Page 10 - Demo

10 SUMMER | 2016
Take a Hike
Summer is here and it’s your time to escape the crowds and become one with nature. Santa Cruz County has a wealth of parks and reserves just to scratch that itch. So, lace up those hiking boots, grab a picnic lunch, your favorite pal, and get outdoors.
and row boats are available for a small fee. This 180 acres of recreation area offers picnic tables, and a children’s playground. For info call: 831-335-7424.
Berry Creek Falls
If you love waterfalls, this is your hike! There are four different falls set in brilliant green forestland on a moderate to strenuous 12 mile loop of well maintained trails through the redwoods of Big Basin State Park.
The trail starts in Boulder Creek, has an elevation of 2500 feet, and will take good hikers about 6 hours to complete.
The Forest of Nisene Marks
Near Aptos Village lies the entrance to
this State Park. It has over 10,000 acres
of semi-wilderness with evidence of the redwood logging days. A stream even runs through it! A campsite is located trailside about six miles in. A seven-mile loop which includes Loma Prieta Grade and the West Ridge Trail. For the more advanced hiker, a 19-mile trail ascends from the Aptos Creek Fire Road and is worth the effort to see breathtaking views of the Paci c. Call: 831- 688-3222, 831-335-4598.
Wilder Ranch State Park
This park was once home to a thriving dairy farm in the 1800s. It still has the Victorian farmhouse and barns to show for it. The park hosts an old time Fourth of July celebration. You can walk to the isolated cliffs overlooking the ocean or take the thirty or so trails that wind up from the
Bay. Mountain biking is also quite popular. Citings of bobcats, deer and hawks are common. Directions: Go two miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. Turn left into the park. Call: 831-426-0505.
Elkhorn Slough
This largest remaining coastal wetland in California is home to more than 250 bird species. Five miles of easy hiking trails wind past the nesting sites of the Great Blue Heron and snowy egrets. Rent a
kayak in Moss Landing for an up close and personal look. Docent-led tours are held on weekends. The slough is located at 1700 Elkhorn Road in Watsonville.
Call: 831-728-2822 or 831-728-5939.
Castle Rock State Park
Located on Skyline Blvd this 3,600 acres park of semi-wilderness has spectacular views, rolling meadows and shady forests with waterfalls. It hosts picnic areas, horse trails and primitive backpack campsites. For info call: 408-867-2952.
By Pearl S. JoneS
Big Basin State Park
Big Basin State Park is California's oldest state park and has trails that lead from
the magni cent mountain forests to the ocean. Located north of Boulder Creek at 21600 Big Basin Way, it offers over 80 miles of hiking trails within its 18,000 acres and also holds the largest continuous stand of Ancient Redwoods south of San Francisco. Trails start in the Santa Cruz Mountains paralleling Waddell Creek all the way to the ocean. Waterfalls abound and a wide
variety of environments can be enjoyed.
For info call: 831-338- 8860.
Henry Cowell State Park
Home to the coastal redwoods, Henry Cowell State Park spans 1,800 acres of ecologically diverse landscapes. A network of well-kept trails lead you on an adventure from the rich, damp redwood forest, through the sunny, owery meadows on
to the hot chaparral. Begin at the nature center where docents will gladly provide you with maps. An easy .08 mile loop takes you past some of the park’s largest redwoods, some trees more than
a thousand years old. Other trails within the park are for the intense athlete. Horse and bike trails also can be found. Overnight camping with reservations only.
Take Highway 9 north toward Felton. The entrance is on the right. For more info call: 831-335-4598.
Loch Lomond Recreation Area
Twelve miles of trails wind their way across the woods and along two miles
of lakeshore. Loch Lomond is nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains and comprises an 87-acre lake with great “bass” catch stories. One spectacular ve mile loop goes along the lake to Deer Flat and to Highland Trail and up to the ridge where the view is worth every step. Fishing is an option; just bring your pole. Electric boats
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