Skyline Sojourn 2025

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 2025 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, Erin C and Joanna

Itinerary: Thursday May 29 - Sunday June 1, 2025

Starting Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; 1:00pm (5/29)

*Shuttle to Skyline trailhead departs from Portola Visitor Center at 1:30pm* (no additional charge for shuttle)

Ending Location/Time: Portola Redwoods Visitor Center; about 3pm (6/1)

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)

Register Now on Squarespace

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Women's Weekend 2025

For women, guided by women, this trip is sure to rejuvenate, empower, and bring us all back to Mother Nature. 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 Butano State Park Visitor Center, on our first day we will make our way to the Butano trail camp, making stops along the way to see some of this spectacular park’s highlights. Day two will feature optional activities including hiking, crafting AND MORE! In the evening we will sip locally foraged tea and enjoy games and sparkling conversation, before returning to the Butano State Park Visitor Center on day three.

 

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous  

Leaders: Elexis, Erin C. and Emily

Itinerary: Friday June 27 - Sunday June 29, 2025

Starting Location/Time: Butano State Park Visitor Center, 11:00am (6/28)

Ending Location/Time: Butano State Park Visitor Center about 3pm (6/29)

Total Mileage: 15 miles

 

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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, Nicole, Marika

 

Itinerary: Friday July 11 - Sunday July 13, 2025

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)

 

Register on Squarepsace Now

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A Moonlit Adventure

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 9 - Sunday August 10th, 2025

Starting Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance 11:00am (8/9)

Ending Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance; about 3pm (8/9)

Total Mileage: ~10 miles

Day 1: Old Parking Lot to Castle Rock Trail Camp: approximately 4 miles

Day 2: Castle Rock Trail Camp to Partridge Farm Parking Lot: approx. 5.5 miles 

 

Register On Squarespace Now

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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.