Trans Catalina Trek 2020

Trans Catalina Trek

Registration Closed

TRANS CATALINA TREK

TRANS CATALINA TREK

TRANS CATALINA TREK

TRANS CATALINA TREK

TRANS CATALINA TREK

TRANS CATALINA TREK

7 days/6 nights

Rating: Strenuous

Max Capacity: 20

$1250 Non-Member Price

$1225 Coastwalk Member Price

Rarely offered 7-day supported trek of the entire Trans Catalina Trail  

Hike rugged Catalina Island end-to-end surrounded by wildflowers, roaming herds of bison, secluded beaches, endemic plants, hilly terrain and spectacular views while carrying only your daypack.  Let experienced leaders guide you on this 7-day, 6-night excursion while we transport your gear and provide you with hot morning beverages and post-hike appetizers.   You will cover roughly 60 miles, with daily hikes of 6-12 miles ending the day with a campfire or evening educational programs including a night sky astronomy demonstration and talk by the Catalina Island Conservancy. Trip cost includes round-trip ferry from the mainland, camp sites, gear haul, a private tour of the USC affiliated Wrigley Marine Science Center and its hyperbaric chamber in Two Harbors, an afternoon of kayaking in Little Harbor or an ocean swim, a visit to the historic Airport in the Sky, a walk through Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens, and time to explore the charming town of Avalon with a hosted dinner on the last evening.  

Rating: Strenuous Trip Leader approval required.  

Max capacity 20 

 

 

Guided, strenuous hiking, average 9 miles (shortest day 6mi., longest day 14 mi.) with elevation gains/losses; 7 days hiking/6 nights camping.  One hosted  dinner in Avalon on our last evening together, opportunities for you to purchase dinner at Two Harbors on May 18th at Harbor Reef restaurant & lunch at Airport in the Sky DC3 Grill on May 20th, and breakfast in Avalon on May 23rd-the remainder of meals not included. 

 20 capacity

 Walkers must meet fitness/hiking experience requirements set by hike leaders.

 One of the best parts of the trip is that your gear will be hauled from camp-to-camp. You will only need to carry your day pack with Dayhike necessities such as water, snacks, extra clothing, & sun protection. This is something you will really appreciate as we climb those Catalina hills. Evening appetizers are provided each evening.  There will be a day at the end of the trip to explore the quaint town of Avalon, with its museums, botanical garden, nature center, shops and restaurants.   You will work hard, you will learn a lot, and we hope you will enjoy this unique outback island adventure.

 Types of Hiking Surfaces:

Hardpacked dirt, often abandoned dirt roads; some rocky areas, sandy washes and single-track trails; dangers: poison oak, rattlesnakes, bison, weather (heat, rain, cold, sun).

Elevation Gains & Losses:

Average 2,500 ft elevation gain/day; significant daily elevation gains and losses; this is considered a strenuous hike.

Day 1, May 17, 2020, Sunday (6 miles +/-)

  • Description: 11:00 A.M., meet at the Catalina Express ferry terminal, Berth 95, San Pedro, CA. We will board the 12:30 P.M. direct ferry, for the 1 ¼ hour ride to Two Harbors.  In Two Harbors there will be time available to purchase snacks (although generally not enough time to purchase/eat lunch), beverages, or souvenirs at the General Store.
  • Hike: Two Harbors to Parson’s Landing campground, approximately 6 miles along West End Road (coastal route.) We will get an opportunity to view many beautiful coves, see a variety of private camps, and enjoy the vistas to the mainland.
  • Appetizers: Provided by Coastwalk
  • Dinner: In camp; self-provided food and cooking.
  • Campfire: Get Acquainted Bingo
  • Campsite: Parson’s Landing. We will be camping on the beach and pitching our tents in the sand.  Campground amenities include picnic tables, fire rings and porta-potties.  There are no shade structures or running water.  Bottled water will be available for cooking and drinking.  No shower facilities here, but you can jump in the ocean!

