through lakes, forests, and rugged hillsides, Santa Rosa’s holy trinity of parks delivers a rich, rewarding experience for every kind of explorer.
Looking for your next outdoor adventure? Santa Rosa’s trio of parks offers miles of trails, varied landscapes, and family-friendly recreation—all within city limits. Start planning your Santa Rosa hiking day trip today!
Related Content:
