Name: Tafoni and Fir trail + Methuselah tree, 6.75 mi, 1,465 ft el - Moderate+
Start: 2024-12-07T09:00:00-08:00
End: 2024-12-07T12:00:00-08:00

Come hike a forested trail on the beautiful western slope of the Santa Cruz mountains, in the El Corte de Madera preserve. We will pass groves of majestic redwoods, a fascinating sandstone formation a short way off the main trail, a nice views toward the coast, and a small historic monument nestled in the woods. Before reaching the end, we will veer off on a detour to see the 1,800-year-old Methuselah Tree, the oldest and largest in the Santa Cruz Mountains (outside of Big Basin). The AllTrails description (without the Tree detour) is [here](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/tafoni-and-fir-trail). You can read about the tree [here](https://openspacetrust.org/blog/old-growth-redwood/).

We'll hike in drizzle, but cancel in heavy rain.

MEETING: We will meet at the picnic tables at the Skeggs Point parking lot on Skyline Blvd, a short walk from the trailhead. I will have a BAWG sign. Please note that there is no left turn into the parking lot from Skyline southbound - you'll need to find a place to do a U-turn if you approach from the south (watch for motorcycles!).

HIKING LEVEL: With 1,465 ft of elevation gain and roughly 6.75 miles distance, this is a Moderate+ hike. This means that you should have some recent hiking experience and be in good physical condition without any recent injuries.

Please see our HIKING LEVELS here: https://bit.ly/31eeinM

NO DOGS. Sorry, the preserve doesn’t allow doggos on the trails.

Please bring:

* 1 liter of water
* Warm layers (and a rain jacket if the forecast warrants it)
* Hiking shoes or boots with good traction
* Poles for those who would like them
* Snacks

ATTENDANCE: Please be respectful. No shows mean someone else missed a chance to join the fun and are not cool. Late cancelations are okay in extenuating circumstances. If your plans have changed, please update your attendance at least 48 hours in advance so another hiker can take your spot. If you are a no-show 2 times, you will be removed from the group.

WAITLIST: If this hike is full, contributors will take priority coming off the waitlist. If you are on the waitlist, be sure to check if a spot opened before the hike. Please remove yourself from the waitlist if you are no longer able to attend. Waitlists can move quickly and spots often open before the hike, so please check often, including the day before, to see if you are on the hike.

CONTRIBUTIONS: Unfortunately, Meetup is not free and our volunteer team is working hard to plan activities for our incredible community

Our suggested annual contribution is $10-25. The links are:
PayPal: paypal.me/BayAreaWomensHiking
Venmo: @BayAreaWomenHike.

A BIG Thank You to all that have contributed -- it really does make a difference!

PLEASE READ BEFORE RSVP-ING TO A HIKE:
• Ensure that you are a self-sufficient hiker: https://bit.ly/2YsEmKp
• Remember your personal responsibilities: https://bit.ly/3tkRNbb

* We cannot guarantee that all hikers are vaccinated for COVID-19. Join at your own risk & wear a face mask if you cannot socially distance 6 feet from others.

DISCLAIMER
BAWG organizers are volunteers, not professional guides. Individuals who join our hikes are responsible for their own safety. BAWG event organizers are not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur in transit to and from an event, or any injuries or accidents incurred before, during, and after this event. By participating in an event, you voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. You acknowledge that you have read and understand the terms of the BAWG Liability Wavier: https://bit.ly/2YVzcoY

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Tafoni and Fir trail + Methuselah tree, 6.75 mi, 1,465 ft el - Moderate+

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Tafoni and Fir trail + Methuselah tree, 6.75 mi, 1,465 ft el - Moderate+

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