Event

Starting March 1 at 9am, State Parks is taking trail camp reservations for the Santa Cruz Mountains 2016 backcountry season. So if hiking the 29.5-mile Skyline to the Sea Trail is on your summer wish list, now's the time to start planning. The reservations number is 831.338.8861.

State parks will take reservations up to 60 days in advance for its 9 backcountry trail camps (today on March 1st, for example, they're taking reservations for May 1-2). That means you have plenty of time to scheme, plot and cajole some friends into joining your merry little midsummer venture. This includes Castle Rock Trail Camp and Waterman Gap Trail Camp in Castle Rock State Park, Slate Creek Trail Camp in Portola Redwoods State Park, Butano Trail Camp in Butano State Park, and Jay, Lane, Sunset, Twin Redwoods, and Alder Trail Camps in Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

The Skyline-to-the-Sea trip takes most people three days and two nights and, while ultimately a downhill affair, requires you to be in decent shape. (Wouldn't do to have the vultures circling.) On the trail you'll see fascinating rock formations, huge vistas, some of the tallest trees on earth, beautiful creeks (some of which have swimming holes) and three waterfalls. You'll be able to leave your car parked at Castle Rock State Park. We recommend having a friend come pick you up at Rancho del Oso, on Highway 1, on the third day, since there isn't a good place to leave a car there.

The reservations number is 831.338.8861. Learn more at the Big Basin Backcountry Trail Camps page. And happy trails!