Trip Descriptions
Skyline Sojourn 2024
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 2024 will take us on a roughly 30-mile tour spanning three 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 Castle Rock State Park and eventually descend Long Ridge Open Space Preserve into peaceful Portola Redwoods State Park for two nights, enjoying an optional packs-off day hike on Saturday to Peter's Creek, home of babbling brooks and some of the tallest trees in these mountains.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Leaders: Marika and Erin C
Itinerary: Thursday May 30 - Sunday June 2, 2024
Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; 10:00am (5/30)
*Shuttle to Skyline trailhead departs from Portola Visitor Center at 10:30am* (no additional charge for shuttle)
Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; about 3pm (6/2)
Total Distance: approximately 25 miles
Day 1 CR Parking Lot to CR Trail Camp (4.0 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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Women's Weekend 2024
Hey, women! Join us in exploring the diverse landscapes of Portola Redwoods State Park with an equally diverse group of other women-identifying backpackers!
Starting at the Portola Redwoods Visitor Center, on our first day we will make our way to the Slate Creek base camp, making stops along the way to see some of this spectacular park’s highlights. Day two will feature a strenuous but optional day hike to the Peter’s Creek Loop, where we will have the opportunity to experience some of the tallest old growth redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, sit for a spell and engage in some creekside self-reflection. In the evening we will sip locally foraged tea and enjoy games and sparkling conversation, before returning to the Portola Redwoods Visitor Center on day three.
For women, guided by women, this trip is sure to rejuvenate, empower, and bring us all back to Mother Nature.
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Leaders: Elexis and Erin C.
Itinerary: Friday June 28 - Sunday June 30, 2024
Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center, 11:00am (6/28)
Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center about 3pm (6/30)
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 (4 mi)
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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: Erin D and David
Itinerary: Friday July 19 - Sunday July 21, 2024
Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center, 11:00am (7/19)
Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center about 3pm (7/21)
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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Big Basin Family Camp (aka "CarsBA")
Join us for the very first public camping opportunity in Big Basin Redwoods State Park since the 2020 CZU fire! This car camping weekend will allow us to venture out on day hikes without all the gear in tow, a great option for folks of all skill and camping experience levels. Evenings will feature community, conversation and games, and special guests will join us to discuss the past, present, and future of the park!
As such this adventure is family-friendly, allowing youth aged 11 and up to join with a parent or adult family member. We're even offering a discount for all youth aged 11-17 at just $100 each (adult price $200 each)! Parents please email us at backpacking@parks.ca.gov or give us a call at 831-291-8273 to reserve your spaces. Be advised we do require at least one adult per youth aged 11-13 and one adult per two youth aged 14-17.
There will be multiple day hikes to choose from on Saturday, from an easy 2.5-mile jaunt on the Skyline to the Sea trail along Opal Creek through recovering old growth redwood forest, to a nearly 6-mile hike showing off some of our spectacular ridgeline vistas. And of course we’ll be touring the historic and beloved Redwood Loop.
Don’t miss your chance to join Big Basin’s first camping comeback since 2020!
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate (depending on day hikes chosen)
Itinerary: Friday August 2 - Sunday August 4, 2024
Starting Location/Time: Big Basin Headquarters 1:00pm (8/2)
Ending Location/Time: Big Basin Headquarters, about 3pm (8/4)
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In Pursuit of Perseids
Looking for an easier entry (or re-entry) into backpacking? Try our meteor shower-themed one-nighter, In Pursuit of the Perseids! 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.
PLEASE NOTE: the night of the trip this year will not be on the peak viewing night, which will be the following Monday night/Tuesday morning. Even so, we should still see a good amount of shooting stars, weather permitting, but no matter what we'll have fun stargazing, telling stories, eating treats and talking astronomy. Sign up now for this stellar adventure!
Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate
Itinerary: Saturday August 10 - Sunday August 11th, 2024
Starting Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance 10:00am (8/10)
Ending Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance; about 3pm (8/11)
Total Mileage: approximately 8.5 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
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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.