Trail maintenance in Santa Cruz Mountains

Take A Hike!

Crisscrossing the Santa Cruz Mountains are miles of trails offering opportunities for hikers, horseback riders, and bike riders to experience the coast redwoods up close. The trails, many of which were created by Sempervirens Fund, travel through serene redwood forests, across picturesque grasslands, and along rocky ridgelines connecting public parks and other protected lands in the region. Whether you enjoy leisurely strolls in the forest, riding down steep hillsides, or backpacking, come explore the Santa Cruz Mountains!

Sempervirens Fund offers two trail maps to help guide you on your way.

Map 1 includes the entire network of trails connecting Castle Rock, Big Basin Redwoods, and Portola Redwoods State Parks.

Map 2 includes Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Butano Redwoods State Park, Año Nuevo State Reserve, and all internal and connecting trails.

Call us at (650) 949-1453 to order a map today!

Guided Hikes

Come join Sempervirens Fund on a free guided hike! Our expert volunteer docents lead free hikes through the parks of the Santa Cruz Mountains and on lands currently owned and cared for by Sempervirens Fund. Each hike has its own character and level of intensity. On a hike through the Lompico Forest, participants may walk through the depths of a steep redwood canyon in quest of the Lompico Creek headwaters or take a quiet river walk. A trip through the San Lorenzo River Redwoods will bring hikers to the awe-inspiring redwood cathedral groves of Castle Rock State Park. Hikes are open to everyone — but not dogs. Bring your friends and family and learn about the redwoods together. Some sites charge parking fees.

Our guided hiking opportunities are dependent in part on the weather and on the availability of our volunteer docents. There are currently no hikes scheduled for this month, but please visit our website regularly for calendar updates. For more information about our guided hikes or and to learn how you can become a volunteer docent, please contact Lillian Ventocilla at lventocilla@sempervirens.org or (650) 949-1453.

Whether you hike with us or on your own, please be prepared and hike responsibly! Wear comfortable (closed-toed) hiking shoes, layered sensible trail clothing for hot or cold weather, a hat, and sunscreen and be sure to bring maps, trail guides, water, food, and, of course, your camera.

See you on the trails!

Featured Hikes

Sempervirens 236

Come see our recent land acquisition! This 107-acre piece of land is located adjacent to Castle Rock State Park, near the intersection of Highways 9 and 236. There are two trails that go through the property that are open to the public. Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail runs along the western edge. This trail is 35 miles long, but you can try out just a mile or two and check out this newly protected forest. Park in the large pullout on Highway 9, just north of the 236 intersection. Trailhead is located by parking lot. The Saratoga Toll Road Trail also goes through the property. You can start the trail in Castle Rock. See map for parking area and trailhead on Highway 9. You can also get to this from the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail.

Sempervirens 236 map Locator Map

Castle Rock Loop

If you’re looking for a short hike—just a reason to get outside on a warm day—try the Castle Rock Loop. It’s a very easy hike through the redwoods that begins at the main entrance to Castle Rock State Park. The trail is 1.5 miles long and there is only an approximately 400 foot elevation change. This is a great hike for families.

Castle Rock Loop map Locator Map

Big Basin Headquarters to Mt. McAbee Overlook

For a more challenging hike, from Big Basin Park Headquarters hike the Skyline to the Sea Trail until it meets the Howard King Trail. Turn left and hike up to the summit of Mt. McAbee (1,730 ft). Then continue on to Headquarters via the Hihn Hammond Road and Howard King Trail. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Waddell Creek watershed out toward the Pacific Ocean. This hike is a strenuous 10+ miles due to its length and significant elevation gain/loss.

Equestrians can reach the Mt. McAbee Overlook via Hihn Hammond Road, which runs roughly parallel to the Howard King Trail.

Big Basin HQ to Mt. McAbee Overlook map
Locator Map



Take A Hike! Crisscrossing the Santa Cruz Mountains are miles of trails offering opportunities for hikers, horseback riders, and bike riders to experience the coast redwoods up close. The trails, many of which were created by Sempervirens Fund, travel through serene redwood forests, across picturesque grasslands, and along rocky ridgelines connecting public parks and other protected lands in the region. Whether you enjoy leisurely strolls in the forest, riding down steep hillsides, or backpacking, come explore the Santa Cruz Mountains! Sempervirens Fund offers two trail maps to help guide you on your way. Map 1 includes the entire network of trails connecting Castle Rock, Big Basin Redwoods, and Portola Redwoods State Parks. Map 2 includes Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Butano Redwoods State Park, Año Nuevo State Reserve, and all internal and connecting trails. Call us at (650) 949-1453 to order a map today! Guided Hikes Come join Sempervirens Fund on a free guided hike! Our expert volunteer docents lead free hikes through the parks of the Santa Cruz Mountains and on lands currently owned and cared for by Sempervirens Fund. Each hike has its own character and level of intensity. On a hike through the Lompico Forest, participants may walk through the depths of a steep redwood canyon in quest of the Lompico Creek headwaters or take a quiet river walk. A trip through the San Lorenzo River Redwoods will bring hikers to the awe-inspiring redwood cathedral groves of Castle Rock State Park. Hikes are open to everyone — but not dogs. Bring your friends and family and learn about the redwoods together. Some sites charge parking fees. Our guided hiking opportunities are dependent in part on the weather and on the availability of our volunteer docents. There are currently no hikes scheduled for this month, but please visit our website regularly for calendar updates. For more information about our guided hikes or and to learn how you can become a volunteer docent, please contact Lillian Ventocilla at lventocilla@sempervirens.org or (650) 949-1453. Whether you hike with us or on your own, please be prepared and hike responsibly! Wear comfortable (closed-toed) hiking shoes, layered sensible trail clothing for hot or cold weather, a hat, and sunscreen and be sure to bring maps, trail guides, water, food, and, of course, your camera. See you on the trails! Featured Hikes Sempervirens 236 Come see our recent land acquisition! This 107-acre piece of land is located adjacent to Castle Rock State Park, near the intersection of Highways 9 and 236. There are two trails that go through the property that are open to the public. Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail runs along the western edge. This trail is 35 miles long, but you can try out just a mile or two and check out this newly protected forest. Park in the large pullout on Highway 9, just north of the 236 intersection. Trailhead is located by parking lot. The Saratoga Toll Road Trail also goes through the property. You can start the trail in Castle Rock. See map for parking area and trailhead on Highway 9. You can also get to this from the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail. Sempervirens 236 map Locator Map Castle Rock Loop If you’re looking for a short hike—just a reason to get outside on a warm day—try the Castle Rock Loop. It’s a very easy hike through the redwoods that begins at the main entrance to Castle Rock State Park. The trail is 1.5 miles long and there is only an approximately 400 foot elevation change. This is a great hike for families. Castle Rock Loop map Locator Map Big Basin Headquarters to Mt. McAbee Overlook For a more challenging hike, from Big Basin Park Headquarters hike the Skyline to the Sea Trail until it meets the Howard King Trail. Turn left and hike up to the summit of Mt. McAbee (1,730 ft). Then continue on to Headquarters via the Hihn Hammond Road and Howard King Trail. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Waddell Creek watershed out toward the Pacific Ocean. This hike is a strenuous 10+ miles due to its length and significant elevation gain/loss. Equestrians can reach the Mt. McAbee Overlook via Hihn Hammond Road, which runs roughly parallel to the Howard King Trail. Big Basin HQ to Mt. McAbee Overlook map Locator Map