shout : into : the : wilderness
Skyline to the Sea
trail details
Type of Trip: Backpacking Thru
Where: Castle Rock & Big Basin Redwoods State Parks
Permits Required: Yes
Miles: 29.5
Net Elevation Change: 2,820 ft
Trailhead: Castle Rock SP
Cal Topo: https://caltopo.com/m/D0P1
Description: Thru hike from Skyline Blvd to Waddell Beach
logistics & itinerary
Wilderness Area : Santa Cruz Mountains Backcountry Trail Camps
When to apply? Up to 60 days before you plan to hike. Dispersed camping is not allowed, you must camp at designated campsites. Use Redwood Hikes for a good map of the camps on near the trail. Check the Trail Camp Calendar to see if the campsites you want are available.
Permit Style: First-Come, First-Serve
Permit Application: Backcountry Trail Camp Request
When did we do this hike? June 2018
Transportation: Parked one car at Waddell Beach, make sure you have cash on hand to pay the fee. Then took a second car up to Castle Rock SP. The parking lot at Castle Rock is small and fills up quickly especially during climbing season. You will also need cash to pay the fee. While the official start of the trail is Saratoga Gap, there isn't anywhere to park a car there. So unless you are able to request a drop-off, Castle Rock is the next best alternative.
Itinerary:
Day
Miles
Camp
1
2
18.5
11.0
Jay Camp
---
Water: Check current conditions at each park. Water availability, even at the campgrounds will vary depending on the season and if drought conditions are present. Some primitive campgrounds don't offer any water. There are some creek crossings but could be unreliable. Any water should be filtered or treated prior to drinking.
Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Camp in designated areas only and only in your assigned trail camp. Use pit toilets at the campgrounds. All human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep at at least 100 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trails. Do all washing at least 100 feet from water. Do not put any soup in water (even biodegradable and natural soup pollutes). Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash.
Flora Considerations: Watch out for poison oak.
Fauna Considerations: Store all food and scented items in the food lockers at the campsites. There are deer and possible mountains lions.
Trail Specific Considerations: Refer to the Backcountry Trail Camps Guide. There are a lot of rules and regulations that need to be followed due to this being on State Park land. Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.
#California #Coast #Bay Area