I have to give this trail 5 stars even though we spent less than an hour here. It is Christmas week and we needed to get our dog out on the trail. The last rain was about a week ago so she was beyond ready. We arrived around 4:00pm, which meant the sun would be setting at 4:45pm. Fine. We carried on anyway and it was totally worth it. The main trail begins on a straight path from the farmhouse. It cuts through an alley of trees and tall grassland, opening to reveal the (now) green rolling hills of Petaluma countryside. For those seeking the stillness of winter or to hear the songs of nature, this is your spot! There wasn't another soul in sight and it was perfect! It was just us and nature. I found myself whispering to my husband so as not to disturb the energy with my voice. We walked until the shade of the sun hit the hills, then turned around. By then it was 4:40pm. A park ranger drove down the main path to ensure there were no other folks on the trail further down. She waved to us and continued on. I would venture to say that the best times to enjoy this trail would be at sunrise or sunset. The colors at sunset were right out of a picture book. 3,400 acres of pastoral scenes of bright green, rolling hills, a river running through and birds singing the songs of winter. I mean it was almost out of a movie! And I live here. Bless. Because we arrived so late, I did not notice a ranger station or any park staff on site. Surely there are but we didn't see. There is an area near parking that has a map of the trails as well as general information on the park. The park is open for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding and is open from 7am to sunset. The road returning to Lakeville from the park, Canon Lane, is also not to be overlooked. Again, right out of the picture book, white fenced, sprawling ranch property, the Petaluma river reflecting the golden hue of the sun. It should be taken into account that this isn't a massive or well-known park so the parking area is good for under 50 cars. Probably more like 15-20 but I could have missed another area. Definitely a spot I plan to frequent more. read more

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Came here, with friends, for the first time today, unexpectedly, as we intended to hit up Mt. Tamalpais, but this was a WONDERFULLY GREAT place to hike! Not too steep of trails, gorgeous scenery, roaming cattle, sunny and cool, crisp, breezes. Not heavily populated by trail seekers so I was happy to not see many people! There was ample parking, as well as quite a few handicapped spaces. Too, plenty of restrooms and little portable hand washing stations. We also saw a few equestrians loading there horses into a trailer as we saw numerous horseshoe prints along the trails. Although this day wasn't great, due to the horrific news of the loss of Kobe, and his daughter, visiting this Regional Park was an unexpected treat. read more

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Tolay Lake was finally opened for every day use recently. This is one of the few parks I hadn't hiked through yet (until today). The main trail, Causeway to East Ridge is straight forward. The first mile, or so, is straight, then you climb around the back of the hill and get to see some quite different terrain. Then once you clear this area, it's back to open area hiking until you reach the end of the trail (up and back if you chose). The climb was very easy to the top, maybe 500 ft elevation change but an easy slope throughout. The views are outstanding. I was able to see SF and the Bay, plus other sites (Mt Tam, Mt Diablo). I saw a coyote running down the hill, looking back at me. I probably disturbed his area. While walking back, I decided to mix things up a bit and try the Pond Trail. Here is where things get a little sketchy (there are no trail signs). I had downloaded the PDF for the park, so I had an idea where I was at all times. Near the end of the Pond, where I planned on turning I had to go through a gated area (cows and calves on both sides of the fence / gate). From this point, there was no set path. My downloaded map said I'd walk straight and hit up another trail heading back to the farm. Well, the only trail I saw had me walking near a seasonal creek that took me well off the beaten path. I'm not certain if I was actually on a trail or just followed something else. There was someone ahead of me at one point, but I don't know if they were a hiker or someone working the farm. They crossed the field (no path) and walked along the far fence line and the in the opposite direction I was headed. I figured eventually I'd hit up w/ the mail trail and I did...at the end of the new West Ridge Extension trail. If you look at the park map, there is no trail that connects these routes. I walked back from that new extension trail. In all, maybe an extra mile of walking. Not a big deal, I needed the walk, but signage would be VERY helpful here. Just a hint. Lot's of hawks flying overhead at all time. Like I said, I did see the coyote. Cows are on the paths at certain points. It can be beautiful. Not a favorite though. Glad I had a chance to hike it. I did get 7+ miles in today. read more

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Beautiful trails and pretty easy walking with a few hills here and there. Not too bad. At the front entrance they have clean Porto-potty's with water and soap to wash your hands. Yes you're able to bring your leashes dogs and we seen horses there as well. read more

