Wilder Ranch Enchanted Forest: 10+ miles - 1350 Elevation
Details
Rain is forecasted for Friday - heavy rain will cancel - if you sign up, please look for updates through Meetup. Otherwise, Wilder is beautiful in the winter. This hike combines dense redwood and oak forests, expansive open meadows and wonderful scenic views of the ocean. We may see wild turkey and maybe newts! It's long hike with a couple of steep climbs but otherwise moderately difficult. About 50/50 shade and exposed. We'll hike at a brisk 2.8/mph. Distance and elevation gain are estimates. We'll take a snack break mid-point, weather permitting.
We'll start our hike at 9:00am: Please arrive early to use the restroom and allow time for a quick round of introductions.
Our route: Wilder Ridge trail - Engleman Trail - Wild Boar Trail - Old Cabin Trail - Eucalyptus Trail - Bob Cat Trail - Twin Oaks Trail - Enchanted trail - Wilder Ridge. The Enchanted Trail will be hiked in a reverse direction from previous hikes which will eliminate a very steep climb.
What to bring: Plenty of water and a snack, sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, and anything else you like to have on a hike of this sort. Could be poison oak and ticks in the area so plan accordingly.
Parking and start point: Wilder State Park main parking area near the restroom. There is a $10 parking fee for the State Park ($9 for seniors or free with a state park pass).
Restrooms: Only at the start of the hike close to our meeting point.
Sorry, no dogs allowed on Wilder trails.
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 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.