Skyline-to-the-Sea (26 mi, ~2300 feet elevation gain)
View from Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail in Castle Rock State Park
This run is the ultimate point-to-point trail run in the Bay Area. It takes you from the high point at Saratoga Gap (intersection of Hwy 9 and 35) all of the way to Waddell Beach along Hwy 1, passing through several parks along the way. Even though the trail has a net elevation loss of almost 5000 feet, don't be fooled: there is still a good deal of climbing as you head toward the ocean.
The run is long. It's approximately 26 miles. (If you do a search on the web there seems to be some disagreement as to how long the trail actually is!!) However, it can be done as a self-supported run. Since you pass through a few parks along the way, there are two places to stop for water. However, there are long stretches between the water stops, so it is recommended to carry at least two water bottles or a hydration pack with you. In particular, after the last water stop at Big Basin HQ, you still have 10 more miles of challenging trail to go until you reach the end!
The run is long. It's approximately 26 miles. (If you do a search on the web there seems to be some disagreement as to how long the trail actually is!!) However, it can be done as a self-supported run. Since you pass through a few parks along the way, there are two places to stop for water. However, there are long stretches between the water stops, so it is recommended to carry at least two water bottles or a hydration pack with you. In particular, after the last water stop at Big Basin HQ, you still have 10 more miles of challenging trail to go until you reach the end!
Berry Creek Falls in Big Basin State Park
One of the highlights of the run is the amazing Berry Creek Falls. This
65-foot misty waterfall is probably one of the most photographed
waterfalls in the Bay Area.
Since it is a point-to-point run, you have to either arrange a shuttle from Waddell Beach (about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz along Hwy 1), or time your run so that you can take the bus back into Santa Cruz and arrange a pick-up from there. The Santa Cruz Metro route 40 will pick you up and take you back to Santa Cruz. Refer to their website for details.
Note that, even if you download the two maps listed below under The Dirt, you will still be off of the map for a while. This is not really an issue, since you follow the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail the entire way. Just make sure to carefully check the signs at every trail intersection!
Since it is a point-to-point run, you have to either arrange a shuttle from Waddell Beach (about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz along Hwy 1), or time your run so that you can take the bus back into Santa Cruz and arrange a pick-up from there. The Santa Cruz Metro route 40 will pick you up and take you back to Santa Cruz. Refer to their website for details.
Note that, even if you download the two maps listed below under The Dirt, you will still be off of the map for a while. This is not really an issue, since you follow the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail the entire way. Just make sure to carefully check the signs at every trail intersection!
The Dirt:
Extras:
The Run:
In general, the run is easy to follow, you just stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail the entire time! However, some of the important trail information is provided below.
- For the upper portion of the run, download the Castle Rock State Park map from Virtualparks.org here.
- For the lower portion of the run, download the Big Basin Redwoods State Park map from Virtualparks.org here.
- For driving directions to the Saratoga Gap trailhead via Google Maps, click here.
Extras:
- To find the bus schedule for a pickup from Waddell Beach, click here for the Santa Cruz Metro and search for route 40.
- Pacific Coast Trail Runs holds a yearly race on this route, with a Marathon and 50k distance. For more information click here and look for Skyline to the Sea.
The Run:
In general, the run is easy to follow, you just stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail the entire time! However, some of the important trail information is provided below.
- 0.0 mi: Begin at the Saratoga Gap parking lot. Start running east along Hwy 9 (away from Saratoga). Soon you will see the Saratoga Toll Road / Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail veer off to the left side of the road.
- 0.4 mi: Turn right and cross over Hwy 9 to stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. Turn left after crossing Hwy 9.
- 1.8 mi: Cross over Hwy 9 and continue on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
- 6.0 mi: At Watermap Gap Trail Camp. Fill up with water!
- 6.4 mi: Cross Hwy 9 and turn left to stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
- 6.5 mi: Cross Hwy 236 to stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. You'll follow Hwy 236 all of the way into Big Basin State Park. Get ready for a gradual but steady climb.
- ~16.0 mi: At Big Basin Headquarters. Fill up with water! Then proceed on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. You'll climb up to a ridge then start descending. The next 6 or so miles are technical, rocky, rolling downhill, followed by a few miles of dirt road. For the last mile or so, you can either take the singletrack "bypass", or just stay on the dirt road all of the way to the beach.
- ~20.0 mi: View of Berry Creek Falls.
- ~25.7 mi: At the Rancho del Oso office. You might as well fill up with water again, then continue on the paved road to Waddell Beach.
- ~26.0 mi: At Waddell Beach!! Rest for a while, then figure out how to get home!