 Day 2, May 18 2020, Monday (12 miles +/-)

  • Description: Big hike day. Rugged, steep climbs in the backcountry with fantastic ocean views.  After a challenging day of hiking, you may want to enjoy a hot shower, explore Two Harbors, swim, snorkel or just relax in paradise.  Opportunity to purchase items at the General Store, just be aware that they close early in the evening.
  • Hike: Parson’s Landing towards Starlight Beach and back to Two Harbors via the Silver Peak Trail. This will be our longest and most challenging hike.  Another great day for views, plant identification and lots of uphill hiking.  There is an optional, and very short, side trip to “bag” Silver Peak, elevation 1,804 feet, tallest peak west of Two Harbors.  Hike is approximately 12 miles.
  • Appetizers: Provided by Coastwalk
  • Dinner: Dine at the Harbor Reef Restaurant & Saloon, no host, or cook in camp.
  • Campfire: Your favorite stories
  • Campsite: Two Harbors.  Campground is located approximately ¼ mile from town, on a bluff.  Amenities include picnic tables, running water (potable), shade structures, fire rings, outdoor cold showers, and porta-potties.  In town, hot showers are available with 25 cent coins, and there are flush toilets.  Wonderful beach for swimming, snorkeling, exploring or relaxing.

Day 3, May 19, 2020, Tuesday (8 miles +/-)

Description: In the morning we will take a half hour walk to Big Fisherman Cove for a private tour of the USC affiliated Wrigley Marine Science Center (confirmation pending), marine wildlife petting tank and hyperbaric chamber, if available. Returning to Two Harbors (but w/o the opportunity to shop), we continue our hike along the TCT to Little Harbor.  Enjoy an afternoon of kayaking, swimming, exploring or relaxing.

  • Hike: Two Harbors to Big Fisherman Cove, returning to Two Harbors for our continued hike along the TCT to Little Harbor. Enjoy spectacular views of the backside of the island, hike along single track trails high above the ocean to the spectacular park like oasis of Little Harbor.  Approximately 8 miles of hiking.
  • Kayaks: Kayak(s) are provided for your enjoyment in exploring the coves in and around Little Harbor.
  • Appetizers: Hosted by Coastwalk
  • Dinner: In camp; self-provided food and cooking.
  • Campfire: Catalina History, ranger led talk
  • Campsite: Little Harbor.  This beautifully situated campsite has been rated as “One of the Best Campgrounds in the West” by Sunset Magazine.  We will be camping on grass near the beach.  Amenities include picnic tables, shade structures, running water (potable), porta-potties, fire rings, and outdoor cold showers.

Day 4, May 20, 2020, Wednesday (7 miles +/-)

  • Description: This is the first day where it is likely that we will see bison, so have your camera ready. We will enjoy lunch (no host) at the Airport in the Sky’s DC3 Gifts and Grill.  In addition to wonderful gifts, this establishment is well known for its buffalo burgers and “Killer Cookies.”  Allow time to visit the Nature Center at the Airport in the Sky to view the ceramic tile map of the island, historic displays and other items of interest.  After a well-deserved break, we will get back on the TCT and hike to Blackjack.
  • Hike: Little Harbor to Blackjack via the TCT, with a wonderful lunch stop at the Airport in the Sky café. We will climb from sea level to 1,600 feet before lunch.  Leaving the airport, we will walk through a nature area that includes a 2,000 year-old soapstone quarry with bowls excavated by Catalina’s first residents.  There will be more inclines and declines as we approach the campground.  Once we reach camp, there will be an optional hike to Blackjack Mountain (elevation 2,012).  Approximate distance is 7 miles (does not include mid-afternoon peak).
  • Appetizers: Hosted by Coastwalk
  • Dinner: In camp; self-provided food and cooking.
  • Campfire: Catalina Telestrations
  • Campsite: Blackjack. This campground, at 1,600 feet above sea level, is nestled among pine and eucalyptus trees near the foot of Mt. Orizaba (no public access to peak), Santa Catalina Island’s highest peak and Blackjack Mountain. This campground offers tranquility in the island’s interior.  Amenities include a unique dining table, shade from trees with fog drip at night, running water (potable), porta-potties, fire rings, and an outdoor cold shower.

