County of Sonoma
Cows grazing alongside hikers at Crane Creek Regional Park

Sharing Sonoma County trails with cows

By Regional Parks staff

Cattle graze seasonally at Sonoma County parks and preserves such as Crane Creek, North Sonoma Mountain, Mark West Creek and Taylor Mountain – and year-round at Tolay Lake and Wright Hill regional parks. Grazing in these parks reduces wildfire risk, promotes biodiversity and provides other benefits. Sharing trails with cattle might be a bit intimidating at first, so here are some tips for feeling more comfortable when hiking or biking in parks that have grazing.

Cows at Tolay Lake

What should you do if you see a cow on the trail?

Cattle are not aggressive by nature. In many cases, cattle will keep to themselves and move out of your way when you approach. Livestock, like all wild animals, should be treated with respect – and, yes, watch where you step.

Six things to remember when hiking or biking near cattle

We ask that all park visitors use common sense when walking or riding among cattle. The best advice is simply to give them plenty of room. Here are some other tips to keep in mind when encountering cattle:

  • Don't startle them. Keep your distance and walk around cattle, stepping off the trail whenever necessary.
  • Avoid calves. Cattle are protective of their young, so don't get between a calf and its mother, and don't try to touch them. If you see a stray calf, just leave it alone.
  • Keep dogs on leash. Cattle may become agitated when a dog approaches. Always keep your pet fully leashed and under control, and try to prevent it from frightening cattle or any other animals.
  • Respect fences. Never climb over or under, or cut through, a cattle fence. Only cross fencelines at gates. Please close pedestrian gates behind you, and leave larger vehicle gates as you find them, either open or closed.
  • Use a hiking pole or stick. If cattle are blocking the trail or you want more distance, carrying a stick or hiking pole can help you maintain your personal space or redirect cattle. It makes you appear larger and encourages them to move off on their own.
  • Keep us informed. Please report any animals that are acting sick, injured or aggressive to the nearest Regional Parks staff, or call the front office at 707-565-2041. If possible from a safe distance, note the number on the animal’s ear tag. Do not approach the animal. 

Seasonal grazing and sheep and goats

Seasonal cattle grazing in your parks kicks off with winter rains, so you may begin to see more evidence of cattle in your parks during the winter and spring seasons.

We use sheep and goats for “seasonal targeted grazing” on properties not big enough, or lacking the permanent infrastructure, to support a cattle operation, but where we still want to use animals for vegetation management. Sheep and goats are grazed inside temporary fencing, so you’re not likely to encounter them loose on a trail. These seasonal target grazers are deployed in the spring and summer as part of our wildfire mitigation efforts.

Learn more about the benefits of grazing in our parklands.

Know before you go