What an amazing farm, park, garden and so much more! I feel very blessed to have chaperoned my sons school field trip here and have to say I am thoroughly impressed! WOW! To the property/park! Just amazing views the whole drive up and down and all around! They maintain this park immaculately and the employees here are not only knowledgeable, friendly, GREAT with kids, informative, but FUN!!! This is a DO NOT MISS, if you ever have the opportunity to visit! You do need a permit to go, but I hear you can do this by going to an orientation and some other stuff, I think it would be worth it to go back! Our adventure was almost 4 hours long and we learned SO much, while soaking in the beauty and meeting some amazing animals! We even we're lucky enough to plant some sunflower seeds for the next visitors in summer to enjoy! :-) Jessica was our guide and she went above and beyond!! She even brought out baby chick for the children to pet at the end and explained incubation and everything you could possibly know about how a baby chick is formed in its egg. The children were mesmerized! Way to go! We went on a hike through a beautiful eucalyptus lined trail and saw red tail Hawks, while listening to the birds and the water flowing down below...it was quite a day! I really could go on and on, but I will just say THANK YOu JESSICA! That was an experience of a life time! And thank you Marvin gardens, tolay regional lake and everyone there! I also really love how they teach organic gardening! Yes!!! Again, we learned SO much in just one day! We even learned all about teeth, carnivores, omnivores and herbivores with hands on activities that were impressively creative! I look forward to the fall pumpkin festival! My parents have been and said they really enjoyed it! We will definitely be back! :-) read more

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The trails in this park were nice and easy and the cows were fun to see along the way. BUT my dog brought tons of American Dog Ticks back with him after walking here. We have walked at many of the other Regional Parks and never had a problem with ticks. My dog uses a preventative for fleas and ticks and he still brought them back. I found two of them on him (not stuck thankfully) and two more in the area where his bed is in my bedroom. I'm hoping I don't find any more. Unfortunately, we won't be going back to this park for more walks. read more

You need a permit to access this park in #Petaluma which includes going to a one hour class conducted by the rangers stationed there. Each time I have been to this park I have seen something I had not the time before. It is awesome open space with great vistas to San Francisco (three bridge vista), Mt. Tam, Marin, and #Petaluma. I have documented pictures of coyotes, landscapes and predator birds. The Cordoza Ranch is rich with picnic areas surrounded by farm animals, barns and Tepes. A short walk up the grove of Eucalyptus trees will often shake out a large Burrowing Owl. One flew past me with a turkey in its clutches. Also pictured is a doe chasing after a coyote. My photos are posted on Flickr and you can see the set by going to this URL http://www.flickr.com/photos/wdunby/sets/72157634630005616/ read more

Went for the Tolay Fall Festival, which was very entertaining and the kids enjoyed quite a bit. The Fall Festival had "creepy crawlies" (snakes, lizards, bugs), farm animals, the local volunteer fire department selling root beer floats, and contests for kids like a scarecrow making contest. I'm not sure why I would go there unless there is an event happening, like the Fall Festival. The land is not that interesting when the lake is dry, as it is this time of year. I didn't really see trails that would make hiking in the area very fun, especially when it is extremely hot out. read more

Even though a permit is needed to access this park, which is easy to obtain by attending an orientation that includes the history of this land, it is worth it. The trails are not that difficult and just a few require a simple uphill climb that will not tire the body much. My favorite trail is the East Ridge Trail that requires an uphill climb but at the end you are rewarded with a view of the San Francisco skyline. This view is breathtaking and I would definitely recommend it. One thing about this park is that there are roaming cows which do block the trails. You will have to yell at them to get them to move. During the orientation, you are warned to stay clear of calfs when around their mothers. A few times I have felt a little bit uncomfortable around them by the body language of the cows (I wish the orientation gave clear warning signs of a distressed cows). Other than that, this is a peaceful and relaxing park with not much people around. read more

The fall festival is a go to every year for us, this last time was a mixed bag. The creepy crawlers this year was much smaller in selections then previous years. The hay maze left much to be desired for anyone other then a toddler. The pumpkin patch was better stocked and they had more tractors working the hayride so improvements but to charge what they do for parking then entry leaves me feeling like we got the short end of the stick after all is said and done. read more

Recently visited the tolay fall festival and had a great time, the staff was very attentive and friendly. Will be definitely be returning every year! read more

We took our grandchildren (7 yrs) to the festival there and they had a good time. The favorites were the creepy crawlies (snakes, lizards, even bats) and archery. The straw maze which I thought would be fun was very short and way too easy for anyone over 3 or 4. Temp was in the 90's so uncomfortable and very very dry. No lake, just a dry hole. I agree with the other reviewer that at least from the picnic and event areas, it isn't a pretty spot. Sno Cones were FIVE dollars each! We took a picnic so didn't buy any concession food (pizza, hot dogs). They try to keep the wasps under control with traps but they were there in armies and one of the kids was stung. The pumpkins in the patch were spongy and we didn't think they'd last until Halloween. They had a great opportunity to view the sun through telescopes and everyone loved that. read more