Day 5, May 21, 2020, Thursday (11 miles +/-)

Description: Another rugged hiking day through the island’s interior.  Hopefully we will have the chance to see more wildlife including bison, island fox, hawks, and perhaps eagles.  We should have more spectacular views this day as we pass near the Catalina Island Conservancy’s volunteer housing.  Once we reach Hermit Gulch we have arranged for an educational talk from a Catalina Island Conservancy staff member. I anticipate that this will occur while we all are enjoying afternoon appetizers.  Time permitting, you may want to visit the Wrigley Botanical Garden or the Nature Center at Avalon Canyon (both located a very short distance from our campsite), or go into town and explore Avalon’s charm.

  • Hike:Blackjack to Hermit Gulch campground in Avalon. We will continue our TCT hike in the interior of the island.  Lunch will be at a nice playground/picnic facility in the island’s interior.  Running water (potable) and porta-potties are available.  After lunch, as we get closer to Avalon, we will have a spectacular view (weather permitting) of Avalon Bay.  From this high ridge we will drop steeply (approximately 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles) into Avalon canyon to our campsite at Hermit Gulch.  Daily mileage approximately 11 miles.
  • Appetizers: Hosted by Coastwalk
  • Dinner: Dine in Avalon, no host, or cook in camp
  • Campfire: Campfires are not permitted in Hermit Gulch.
  • Campsite: Hermit Gulch. This campground is Avalon’s only camping facility and is located up a canyon approximately 1 mile from the beach and town center.  Trolley buses are available, for a nominal fee, to shuttle you back/forth from Hermit Gulch to Avalon if you so choose.  This night we will be pitching our tents on hard packed dirt.  The many trees in camp provide ample shade.  Campground amenities include running water (potable), flush toilets, picnic tables, and coin operated warm showers.

 Day 6, May 22, 2015, Friday (10 miles +/-)

  • Description: We may begin hiking earlier today, enjoying our breakfast on the trail (trail mix, bars, etc.). We will hike from camp, hopefully through the botanical garden (pending permission), up to the top of a ridge reconnecting with the TCT.  We will continue along the TCT, up (by now you will know what “Catalina downhill” means) and up as we hike another section of the island few people visit.  If the weather is cooperating, we may even see San Clemente Island.  Enjoy an afternoon exploring Avalon.  For ideas on what to do and see, please refer to the “Resources” tab on Coastwalk’s Trans-Catalina Trail trip webpage.
  • Hike: We would like to leave camp earlier today, so as to allow you ample time later in the day, in which to enjoy Avalon. As with most days of hiking on Catalina, we will begin by going uphill!  We will pass East Mountain and East Peak, as we hike on some ridges high above Avalon.  We will have more spectacular views of the backside of the island.  Hiking distance is approximately 10 miles.
  • Dinner: Enjoy the company of new friends as we celebrate your accomplishments. Coastwalk will be hosting this Mexican buffet dinner at MiCasita Restaurant.  No-host happy hour will begin at 6:00 P.M., with our hosted dinner beginning at 6:30 P.M.  CELEBRATE!
  • Campfire: Campfires are not permitted in Hermit Gulch
  • Campsite: Hermit Gulch. Enjoy relaxing as we spend another night at Hermit Gulch.  This will be a refreshing change, from the daily tent set-up and take-down.

Day 7, May 23, 2020 Saturday

  • Description: Pack up in the morning and have a few more hours to explore Avalon without having to lug your pack/bag around. Our gear will be picked up at 9:30 A.M. and shuttled to the ferry landing.  We will all meet at 11:50 AM by the ferry landing to collect our belongings and take the 12:35 A.M. Catalina Express ferry to San Pedro. 
  • Hike: No scheduled hike.
  • Activities: The choice is yours; have a leisurely breakfast in town, walk the promenade, shop for souvenirs, etc. listing of additional resources, on the Coastwalk Trans-Catalina Trek website, will assist you with planning your free time in Avalon.
  • Departure: 12:35 P.M. ferry to San Pedro, with group meeting at 11:50 A.M. by the ferry landing to collect our belongings.

