Black Mountain Hiking Section - Wilder Ranch State Park Hike

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