By Jeni Nichols
Every Wednesday morning at 8:30, Sonomans gather at the Sonoma Overlook Trailhead to hike to the top of the trail, and then hike down by way of the cemetery. Hikers and walkers of all ages and abilities experience the joy of nature. At least a dozen of us have been hiking nearly every Wednesday morning for ten years.
In that decade, the Wednesday Hikers have seen:
- Lots of trail repair and reconstruction, keeping it not only hike-able but improving all the time.
- Roy Tennant endlessly filling holes, digging out rocks, fixing drainage problems and removing star thistle, Italian thistle, and poison oak.
- Closure of the trail due to the fire of 2017. Firebreaks crisscrossed the mountain, making the trail a barrier between the fire and the town.
- Over 5,000 cups of coffee drunk after the hike. First at Peets, then at Sonoma Cheese Factory; making friends, sipping and nibbling on pastries.
- Misty, foggy, cloudy, sunny, rainy, windy and snowy mornings.
- Many new friends made; a lot of chatting goes on while hiking.
- Our television debut on the morning KTVU show. In July 2026, the hikers sitting at Sonoma Cheese Factory were interviewed by roving reporters from Channel 2.
- The Montini trail–to see the “controlled burn” and the goats–and when the Overlook Trail has been closed for maintenance
- “It’s the most beautiful place to hike. Love the view and the trails are maintained so well that some crazy people even jog up! I have met some wonderful people at Overlook, and we all are so happy to head up together!!” Berta Sarkela
- Seasonal changes; Lush green meadows, golden rattlesnake grass, milkmaids, ferns, buckeyes—the first to come out after winter–and streams gushing with water.
- “It takes a lot to get me on the trail in the morning, but the good company, scenery and exertion are great to anticipate.” Todd Evans
- Two immigrants from the Southern California fires becoming Sonoma citizens and Wednesday hikers.
Here’s what a few more of the Wednesday morning hikers have to say about the Overlook Trail hikes:
“Beautiful views of the Valley and beyond on clear days. Challenging hikes in the rain that make you feel victorious afterwards at coffee. I love it and the coffee after. Such a sense of community.” Bobbie Collins
“Fresh morning air, the smells of the forest, peaceful beloved Sonoma Valley down below, ‘what kind of pastry today?’ Camaraderie over coffee to begin the day.” Mike Hyman
“I had the good fortune to run into Karen Collins who introduced me to the Overlook Trail hiking group. What a delight to hike this trail with its multiple overviews of Sonoma with people who were friendly and fun to chat with!” Michael Heffler
“Hikers at different speeds but all enjoying the exercise and views. Finishing going through the cemetery, especially during Halloween week and seeing the decorations for “Day of the Dead”. Lucy Weiger
“In preparation for my very first trip to Africa and our trek to see Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, the Overlook Trail became my training ground…the Overlook primed my mind and body for the adventure ahead!” Kory Stradinger
“Lots of deer–mommies, babies and bucks, wild flowers in spring, wild turkeys abound, rattlesnakes – ironically on Rattlesnake Cutoff between Overlook and Montini, families and friends enjoying outings together and views from Overlook–including SalesForce Tower and Mt Diablo.” Karen Roche
“25 years ago when we were going to City Council to get approval to put a trail on Schocken Hill, Council’s initial reaction was that it was so far away (‘out there’ as one of them described the location) that no one would use it. Now it’s often hard to find parking!” Karen Collins, trail co-founder.
All hikers are grateful for the Overlook Trail Stewards, who keep our beloved trail in great shape! Join us Wednesday mornings at 8:30 for a hike to the top! No reservations needed; just show up a few minutes ahead at the main Overlook trailhead.
