Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club

Level: Moderate (2A) 8 mi, 800 ft gain
Meet: Wilder Ranch State Park (1697 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz CA 95060, GPS: 36.960191, -122.085696) Day use fee is $10/9 senior per car, unless you have a state park pass. Restrooms and water available at the parking lot.
Description: Our lollipop route will pass the historic ranch buildings dating from the 1890s, and then proceed under Highway 1 through a tunnel. Our route climbs mostly at a moderate rate, along exposed grassland paths, up the wave-cut terraces that formed as the land was uplifted by seismic events over eons. We will then descend a bit to enjoy a shady climb up through second growth redwoods along a section of the Baldwin Creek canyon. Emerging back on the exposed terraces, we will head back downhill with ocean views along some stretches.
Natural History: Learn about the park and the successful Wilder Ranch Restoration Program here. Poison oak, ticks and rattlesnakes make their homes in the park, so learn to identify them and steer clear of them.
Wear/bring: sturdy hiking boots/shoes, at least 1L water, layered clothing, snacks, lunch, something to sit on for trailside lunch (optional), sun protection, basic first aid kit, hiking poles (optional).
Signup Instructions:

1. Signup for this hike via Sierra Club site ONLY (Meetup site is for people to coordinate carpool amongst themselves only. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.)
2. Please provide emergency contact name and phone number as well as your email and phone contact information when you signup.
3. Complete, print and bring with you the medical form for this outing. You will show me that the form has been completed and then you will stow it in your own first aid kit. In the event of a medical emergency, the form will be given to first responders, so include information that they should be aware of when providing you with emergency medical treatment.

Love our preserved, natural spaces? Why not join the Sierra Club? Conservation, protection and restoration projects can always benefit from greater support and you can help.
Join our email list: If you would like to be on our email list to receive our hike announcement and cancellation notice, please sign up here.
Sierra Club guide for our hike outings: Neither vaccinations nor masks are required. But if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms, are sick, or have recently tested positive for COVID do not hike with us on this day. Every participant is responsible for reporting these conditions to the leader if symptoms develop after the hike. We will then notify the other participants.
Cancellation conditions: steady rain; forecast temp > 85F; AQI > 100

Why are they moving dirt at Shoreline Park and in the pond next to it?
If you’ve been to Shoreline Park recently, you’ve seen new dirt and fencing on the western side of the park. Have you wondered what’s going on? If so, this event is for you. Dave Halsing, Executive Project Manager of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (that gives you a hint, but there is more information here: www.southbayrestoration.org), will explain what you’re seeing and what the whole project entails, with time to answer your questions. Program will finish up about 12:30 pm.

Since Dave's walking tour will start promptly at 11:00 am, plan to arrive at Palo Alto Baylands’ entrance at 10:45 am or at the Peninsula Conservation Center at 10:15 am.

Parking near the Palo Alto Baylands’ entrance to the park (along Terminal Blvd., at the end of San Antonio Rd.) is challenging on Sunday mornings. You’re welcome to try and may get lucky. Instead we recommend parking behind the Peninsula Conservation Center (3921 E. Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto) or in the adjacent lot. From there we’ll take the Adobe Creek Loop to walk to the park entrance – about 0.7 mi, 15-20 min.

Restrooms available at the trailhead.

Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and wear clothes suitable for the weather – it can be a little cooler and breezy near the bay.

The host of the Shoreline event – South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project – has set up an RSVP process online. If you plan to join us, please go here and click ‘Add Me’.

First Sunday Sierra Pathfinder Potluck
Peninsula Conservation Center, Raptor Suite (first floor)
Bring potluck item (for 8-10 people) ready to serve with serving utensils. Unfortunately there are no facilities for heating or cooling foods. If you want to bring a dish in a crockpot or similar electric appliance, you’re welcome to plug it in to keep food warm.

A to G Main Dish
H to O Salad or Snack
P to Z Drink or Dessert

Bring your own plate, cup and utensils. Please take them home to wash.
Optional Event Fund Donation $5 - $10

No need to RSVP for the potluck – just show up with a smile and food.

Directions to Palo Alto Baylands’ entrance: Take Hwy 101 to the San Antonio Rd. exit and head east/toward the bay. After 0.3 mi you’ll reach Terminal Blvd. Lots of parking spaces but may be full.

Directions to Peninsula Conservation Center: Take Hwy 101 to the San Antonio Rd. exit and head east/toward the bay. At the traffic light turn left onto E. Bayshore Rd. After 0.3 mi turn right onto Corporation Way, then left into the parking lot. Coming from the Baylands, turn right at the traffic light and continue as above.

Reserve tickets < https://www.sierraclub.org/loma-prieta/benefit?_gl=1%2A1xn16iu%2A_gcl_au%2AMTg3OTExNjA1Ny4xNzQ3ODg3ODQxLjYzMDUzNTcyNC4xNzUxMzY1NjgwLjE3NTEzNjU4NjU.>