Skyline To The Sea

Hike Name: Skyline To The Sea Location: north CA Length: 34 Submitted by: Adam Goldberg Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more California trail reviews California national parks California state parks
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Description
Hike from Castle Rock State Park at the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Saratoga, CA down to the Pacific coast north of Santa Cruz, CA, via Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This is often called one of the best hikes in the SF Bay Area. It goes through chaparrel, redwoods, isolated areas, along streams, scenic panoramic views, etc.

The Moderate (difficulty) route is to go from Castle Rock State Park to Waterman Gap Trail Camp day 1 (10 miles), then to Jay Camp at Big Basin Park HQ on day 2 (12 miles), then on to the coast on day 3 (12 miles).

The killer way is to go past Big Basin HQ on day 2, continue on to the Sunset Trail Camp (last 1 mile gains 600ft elevation), makes a 15 mile day 2, and a 9 mile day 3. Great for getting out early on Sunday, and the views from Sunset are great (especially the falls on the trail).

You need to leave a car the night before at Ana Neuevo State Park (about 18 miles north of Santa Cruz on hwy 1), or have someone pick you up there. There is a pay phone at the end of the trail. It costs $10/day to park (includes campsite cost) at Castle Rock. Be very sure to make reservations ahead of time (a week or two is plenty).

Shortening this hike to two days would make the second day a killer.

Directions to Hike
Drop a car off at Waddell Beach State Park (Ana Nuevo) the night before. 18 Miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy 1. 50 feet past the bridge over Waddell Creek is the entrance to the park. Open the gate and drive right in.

Drop off at Castle Rock State Park, 5 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 9 and Skyline Blvd. From San Jose, take Hwy 17 to Hwy 9 at Los Gatos, and take Hwy 9 through Saratoga and up into the hills. Skyline Blvd is the first major road after Saratoga.

Contact Information
Make reservations by contacting Big Basin State Park HQ (408) 338-8861.

See also http://members.aol.com/bbrsp/index.htm
http://www.emf.net/~troop24/reqs/bigbasin.html
http://www.research.digital.com/PA/maps/santa-cruz-mtns/big-basin.jpeg

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