The Camino de Sonoma is a 75-mile trail that runs through the heart of California wine country from Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma to Fort Ross along the Pacific Ocean.
The route was conceptualized as a pilgrimage rather than a thru-hike in the strictest sense; however, like the more famous Camino in Spain, it is open to people of all faiths. Providing ample opportunity to enjoy local food and wine and explore scenic hamlets, vineyards, redwoods, and coastal landscapes, the trek offers plenty of rewards for pilgrims and hikers from all walks of life.
It’s divided into six stages, each between 12 and 15 miles long, and can be hiked in the same number of days. “The Camino de Sonoma is more than a walk. It is a way to connect with the land, the stories of those who came before, the people walking beside you, and your own inner journey,” reads the Camino de Sonoma website. The trail is run by a nonprofit organization bearing the same name, which organizes guided hikes of all six stages. Hikers can also do self-guided walks.
MARELBU, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Camping is somewhat sparse, though there are a handful of campgrounds near or directly on the route — and some local residents have reportedly been willing to host hikers or allow camping on their properties in the past. There are also hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts available along the route.
As the trek spends much of its time in the frontcountry, wending its way through scenic hamlets and near vineyards, hikers will have no trouble finding food (and wine) throughout the trip.
The stages of the trek are as follows:
Stage One: Sonoma to Kenwood
Stage Two: Kenwood to Santa Rosa
Stage Three: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol
Stage Four: Sebastopol to Occidental
Stage Five: Occidental to Jenner
Stage Six: Jenner to Fort Ross
More information about the pilgrimage is available on the Camino de Sonoma website, as well as on the active Walking Camino de Sonoma Facebook page.
Featured image: The Russian Orthodox chapel at Fort Ross is the northern terminus of the pilgrimage. Almonroth, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Affiliate Disclosure
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
