California State Parks Backpacking Adventures


CASPBA Summer 2024 Registration is Open!

- Choose Your Adventure Now! -

Imagine if the Santa Cruz Mountains could speak....

Travel from spectacular ridgelines, through old growth redwood forests, to sandy shores with our knowledgeable team of backcountry naturalists. We will share the secrets of this precious wilderness and give you a window into the lives of the people who lived here for thousands of years.

 

2024 Trip Descriptions Here

 

General Trip Information

MILEAGE
All mileage is based on official State Parks and Midpen Open Space maps. Some GPS and other personal trackers may provide alternative mileage results.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Participants must be able to hike 2-3 miles/hour with a 20lb pack.

GEAR

  • WE provide:
    - water filters
    - hot water for AM/PM meals
    - traditional teas
    - *Shuttle between start and ending location for The Skyline Sojourn adventure
  • YOU provide:
    -
    transportation to starting location
    - bring all your own food
    - be able to hike up to 11 miles per day
    - tent/sleeping bag/ sleeping pad
    - all equipment on checklist

REQUIRED FORMS
To complete registration, it is mandatory to submit the Liability Release Form and the Photo Release Form(optional). To download these forms, please click here.

CHILDREN
Participation is open to adults 18 or over, and children ages 13 to 17 accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Cancellation Policy
Reservations are NON-TRANSFERABLE and may only be used by the original registrant. A 50% refund will be issued if you cancel more than 60 days before your trip. Cancellations less than 60 days notice are NON-REFUNDABLE.

Why choose us?

This program is truly unique, the only such program led by California State Park staff. We offer naturalist-led backpacking trips in the Santa Cruz Mountains, sharing with you the natural and cultural history of the area. Trips vary in length and difficulty, proposing options for every experience level. Each trip provides two naturalists and you can meet them before hand at one of our in-person or video-conference pre-trip meetings. Native plant teas, trail desserts, demonstrations, stories, and jokes are added bonuses! 

 

Our mission is to provide for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

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Testimonials

“This team was so focused, polite and hardworking and still managed to make it fun. It’s very hard to do this, but they made it look easy. I’m only sorry there aren’t dozens of similar programs throughout the state. Thank you so much.” –Gregory Rudd, Skyline to the Sea and The Trail Less Traveled 2016 participant

“This was a blast and with a great group of people. Most fun was the stories and the laughter. I learned a ton. More was covered than I could have ever imagined was out there. I never dreamed there was so much to know and I’m very impressed with Alex and Jeremy’s knowledge.” – Jennifer Hardwick, Skyline to the Sea 2016 participant

 

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