Skyline to the Sea

Where: Castle Rock and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks, Santa Cruz Mountains

Trail head: Skyline (Route 35) and Route 9 intersection, near Castle Rock State Park

Length: 27 miles, possibly more

Cumulative elevation gain: - 600 ft (from Saratoga Gap at 2600 ft to Waddell Beach at 0 ft)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Reservations required: No

Advance planning typically required for permit: Yes, you need to plan carpooling

Permit requirements: NA

Price: NA

Report date: 2007-11-06

Reported by: Silviu

Driving directions: Take either CA-9 or Skyline Boulevard (CA-35). The trail begins at Saratoga Gap on the ridge, at the intersection of CA-9 and Skyline Boulevard (CA-35).

Maps: topozone.com map

Trail condition: Very good.

Description and other notes: Skyline To The Sea Trail (S2S) is the second longest continuous trail in the SF bay area, its 27 mile length bettered only by Ohlone Wilderness Trail's 28 miles. The trail usually takes two to three days to complete, with nearly all hikers traveling from East to West (towards the ocean). There are many intersections and parallel trails and detours may be enforced due to temporary closures. Be prepared for extra mileage, if needed. You can ask about the trail condition at the Big Basin Headquarters.

Comments

South views close to CA-236.

The trail follows the CA-236 road for the first 6-7 miles.

One of the few openings along the trail.

Usually the mornings are spectacular in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

There are many small bridges along the trail.

Berry Creek Fall is one of the major attractions in Big Basin.