Heart of Nisene Marks Hike, 6.5 miles [Aptos]

Join us as we explore deep into the forest of Nisene Marks! I’ve been told that the Winter gate has already opened, allowing car access to the furthest parking area (Porter Family lot). Join us for a moderate level hike into Nisene’s Inner Sanctum.

We will follow a ~6.5 mile route, with ~1,000’ elevation gain. Perfect for a peaceful Sunday morning, this loop forms the core to some of our longer hikes in this area. View our route Here. The trail is mostly shaded, has some steep and narrow sections, one creek crossing, and a log bridge. You may want to bring hiking poles, water, snacks and/or sun protection.

Nitty gritty:
- $8/vehicle day use fee to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.
- No dogs allowed on these trails.
- No cell service in the park.
- Note: Our “moderate” hikes can be challenging for some casual hikers. There is no shame in this, but contact me if you are unsure if you are up for the distance / climb.
Carpooling: Parking can be tight on weekends, so we will meet at Peet’s Coffee and carpool in from there (be sure to find the right Peet’s, on the map!]. If you prefer to not carpool, please meet at Peet’s and follow us in so that full cars get first dibs if parking is scarce.

Schedule:
8:15am — Arrive at Peet’s if you need to grab a snack or use the restroom
8:30 — Arrange carpools at Peet’s
8:40 — Head for the Nisene hills
~9am — Arrive at Porter Family parking lot. If you prefer not to carpool, tell me ahead of time (I’ll leave my number in the comments). Directions from Peet’s: Google or iPhone maps.

Background:
The park's name honors Nisene Marks, the nature-loving mother of the Salinas farm family that bought the land in the 1950s. Her children donated approximately 9,700 acres to the state in 1963 with the provision that the land never be developed.

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. Outdoor activities are inherently hazardous. 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 vigorous outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge “Connect Outdoors”, 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.