Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail (25.4 mi, ~2600 feet elevation gain)

The Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail is the ultimate point-to-point trail run or hike in the South Bay. The trail runs from Saratoga Gap all of the way to Rancho del Oso along Hwy 1, a distance of almost 25 miles. Even though the trail has a net elevation loss of almost 5000 feet, there's still a good deal of climbing as you make your way to the ocean. But, the hard effort is rewarded with stunning views, gorgeous redwood forests, and some of the best singletrack trails in the area. Also, with a short side trip you can visit spectacular Berry Creek Falls. This 65-foot high misty waterfall is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Bay Area.

Even though this is a long route, it can be done self-supported as there are two campgrounds with drinking water along the way. The Waterman Gap camp is at mile 6, and the Big Basin headquarters camp is at mile 15. The distance between water stops is up to 10 miles, so we recommend carrying at least two water bottles or a hydration pack with you. If you want to do this route as a multi-day run or hike, you can reserve spots at the camps. (Note that the campgrounds are closed in the winter.) Please keep in mind that there is no overnight parking at the Saratoga Gap parking lot!
Since the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail is a point-to-point route, you have to either arrange a shuttle from Waddell Beach (about 20 miles north of Santa Cruz along Hwy 1), or time your arrival at Waddell Beach so that you can take the bus back to downtown Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Metro route 40 will pick you up at Waddell Beach and take you back to Santa Cruz.
The Dirt:
  • Click here to download the GPX track of this route!
  • The best printable trail maps of the entire Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail are available from RedwoodHikes.com. Purchase the Saratoga to Big Basin map directly through the Trailstompers Store!
  • Click here for driving directions to the trailhead at Saratoga Gap via Google Maps.
  • Poison oak is found along the entire length of trail. Click here to learn about preventing and treating poison oak rashes.

Extras:
  • To find the bus schedule for a pickup from Waddell Beach, click here for the Santa Cruz Metro and search for route 40.
  • This route is also a popular trail race. Pacific Coast Trail Runs holds a yearly Skyline-to-the-Sea race, with Marathon and 50k distances. Coastal Trail Runs holds the identical race, called the Big Basin 50k & Marathon. 
  • To make this a multi-day trip, you can camp at Waterman Gap and Big Basin. Click here for more information or to make reservations.
Route Details:
In general, the route is easy to follow, since you just stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail the entire time. Even so, there are a few tricky trail junctions along the way where you can take a wrong turn if you are not paying attention! In particular, from mile 2 to mile 6 the trail crosses several other trails and dirt roads, so pay attention to the trail signs!
  • 0.0 mi: Begin at the Saratoga Gap parking lot. Cross over Skyline Blvd and follow Hwy 9 east, towards Big Basin. Run along the shoulder on the left side of the road (toward oncoming traffic). In about 400 feet you will veer left onto the Saratoga Toll Road / Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
  • 0.5 mi: Turn right, climb briefly, then cross over Hwy 9.  Turn left after crossing Hwy 9 to stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. 
  • 2.0 mi: The singletrack comes out onto a dirt road. Climb the dirt road up to Hwy 9, cross over Hwy 9 and continue on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail toward Watermap Gap Trail Camp. Over the next 4 miles the trail will cross several dirt roads; just make sure to stay on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
  • 6.1 mi: (Water available) At Watermap Gap Trail Camp. Fill up with water if needed.
  • 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. As you enter Big Basin State Park, the trail will cross or follow paved roads several times. Make sure you carefully follow the "Skyline to the Sea Trail" signs!
  • 15.5 mi: (Water available) At Big Basin Headquarters. After crossing a paved park road, you will see a large bathroom building on your left. Briefly leave the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail and look for the water fountain on the other side of the bathroom building. Fill up with water, then proceed on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. You'll climb up to a ridge then start descending. Over the next few miles you will pass many different trail intersections as you head toward Berry Creek Falls.
  • 19.2 mi: Pass Berry Creek Falls. We recommend making a short side trip to take a closer look at the falls! Shortly after passing the falls the trail will turn into an old logging road.
  • 23.4 mi: Just after Alder Trail Camp, turn right onto the singletrack to continue on Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. (Note: you could also stay on the dirt road, as both routes lead to the beach. The singletrack trail is more interesting though!)
  • 25.0 mi: The singletrack trail ends at the ranger station. Turn right on the paved road toward Hwy 1 and Waddell Beach.
  • 25.4 mi: At Waddell Beach!
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Berry Creek Falls
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Views from the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail
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Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail crossing Waddell Creek
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The end of the trail at Wadell Beach

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