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[Please note: Big Basin suffered extensive damage in the August 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, so
please check the official park website before planning any trip.]
Jean, Joe, and I hiked the Skyline To The Sea Trail. I'd backpacked
for basically the first time in April -- a nice easy one-night trip.
And then I had a two-night backpacking trip in May in Utah. I was
excited about doing a 2-day trip so close to home along some
beautiful trails. I'd done a hike in Castle Rock State Park and in
Big Basin State Park -- along some of the same trails as the Skyline
To The Sea Trail, so I felt like I had a little extra knowledge. But
nothing could really prepare me for the experience properly...
Friday morning Jean and I drove separate cars up the east side of
Highway 9, and then descended Highway 9 toward Santa Cruz. The road
was still shrouded in fog even at 11:30am. We continued on toward
Waddell Creek. We went through the gate on the right, down the road,
to the Skyline To The Sea Trailhead. The trailhead is near Highway 1,
16 miles north of Santa Cruz. The easiest way to get there is via
Highway 17 and then 1. Highway 9 is a long, windy, 35 miles with
traffic at several towns as you get closer to Santa Cruz.
After self-registering (we'd already paid a $5 reservation fee),
we left one car and started the long drive back up to Castle Rock
State Park via Highways 9 and 35. We'd return about 51 hours later.
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