Uvas Canyon Park: Let's Go Chasing Waterfalls!

Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.

Please take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://4142298.xyz/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/

Uvas Canyon County Park is a lushly wooded park nestled in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains west of Morgan Hill. It encompasses 1,147 acres of wonderful hiking trails and camping facilities. It's a magical place filled with waterfalls and literally thousands of ladybugs and butterflies in the Spring to Fall seasons. And multiple tree species.

Our hike will take us on gorgeous rolling trails through tree-lined gulches and brambly creek sides, passing six beautiful waterfalls forming a big loop with two out-and-back legs. We'll head southwest on the Waterfall Nature Loop Trail and then loop northeast on the Contour Trail and Alec Canyon Trail. The falls are at their best after rains so this will be a delightful time to go! Our route:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/upper-basin-and-black-rock-falls-via-contour-and-waterfall-loop-2747e3c

The entire park is beautifully maintained and includes sparkling clean bathrooms with flushing toilets and delightful picnic facilities at the entrance.

Good news: Cyclists are not allowed Bad news: dogs are not allowed

Length: 5.3 miles Elevation gain: 1230 ft Effort: Challenging
Time: 3-4 hours (including breaks) Route type: loop with two legs

Parking reservations must be made prior to entering the park. For that reason as well as the distance to get there I recommend we carpool. Each car reservation costs $6 and can be obtained online once we have the logistics ironed out. We'll be "Entry Group 2" for reservations. To consolidate cars for those who are interested we can rendezvous outside of the park entrance and carpool in from there.

The Parking Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance before entering Uvas Canyon. Reservations for parking can be made by visiting the Uvas Canyon County Park website or click on this link: gooutsideandplay.org and selecting "Day Passes". Again, we will be Entry Group 2.

Carpooling is recommended. Please state in Comments if you are interested in being a driver or rider. Takes about an hour from Soquel to get to Uvas.

If you are interested in carpooling, I ask that you stay engaged in our lines of communication as we work out carpooling details. We'll do this through Comments below.

Please bring plenty of water and snacks! And hiking boots with good tread. And your joyful, nature-loving spirit! Will possibly be a water crossing depending on how high the creeks are. We'll be under tree canopy most of the hike so sun protection probably not necessary.

Hope to see you there!
Jill :)