Trail Spotlight: Pomo Canyon
Everyday that I lace up my shoes, step out my door, and start running around this beautiful county we call home, I feel so grateful for every step, every breath, and every gorgeous view around us. We are so lucky to live in a place with so many beautiful and enjoyable trails, It can be hard to choose! But this month the Beats have done just that, by picking their Number 1 Sonoma County running trail (Plus one runner up) And describe just what it is about each of them, that edges out the competition.
Although I had a lot of excellent trails to choose from, I knew that there is one trail that I’d have to call my one and only. For so many reasons, one trail in particular lies near and dear to my heart, Pomo Canyon. Now, There are many ways to tackle this 5ish mile stretch of coastal beauty. Its a loop that encircles a coastal hill, spotted with wildflowers, native trees, and the occasional grazing cow. It has two ends that can serve as either beginning or end, depending on the type of run you’re in the mood for. The easiest way to reach this trailhead Is by following the meandering beauty of Highway One North from the town of Bodega Bay for about 8 miles, there you will find a treat in itself, the turn off for Shell Beach.
This is where the fun begins. Park in the lot and begin your pre-run ritual. Get loosened up, as from this side the run begins with an almost mile long steady grade up about 500ft. If you’re not used to trail running, this can be tough! But for every foot of grade you gain, your view of the rugged expanse of the pacific coast expands into an unforgettable vista! Take a moment to pause at the top as you make your first choice of forks in the road. Here, my preference is to veer left. After a varied and often muddy trail along the ridgetop, which yields views of the Russian River as it descends from the woods and hills and meets the mighty western ocean. As you turn East and south, you descend into the beautiful and near silent halls of the Redwood groves. Winding your way over many small spring fed brooks, you’ll be carried through a sampler plate of Sonoma County Microclimates. From the semi arid coastal hilltops, to the fertile fern covered stream banks, this trail has it all. A treat of unparalled beauty and meditative joy. After a couple more forks in the road and you’ll be making your ascent top the crest called Red Hill. Aptly named for both the Red wildflowers, and red soil that make up this monolith. At the top, after a brief sojourn in a cathedral like redwood grove, you’ll be looking down at a gorgeous view of rocks, headlands, the river and the bay. The descent can be taken leisurely, but i love to tackle that thing at breakneck speed, revelling in nature, youth, strength, and the salt air stinging my eyes and lips. What glory awaits those who try their legs out on this beautiful trail.
SInce you’re already taking my advice, you may as well take this last bit as well, after returning to the parking lot, follow the wooden steps down to the Pacific Coast itself, and christen yourself anew in its raging surf. Emerge and return to the world reborn, remade, and ready to take on whatever the day throws your way.
