Big Ben, Lost Empire, Fall Creek Loop, 7mi & 1600’ TEG [Fall Creek]

There is no place like home, or Fall Creek!

Take it from the top: We will hike this loop from the top rather than from the main entrance at the bottom of the park, near Felton. This avoids the crowds (and hornets) near the parking lot. This also reduces our milage a bit, so we can experience the **central loop** in about 7 miles. This is still considered by many to be a hard hike with 1,600’ of elevation gain. Please be prepared for a strenuous hike by bringing plenty of water and a tasty snack or energy bar.

Trails were closed after the 2020 CZU fire, but have now all re-opened (this is a "no smoking" hike, BTW). Trails are well marked but may be slightly overgrown in places in these further reaches of the park. The loop portion of our hike both starts and ends at the remaining old growth redwood in all of Fall Creek, Big Ben.

Parking: We will rendezvous at the UCSC West Remote parking lot, and carpool from there, up Empire Grade.

If you prefer to drive directly, there should be plenty of parking as long as most people carpool. (If parking is ever a problem, carpool drivers should have priority for convenient spots as one of the incentives.). Let me know that you are not carpooling (so we don’t wait for you) and meet us just above Sunlit Lane, here (for iPhone), at 11am.

Consider bringing: Long pants if you are particularly allergic to poison oak, shoes with good traction that are allowed to get muddy, a walking stick for balance (creek crossing), mild sun protection (mostly shaded), cool clothing for 66 to 72(F) temperatures. A yummy snack and plenty of water.

AllTrails map of our route.

Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. These are always “Hike at your Own Risk” events.