South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group

This park encompasses an agricultural preserve of Brussels sprout fields and the cultural preserve of the former Wilder Ranch. The buildings, barn, gardens, and Victorian house are all open to the public.

The 8.5 mile all flat bluff trail heads coastward on an old ranch road, then turns north along the bluff tops, offering a birds-eye view of the surf and harbor seals resting on the rocks off shore. It then follows ranch roads past pocket beaches, retreating inland now and then to bypass deep gullies. We will go to 4 mile beach for a break and then take the bypass to the parking lot on the return to reduce the overall mileage from our previous hikes here. Bathroom at the trailhead only.

Directions: Take Highway 17 to Santa Cruz and head north towards Half Moon Bay on Highway 1. About 4 miles after passing thru town, watch for the Wilder Ranch sign, where you'll turn left into the park. This is a State Park so there is a $10 parking fee.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

DISTANCE: APPROX 8 MILES

ELEVATION: APPROX 1000 FT CHANGE

SWEEP: TBD

The new Robert C. Kirkwood entrance is open, with 90 parking spaces and restrooms. The address is 15451 Skyline Blvd, about 1/4 mile north of the old dirt parking lot. The entrance fee is $10, payable at auto pay stations which accept cash (no change) or credit cards.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: On this hike we'll make an approximately 8 mile loop stating at the Saratoga Gap Trail from the main park headquarters. From there we'll continue on another 0.8 miles to Castle Rock Falls which is approximately 80 feet high and fed by the headwaters of Kings Creek. We'll then continue on the Saratoga Gap Trail passing through beautiful chaparral and superb views along the way. After the campsite snack stop, we'll connect to the Loghry Woods Trail which will connect us to Highway 35 where we'll cross over into Sanborn Park. We'll end the hike with a walk along the Skyline Trail in Sanborn Park which will take us back to the Castle Rock Parking lot. The total loop will take approximately 3.5 hours to do.

DIRECTIONS: from downtown Saratoga, take highway 9 up to the intersection/stop sign with highway 35 (Skyline). Turn left, and the new parking lot is approximately 2 miles on the right

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.

Joins us on our annual Christmas time hike to one of the most scenic open space preserves in the area. We will be hiking by two ponds (Horseshoe and Alpine), both with water, some woodlands and grasslands, and a view of the ocean along the way. The last leg of the trail takes us thru a Xmas Tree Farm.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate

LENGTH: 6.5 miles, elevation about 1,000 feet

Directions to Trail Head: The entrance to the preserve is located on Skyline Blvd, about one mile south of Page Mill Road/Alpine Road. From Saratoga, go thru town and up Highway 9. Turn right on Skyline going toward SF and turn left into the parking lot and bear to the right and head to where the restroom is. If coming from the other direction, it's 1.5 miles south on Skyline from the intersection of Skyline and Page Mill Road.

Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.