Sierra Club Ventana Chapter

Henry Cowell Observation Deck Loop

Sat, Jun 27 · 9:30 AM PDT

101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, Ca, US

# 🌲 Redwoods & Sandhills: Observation Deck Longer Loop at Henry Cowell

Hey everyone!
Ready to escape into the trees? Join us for an awesome, varied hike through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton. This "Longer Loop" version of the classic Observation Deck hike gives us the absolute best of both worlds: we’ll start under a dense canopy of towering coast redwoods, wind alongside the peaceful San Lorenzo River, and then climb up into a completely different ecosystem—the rare, sun-drenched Santa Cruz Sandhills.
Our ultimate destination is the Observation Deck, the highest point in the park (805 feet), which rewards us with incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and, on a clear day, all the way out to Monterey Bay!

### 🥾 Hike Details

• Distance: ~5.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: ~750 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate. (Most of the trail is well-maintained single-track or fire roads, but expect a couple of steep, steady uphill sections and some loose, deep sand as we near the top!)
• Pace: Social & Steady. We hike at an approachable pace—no one gets left behind, and we will definitely be stopping for photos and water breaks.
• Time: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours

### 📍 Where to Meet

We will gather at the Henry Cowell Visitor Center. There are some benches in front of the gift shop. (off Highway 9 in Felton).
Google map link https://maps.app.goo.gl/z9oiJhVkpE27vcpR7

• Address: 101 Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
• Parking/Fees: There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee to park in the main lot. (Pro tip: Carpool if you can, or arrive a bit early to secure a spot as this park can get busy!).

### 🎒 What to Bring

• Sturdy Footwear: Trail runners or hiking boots are highly recommended. You will be walking through soft, white beach-like sand on the upper ridges!
• Layers: The redwood canyon floor can be quite chilly and damp in the morning, but the sandhills at the top are fully exposed to the sun and can get hot.
• Hydration & Snacks: Bring at least 1–2 liters of water and a snack to enjoy when we take a break at the Observation Deck picnic tables.
• Sun Protection: Hat and sunscreen for the exposed ridge sections.

### ★★★ Note: This is not an official Sierra Club outing. Everyone is welcome to join ★★★

Disclaimer: The organizer(s) are volunteers and not professional guides. By signing up for this trip, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the hike organizers against any and all liability arising from your participation in this activity.
★ We encourage our members to join the Sierra Club and support the Ventana Chapter, which is responsible for local outings, conservation, environmental education, leadership development and political activism. See "Who We Are" on our website: https://www.ventanasierraclub.org/

Can’t wait to see you all out on the trail! 🥾🌲

Castle Rock Lower Loop Hike round 2

Sun, Jul 12 · 9:00 AM PDT

Castle Rock roadside parking, https://maps.app.goo.gl/xKymqdE8Ri1WqLtH9?g_st=ac, Los Gatos, CA, US

Castle Rock Lower Loop hike

Castle Rock State Park
Come witness the grandeur of the Santa Cruz Mountains in all their summertime glory. This park has many large limestone formations standing watch over the evergreen redwood forest, giving it its name.

TAKE NOTE: last event had 15 registered, only one attendee. I assume due to waitlist folks not knowing they moved into a attending slot. If you waitlist please make sure to check whether you now hold a spot in the days leading up to the hike.

What to Expect: sweeping views of the redwood filled mountains to the southwest, and an expansive look at the South Bay area.

Alltrails link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/castle-rocks-lower-loop?sh=db4ktm&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Meet: at the enterance of the overflow lot that used to be the main lot. It is off hwy 35 next to the roadside parking area, about 1000ft southeast of the main parking lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/G9jsbMj9XUA411ju7?g_st=ac

Park Fee: There is no fee for roadside parking, but there is a fee if you choose to use Castle Rocks main lot, then walk to the meeting point.

Route: 6'5 miles, ~1100’ Elevation Gain as per Alltrails

Bring: Cameras for the epic views, good attitude, good vibes, NO politics. The SF Bay Area is full of diverse views, and we are proud of it. We are not here to speak badly of others views or push our own on others.

Water: At least 1-2 liters. Better hydrated and heavy than dehydrated and deadly.

Sturdy Footwear: Hiking shoes or boots with excellent traction are recommended.

Sun Protection: Much of this trail is fully exposed to the sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses

Lunch: Bring your own lunch and snacks, both salty and sweet to keep your body fueled.

Forecast: Spring time weather, but always check forcast before leaving for any hike.

Cell phones: Assume no service. ALWAYS have downloaded offline navigatable maps, or paper maps.

Note: This is not a beginner hike. Multiple rock scramble points. Please review the trail and difficulty level before signing up

Disclaimer: The organizer(s) are volunteers and not professional guides. By signing up for this trip, you are acknowledging that you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the hike organizers against any and all liability arising from your participation in this activity

★ We encourage our members to join the Sierra Club and support the Ventana Chapter, which is responsible for local outings, conservation, environmental education, leadership development and political activism. See "Who We Are" on our website: https://www.ventanasierraclub.org

★★★ Note: This is not an official Sierra Club outing. Everyone is welcome to join