Uvas Canyon, 4th Annual Christmas Pilgrimage!

— Check back for updates on this page and in the comments, especially just before you leave!

— Purchase a parking pass (link below) for $6 if you won’t ride in a carpool.

— Comment below with any questions (I’ll add my cell # in a comment). Do not count on having cell phone coverage when driving to Uvas — preload any maps / info you need.
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Discovering Uvas Canyon three years ago was a truly watershed event! It not only supplies water for thirsty Morgan Hill nearby, the Uvas watershed powers a series of delightful waterfalls, revitalizes the air with earthy mist, and is home to newts, ladybugs, mushrooms, and the ravenous mushroom eating chocolate-banana slugs. On our first visit we meandered our way through the waterfall loop and contour trails, with an extended detour to the somewhat larger Lower Falls, finishing a three hour hike in a record five hours! We will pick up the pace this year, still stopping for natural wonders, but adding an out-and-back for hikers who are feeling frisky. Keep on the lookout for Amanita muscaria, in case we bump into any reindeer in neighboring Sveadal during the afterparty!

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These trails are considered moderate difficulty by Alltrails, within our normal range. But, bring shoes with good tread, as trails can be slick when muddy, dress with layers for variable weather, and bring water with a small lunch or snack for the trails.

PARKING PASSES & CARPOOLS:
(Should I set up a carpool registry, or shall we sort this out via comments?)
Parking passes must be purchased in advance, for $6 by clicking here:
Select Entry Group 3: 10am – 11am
"TICKETS MUST BE PRINTED AND PLACED ON YOUR DASHBOARD!"
Qs? Reservations: (tel: 408-355-2201) or Reservations@prk.sccgov.org.

Route: 4.8 miles, 900’ TEG. We will visit multiple waterfalls via our previous route, adding optional "out and backs", based on interest.

Carpool if it is practical:
We ask that (most of) you either purchase a pass and help carpool, or arrange a ride with someone who has a pass. As long as there are enough parking spaces, driving solo won't be a problem.
Shared cost:
$10 gas money, each passenger gives to their driver
$6 vehicle entrance fee, split among all in car
Hike: approximately 3.5 hours hiking, including silent reverie.
Commute time: ~1.2 hours from Santa Cruz

Always check this event page and comments just before you depart for the event and preload maps / directions!

Maps and Uvas Canyon county park guides.

Contacting the Great Reindeer Spirit

Natural History of Uvas Canyon:
The north facing and lower stretches of the canyon harbor Douglas fir, redwood, madrone, California laurel, California black oak and canyon live oak. Ceanothus, chamise, knobcone pines and buckeye trees inhabit the drier areas. Creeks run year round throughout the park. Sycamore, alder, bigleaf maple, coast redwood and California laurel trees dominate these riparian zones and are home to rainbow trout, sculpin and three-spined stickleback. California newts can be seen crossing roads and trails after rains. The Pacific giant salamander (Up to 13 inches long. "When startled, these salamanders may respond with a croaky-sounding cry similar to that of a barking dog," and are capable of a painful bite.) inhabits the park’s cooler areas. Visitors may also encounter rattlesnakes, kingsnakes, gopher or garter snakes, Steller’s jays, grosbeaks, phoebes and thrushes, black-tailed deer and, occasionally, mountain lion, bobcat, gray fox, coyote, raccoon and skunk.
Additional Info

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 this 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 social 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. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.