Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve

I walk here a few times a week. This is a very lovely park with plenty of trails, so that if you want to spend a few hours out there, you could. The trails are easy to moderate, with not too much grading.
There are two big downsides to this park, though. One is that a lot, and I mean a LOT of people let their dogs run off-​leash here, even though there is a leash law (a sign is posted right at the entrance of the park). My dog (who is ALWAYS leashed) has been attacked on several occasions by off-​leash dogs including a pit bull. I now carry a whistle and pepper spray with me every time I walk there. I really wish the city would enforce the leash law out here, because inconsiderate hikers are ruining the experience for everyone else. Secondly, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost been mowed over by bikers on these trails, many of whom ride much too fast on these walking trails. There is also a law that says that bikes must wait three days after the rain to go on the trails (because otherwise it ruins them), but I see bikers on the trails sometimes DURING the rain. It’s very frustrating.
The best time to come is right before sunset, because that’s when you’re least likely to come across off-​leash dogs and speedy mountain bikes.

Very nice, maintained paths. The map on the site is outdated as there are new, more recent trails added. There are no bathrooms at the trail head, and no water, so be prepared. Try not to get there on a weekday around 10: am as there are really inconsiderate soccer mom types who use very loud, inappropriate for nature, voices. So sad as there are nice bird sounds you wish you could hear… if the birds weren’t flying away from the noisy humans!!!