Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club

The iconic 30 miles Skyline-to-the-Sea trail starts from the Skyline at Saratoga Gap/Castle Rock, traverses through dense redwood forest mixed with oaks at Castle Rock State Park and Big Basin State Park and reaches the sea at Waddell Beach. This 30-mile hike usually is done via 2 to 3 days of backpacking with Waterman Gap Camp at Castle Rock and Jay Camp at Big Basin State Park dividing it into 3 sections.

BMHS has done a series of day hikes to cover the entire 30 miles Skyline-to-the-Sea trail before the 2020 CZU fire damaged and closed much of Skyline-to-the-Sea trail and Big Basin State Park. The second section from Waterman Gap to Big Basin headquarters recently reopened after the fire. We will hike my favorite part of the entire route, the first half of the second section, from Waterman Gap trailhead at the intersection of Highway 9 and 236 to just before China Grade crossing. The profile of Skyline-to-the-Sea trail hike and the beautiful pictures before the fire were very well documented by redwoodhikes.

This section was covered mostly by the dense redwood forest before the fire. It is often shrouded in fog with fog drips. We can still see it in the first 1.2 miles of this hike, which would give sharp contrast to the destruction of fire we will witness. We will also see lots of amazing rebirth. One can't stop wondering how those dense Ceanothus so quickly covered the ground giant firs and tan oaks used to stand.

This is a back country hike. Please complete your medical form and carry with you (hikers will be asked to confirm this with the leader)

Meet 9 AM at the intersection Highway 9 and 236 (37.213015, -122.155914). There is roadside parking along Highway 9, plus some at Old Mill Road just below it.

There is no restroom facility in this hike.

Signup Instructions:

1. Signup for this hike via Sierra Club site ONLY (Meetup site is for people to coordinate carpool amongst themselves only. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.)
2. Please provide emergency contact name and phone number as well as your email and phone contact information when you signup.
3. Complete, print and bring with you the required medical form for this backcountry outing. You will show the leader that the form has been completed and then you will stow it in your own first aid kit with your privacy respected. In the event of a medical emergency, the form will be given to first responders, so include information that they should be aware of when providing you with emergency medical treatment.

Join our email list: If you would like to be on our email list to receive our hike announcement and cancellation notices, please sign up here.

Level: Moderate(2B)

Bring: medical form, a sit upon for lunch, sturdy hiking boots/shoes, 2L water, layered clothing, snacks, lunch, sun protection, basic first aid kit, hiking poles (optional)

Cancellation Policy: 85+F/steady rain/AQI >75

Level: Moderate(2B)

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Please only reserve a spot if you truly intend to come. If you have to cancel, please advise the leader so another veteran can benefit from this training. To register, click this link:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000txxnbIAA&mapLinkHref=https://maps.google.com/maps&daddr=POLE%20Walking%20for%20Exercise%20(Nordic%20Walking)%20At%20Lands%20End,%20For%20Veterans@37.779662,-122.511596

Top quality poles and special balance tips provided upon request.
Learn which poles fit you best and will help you achieve your goals. Easy pace and gentle practice. To Register for this event, please click this link.

Here are more BENEFITS of Learning Optimal Use of POLES:

1. Achieve, maintain, even regain mobility
2. Reduce risk of falling
3. Use your upper body muscles to improve strength and help preserve your joints
4. Reduce stress on knees, hips and spine
5. Maintain & restore spine function; improve bone density
6. Poles are sporty (and FUN), so encourage compliance and use
7. Improve performance on a variety of terrain – expand your capabilities & horizons
8. Using poles encourages focus so that you can more easily achieve these many benefits
9. Enjoy the outdoors, connect with your buddies and get great exercise!

Who can benefit from learning these skills?
Walkers, and anyone with mild to moderate mobility issues/challenges benefit from learning these skills. Additionally, this class will benefit anyone preparing for or recovering from joint surgery as well as those with Parkinson’s, MS, peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, diabetes, etc.. The mobility class is NOT for hikers – hiking with poles is a different class on much more varied and challenging terrain. BUT, there is quite a bit of cross over for hikers (just no hills for practice).
The triple win of poles is that (1) you’re able to engage your whole body while walking and (2) you can connect with your buddies while (3) enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Consider taking this PoleWalking class and experience the profound feeling of freedom that comes with learning optimal pole use.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED, CLASS SIZE LIMITED. Because of the limited class size, please only reserve a spot if you truly intend to come and keep your RSVP current. If you have to cancel, please advise the leader so another veteran can benefit from this training.
If link above does not work, click here:
https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00000nDFXrIAO&mapLinkHref=https://maps.google.com/maps&daddr=POLE%20Walking%20for%20Exercise%20&%20Maintaining%20Mobility,%20Avenidas,%20Palo%20Alto@37.446124,-122.162337