Category Archives: Fundraising

Sonoma Raceway 150 mph Hike

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Filed under Fundraising, Events

Sonoma Raceway HikeBy Jacqueline Steuer
With the roar of vintage cars racing around the track, Sonoma Overlook Trail (SOT) Stewards and our supporters got off to a quick start. The air was cool, and the sky was filled with a mix of clouds ahead of an incoming storm: perfect hiking weather. One hundred adventurous hikers chose between three and five mile hikes. Current Sonoma Raceway manager, Brian Flynn, and former Raceway manager, Steve Page, joined Karen Collins , founding member of SOT, as well as our SOT Chair in leading the hikes. Along the way, we learned about how the raceway manages this sprawling 1,600 acre Sonoma County property, and we got a peak inside the raceway itself.

Everyone enjoyed the expansive views from the raceway–including Sonoma County’s gently rolling hills, Contra Costa County’s Mt. Diablo and Marin County’s Mt. Tamalpais. The Wooly Weeders made an appearance as well. These sheep graze to keep down the vegetation, and they provide the soil with much needed fertilizer at the same time. A big win all the way around!

The raceway was built in 1968. It is only 2.52 miles long, and a 12 turn road course with a quarter mile drag strip. It is host to one of the few NASCAR Cup Series races each year that are run on road courses, thus it is much beloved by the drivers.

The raceway generously hosted us and provided a light lunch following the hikes. We relaxed with our meal on a hillside overlooking the raceway as the vintage cars began their race. Vroom! We thank the raceway management for excellent support and coordination of the event, and all of our hikers for your devotion and support as well.

Sonoma Raceway invited the SOT Stewards and our supporters back next year. Watch for updates here; we hope to see you then!

Support Your Local Trail System!

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Filed under Acts of Service, Fundraising, Land Maintenance, Stewardship, Trail Maintenance

Tax Deductible DonationSince its inception, the Sonoma Overlook Stewards, an all-volunteer organization, make possible educational and interpretive materials, trail maintenance and improvements, and fundraising to support all Sonoma Overlook Trail concerns. The Overlook Trail relies on generous contributions from members of the community. Please lend your support!

To help fund our efforts with your tax deductible donation, send contributions to:

Sonoma Overlook Trail
Box 431
Sonoma, CA 95476

Or, donate HERE!

The Sonoma Overlook Trail partners with the City of Sonoma, which owns the land. For your tax-deductible donations, Sonoma Overlook Trail is fiscally sponsored by the Sonoma Ecology Center, a California non-profit 501(c)(3).

If you are interested in making a more substantial investment in Sonoma Overlook Trail, we would be delighted to speak with you. Please contact us at Hike@OverlookMontini.org.

SOLD OUT! Sonoma Raceway Spring Hike • Sunday, April 19th, 2026

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Filed under Events, Fundraising, Hiking, Scenic Views, Spring

The Raceway Hike is sold out!  If you are joining us, we look forward to seeing you Sunday!  If you weren’t able to sign up, consider joining our mailing list; we’ll let you know about future events!

Sonoma Raceway Hike
TICKET PURCHASE

Sunday, April 19th, 2026 ~ 10 am-3 pm
Gates open @ 9:30 am
Rain Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

Buy your tickets now for our unforgettable spring hike through the hills of Sonoma Raceway’s 1,600-acre property on Sunday, April 19 at 10 am. Gates open at 9:30, event will end by 3 pm.  Revel in fabulous bay and vineyard views with wildflowers and quite possibly “woolly weeders” hard at work. Enjoy a three- or five-mile route; a light lunch will follow.  Registration is limited and is $50 per person, non-refundable.  This event is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we always sell out, so early registration is advised!

All proceeds will benefit the all-volunteer Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards to help keep the trail in tip-top shape.  We stewards will be on hand to hike along with you.  This is a great opportunity to support your local trail and take in the panorama of open space along San Pablo Bay.

We receive upwards of 60,000 visits a year, so our work continues year round to keep the Overlook in shape.  Your support keeps our trail system open to all levels of hikers.  For more information, contact aprilmv@aol.com.

NOTE: YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE PHYSICAL TICKETS; YOU AND YOUR GUEST(S) NAMES WILL BE ON OUR LIST AT THE EVENT!

Our fiscal sponsor is 501 (c) (3) Sonoma Ecology Center, Federal EIN# 94-3136500.

Our Sonoma Raceway Spring Hike has Sold Out!

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Filed under Events, Fundraising, Hiking, Scenic Views, Spring

The Raceway Hike is sold out!  If you are joining us, we look forward to seeing you Sunday!  If you weren’t able to sign up, consider joining our mailing list; we’ll let you know about future events!

YES!!! The Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards are excited to offer once again our ever-popular, super sellout event this spring,
the Sonoma Raceway Hike!
┏(-_-)┛┗(-_- )┓┗(-_-)┛┏(-_-)┛
Sunday, April 19th, 2026 ~ 10 am
Rain Date: Saturday, May 2nd, 2026

A glorious, guided hike overlooking the bay….

Mark your calendar for an unforgettable spring hike through the hills of Sonoma Raceway’s 1,600-acre property on Sun, April 19, 10 am. Enjoy fabulous bay and vineyard views with wildflowers and quite possibly “woolly weeders” hard at work. Choose the three- or five-mile route; a light lunch will follow.

All proceeds will benefit the all-volunteer Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards to help keep the trail in tip-top shape.  We stewards will be on hand to hike along with you.  This is a great opportunity to support your local trail and take in the panorama of open space along San Pablo Bay.

NOTE: YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE PHYSICAL TICKETS; YOU AND YOUR GUEST(S) NAMES WILL BE ON OUR LIST AT THE EVENT!

Sonoma Wildflower Hike

Our Year-End Appeal: Help us keep Sonoma Overlook Trail healthy and accessible!

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Filed under Fundraising, Stewardship

The all-volunteer Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards need your tax-deductible support to continue our work.  Please keep us in your thoughts as you make your year-end donations this giving season!

We receive over 60,000 visits a year, making us, in a sense, the largest nonprofit in Sonoma!  All of this impact wears on the trail and surrounding trail corridor.  Every dollar we receive goes directly to the care of the Overlook.

We each have our reasons for visiting the Overlook Trail.  Some come to see the trees, the wildflowers, hawks, turkeys and deer, or to watch their kids catch (and release!) a lizard.  For some, it’s about elevation gain, heart rate and calorie burn.  The Overlook can be a social stroll, or a place to talk things through up at the Meadow Loop as you sweep your eyes down the Valley and out to sea.  And, especially these days, it’s a sanctuary, an escape from the facets of life that wear on us.

Our ongoing work to keep the Overlook in shape requires investment in tools and other supplies, outreach materials, and sometimes the help of specialized crews to undertake the heavier, more technical endeavors that shape our sometimes-rocky trail into a condition that allows more to enjoy it.

This essential Sonoma paradise—and all who find connection in it—relies on you.  So we ask: If you are inspired to contribute to the tending of this special place, please make a tax-deductible donation to the cause.

  • Make your check payable to “Sonoma Overlook Trail” and mail to:

Sonoma Overlook Trail
P.O. Box 431
Sonoma, CA 95476

Thank you kindly in advance–come visit us on the trail!

Affectionately,
Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards