Pogonip Open Space Preserve Loop
Details
Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit. This allows others to attend.
Let's get together and hike our local Pogonip Open Space Preserve. This protected greenbelt area is a treasure, considering its close proximity to the urban center of Santa Cruz. The majority of the hike is shaded by mixed tree canopy - live oak, madrone, bay, conifer, Douglass fir and redwood. Just a couple of spots of exposed sun. No water crossings.
Our route is a combination of a loop trail with two attached out-and-back trails. Some good climbs. Lots of forest. A beautiful area. We're going to start at the Emma McCrary Trailhead. Emma McCrary to Rincon Trail to Spring Trail to Ohlone Trail to Fern Trail back to Rincon. Then out and back on the U-Con Trail and back down Emma McCrary. If the following trail link does not work just copy and paste it in your browser search bar:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/emma-mccrary-trail-to-u-con-trail-0ffaca9-2
Be prepared for poison oak and the occasional mountain biker. We're starting the hike early so as to avoid bikers. Also, I expect the presence of a few scattered unobtrusive homeless camps along the proximal section of Emma McCrary Trail. Impossible to avoid in Pogonip.
Yay! - Dog are welcome! (but "must be leashed")
Length: 9-10 miles Elevation gain: 1300 ft Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Level of difficulty: moderately challenging but delightful
Weather forecast looks good. Sun and clouds. Temperatures high 50s to 60s. Sunny.
As mentioned in the Location/How to Find Us section below, parking is limited. We'll be parking on the street before the trestle. Let's meet at the trestle and walk to the trailhead together.
I hope to see you there!
Jill :)
Please take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/