Trip Descriptions
Skyline Sojourn 2023
Just because Skyline to the Sea is closed doesn’t mean you can’t get your fix of ridges and redwoods! Our longest and arguably most epic adventure of the summer, The Skyline Sojourn 2023 will take us on a roughly 30-mile tour spanning four parks full of stunning skyline and rich redwood forest. After parking and shuttling from the endpoint at Portola Redwoods State Park, we'll hit the trailhead in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, descend Long Ridge Open Space Preserve into peaceful Portola Redwoods State Park for two nights, and spend our final night at tranquil Tarwater Trail Camp in Pescadero Creek County Park.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Leaders: Alex and Marika
Itinerary: Wednesday June 21 - Sunday June 25, 2023
Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; 9:30am (6/21)
*Shuttle to Grizzly Flat trailhead departs from Portola Visitor Center at 10:00am* (no additional charge for shuttle)
Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; about 4pm (6/25)
Total Mileage: approximately 30 miles
Itinerary: Wednesday June 21 - Sunday June 25, 2023
Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; 10:00am (6/21)
*Shuttle to Skyline trailhead departs from Portola Visitor Center at 11:00am* (no additional charge for shuttle)
Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; about 4pm (6/25)
Total Distance: approximately 30 miles
Day 1 CR Parking Lot to CR Trail Camp (3.0 mi)
Day 2 CR Trail Camp to Slate Creek (10 mi)
Day 3 Peter’s Creek Loop day hike (6.5mi)
Day 4 Slate Creek to Tarwater Trail Camp (6.8 mi)
Day 5 Tarwater to Portola VC (4.25 mi)
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Ridges to Redwoods
Starting in Castle Rock State Park, this 2-night, 3-day trip takes you through oak woodland ridgelines and dips into towering ancient redwoods. Experience incredible views of bay, mountain and valley as you trek from panoramic Castle Rock State Park, along the backbone of the Santa Cruz Mountains and down into the serene forests of Portola Redwoods State Park.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Leaders: Sky and Marika
Itinerary: Thursday July 6 - Sunday July 9, 2023
Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods State Park Visitor Center; 10:00am (7/6)
*Shuttle to Skyline trailhead departs from Portola Visitor Center at 10:00am* (no additional charge for shuttle)
Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods State Park Visitor Center; about 2pm (7/9)
Total Distance: approximately 24 miles
Day 1 CR Parking Lot to CR Trail Camp (3.0 mi)
Day 2 CR Trail Camp to Slate Creek (10 mi)
Day 3 Peter’s Creek Loop day hike (6.5mi)
Day 4 Slate Creek to Portola VC (4mi)
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An Adventure Among the Ancients
Back by popular demand is our classic Portola 2-night trip, An Adventure Among the Ancients. Meeting at the secluded Visitor Center, we’ll take the scenic route to Slate Creek, making detours to some of the park’s iconic natural features like Tiptoe Falls and the Iverson Cabin site. Day two we’ll leave the packs at camp and complete the Peter’s Creek Loop, a spectacular hike featuring ridgeline views, a lush riparian creek ecosystem, and the park’s marquee redwoods.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Leaders: Molly and Evelyn
Itinerary: Friday July 28 - Sunday July 30, 2023
Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center, 11:00am (7/28)
Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center about 2pm (7/30)
Total Mileage: 15 miles
Day 1 Portola VC to Slate Creek Trail Camp (4 mi)
Day 2 Peter’s Creek Loop Day Hike (6.5 mi)
Day 3 Slate Creek to Portola VC (4mi)
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In Pursuit of Perseids (FULL)
Journey across our rugged ridgeline to watch shooting stars in the quiet and darkness of the backcountry on this 1-night, 2-day trip through Castle Rock State Park and Sanborn County Park. While the highlight of this exploration is the meteor shower, daylight brings panoramic ocean and mountain views as you hike through oak woodlands and chaparral-covered ridgelines.
Difficulty: Moderate
Itinerary: Saturday August 12 - Sunday August 13th, 2023
Starting Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance 1:00pm (8/12)
Ending Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance; about 4pm (8/13)
Total Mileage: approximately 10 miles
Day 1: Partridge Farm Parking Lot to Castle Rock Trail Camp: approximately 3 miles
Day 2: Castle Rock Trail Camp to Partridge Farm Parking Lot: approx. 5.5 miles
- THIS TRIP IS CURRENTLY FULL -
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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.