Sugarloaf Fire: Recovery, Renewal, & Late Summer Wildflowers

After the October 2017 Nun’s Fire and the October 2020 Glass Fire burned 99% of Sugarloaf, it took months of hard work to repair trails and facilities. Now, 6 years after the Glass Fire, signs of the fire are masked by a vibrant recovery and renewal. Join Naturalist John Lynch on this 3.5-mile, 3.5-hour hike along the Lower Bald Mountain hillside to the Observatory and back along the shady creekside to explore these remarkable changes and talk a little about how the original peoples of this area used fire. We will also search for late summer wildflowers, butterflies and dragonflies.

Meet at the main parking lot. Tickets are $10 for general audiences, $5 for students, youth (12-17 year olds; must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian), Sugarlof members, Sugarloaf or RFO volunteers, and free for children under 12. Tickets day-of on site are $15 and might not be available. Bring at least a quart of water, layered clothing, hiking shoes/boots, snack, sun protection, and as an option, hiking poles and/or a camera. Parking fees apply.