Welcome to a literary and natural treasure at Jack London State Historic Park. It is perched on the eastern slopes of Sonoma Mountain just outside Glen Ellen, California. Once known as “Beauty Ranch,” this 1,565‑acre park preserves the spirit of the legendary author and his innovative ranching experiment amid oak woodlands, redwood groves, vineyards, meadows and over 29 miles of trails.
What Makes Jack London State Historic Park Unique
This historic park blends rugged natural beauty with early 20th‑century ingenuity. It encompasses the ruins of London’s grand Wolf House, his cottage where he penned classics like The Call of the Wild, and Charmian London’s House of Happy Walls museum. Alongside these cultural relics, the park’s backcountry spans oak‑, madrone‑, and redwood‑forested hillsides up to 2,300 ft, offering geological drama, wildlife and wildflower shows in spring and autumn.
Top Activities & Amenities
🏛️ Museum & Historic Buildings
The House of Happy Walls Museum features interactive exhibits, London memorabilia and a gift shop. The adjacent cottage—his study—opens from noon to 4 pm, while free docent tours guide you through the Wolf House ruins and the Londons’ gravesite on weekends.
🥾 Hiking, Biking & Horseback Trails
Enjoy 29 miles of multi-use trails ranging from easy heritage loops—Beauty Ranch, Wolf House—to the challenging 8‑mile Sonoma Mountain Trail for panoramic summit views. Designated routes welcome hikers, equestrians and cyclists; shared‑use etiquette is posted at trailheads.
🍖 Picnic & Group Areas
Picnic spots with tables and BBQ pits overlook the cottage, meadow and historic ranch structures. Group picnic sites near the Oak Grove accommodate up to 100 people—perfect for gatherings and events.
📚 Guided Tours & Educational Programs
Free docent‑led tours include guided museum visits, historic‑trail hikes and augmented‑reality app experiences. Seasonal educational programs, family workshops, book readings, film screenings and volunteer‑led art demos bring London’s legacy to life.
🛍️ Gift Shop & Visitor Center
The park store at the museum sells London’s works, regional books, gifts, maps and souvenirs. Staff and volunteers provide trail maps, accessibility info and tips before beginning your visit.
🚻 Restrooms & Parking
Flush restrooms are available at the museum parking lot, ranch, and along trails. The main parking lot near the museum handles vehicles, RVs for events and buses (require fee). ADA golf‑cart shuttles run for mobility‑impaired visitors on weekends.
🎨 Special Events & Volunteering
Add your visit to popular events—literary readings, summer concerts, plein‑air painting sessions, Plowing Day demonstrations and Transcendence Theatre performances at the winery ruins. Volunteer opportunities include trail stewardship, museum docenting and gardening.
Visitor Tips
- Hours & Fees: Park open 9 am–5 pm daily (closed Dec 25). Museum open 10 am–5 pm; cottage 12–4 pm. Day‑use fee $10/vehicle; annual pass available. Group‑event and bus fees apply.
- Parking: Large lot at museum; additional spaces at upper ranch trailhead.
- Pets: Leashed dogs allowed only in developed, historic‑area trails—not on backcountry routes or historic buildings.
- Accessibility: ADA shuttle, picnic tables, restrooms and cottage access available. Portions of museum are reachable via lift and accessible booklet.
- Guided Tours: Schedule available online; arrive 15 min early as tours fill quickly.
- Trail Etiquette: Mountain bikes and equestrians have trail priority; share and yield respectfully.
- Food & Water: Bring water and snacks—no concessions onsite. Nearest cafe is Glen Ellen Village Market.
- Fire Safety: Smoking strictly prohibited anywhere in the park to reduce fire risk.
- Closures: Wet season may prompt trail or shuttle service changes—check park alerts before heading out.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
To experience the park’s soul, visit in late spring when foothill wildflowers burst and the Gallery Trail bursts with color. Start at sunrise on the Sonoma Mountain Trail to capture glowing valley views. Stick around for early‑summer evening concerts at the winery ruins—accompanied by picnic dinners among ancient machinery. Finally, pause at the gravesite at dusk as the wind stirs the oaks—a powerful moment that connects you to Jack London’s life and landscape heritage.