Packing:  The Catalina Express (ferry to Catalina) is very conscious of luggage restrictions:

Each person may bring 1 pack OR duffle bag limited to 50 lbs. (23 inches by 23 inches by 36 inches) to be stored in the ship’s hold for the crossing.  Your pack or duffle bag must hold all your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, food, cooking and eating utensils) and clothes, etc.  As you pack, think “backpack light”.  In addition to your 1 pack or duffle bag, each person may also carry a daypack or fanny pack on board the ferry.  You will use your daypack/fanny pack for our daily hikes.

The ferry baggage loaders are not very careful with how they stack and stuff the hold, so prepare accordingly (nothing fragile, no glass, etc.…).  If you have a small lightweight camp chair you might fit it inside your duffel/pack.  The ferry baggage handlers get the last say if something doesn’t look like it will be sturdy enough.

The good news is that our camp-to-camp hauling will be done by a commercial gear-hauler; however, you will still need to be able to carry your pack or bag up to 100 yards as you will be carrying your gear onto the ferry to the baggage hold, off the ferry to the gear haul pickup location, and from the drop point at each campground to your individual camp sites.

Just bring the essentials, what you need will make you more comfortable than bringing all that you want.  Since we will be spending most of our trip in the remote areas of Catalina, you will want to pack lightly as though you are backpacking in the wilderness, because in many ways we are.

You will be provided with a more detailed list of items once you have registered. 

  • Duffel Bag (23 inches by 23 inches by 36 inches) large enough to carry necessary gear plus one group item and not weighing more than 50 lbs.
  • Sleeping bag- 3 season bag (to 40 degrees) and sleeping pad
  • Tent with ground cloth and rain fly
  • Stove
  • Fuel (must purchase fuel at Two Harbors General Store) – Store Number: 310.510.4217 (Call to ensure that your fuel type is available). <No fuel canisters are allowed on the ferry.>

Camp Fuels Available

    • 16oz Benzomatic propane
    • 8oz Butane
    • Ronson Butane 1.5oz (Lighter/small refill)
    • 1 Gallon Coleman Camp fuel
    • 16oz/32oz lighter fluid
    • MSR IsoPro
  • Ground squirrel or fox proof canister or tear proof bag (REQUIRED)
  • Eating/cooking utensils- fork, spoon, plate or bowl, thermal cup
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, chapstick, flashlight, extra batteries, pocket knife
  • Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, paste, small roll of toilet paper or wipes
  • Insect repellent, and any first aid or medical supplies you personally need
  • Comfortable hiking boots or hiking shoes (broken in), camp sandals for night and water shoes for swimming
  • Bathing suit
  • Clothing- thin layers, long pants, extra socks, windbreaker
  • Water bottle(s)
  • Camera
  • Notebook and pencil, binoculars, reading material
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Hiking umbrella (optional but recommended for sun protection)

Cea Higgins:

The Executive Director of Coastwalk, Cea has focused her career on education and coastal advocacy. She taught at the elementary, middle, high-school, & junior college levels. She was the Policy & Volunteer Coordinator for Sonoma Coast Surfrider Foundation for 2 decades. To improve her ability to advocate for coastal preservation, she earned a Juris Doctorate with honors in 2016 focusing on ocean policy. Cea was selected by NOAA to serve on the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council as the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast Community-at-Large Primary representative.  She is a founding member of the Bodega Bay Collaborative, which sponsors town halls, community forums, and provides a voice to unincorporated coastal areas. Cea also helped establish the Sonoma County Marine Protected Areas Collaborative, where she works with scientific institutions, environmental NGOs, and tribal governments to raise awareness of the value of marine protected areas amongst coastal residents and visitors.  An avid surfer, hiker, and trained in marine mammal and sea bird rescue, Cea believes in giving back to the ocean that she cherishes and sharing its wonders so that others will work to advocate for its stewardship.  

  Connie Ayers:

Connie is retired from a career in Family Medicine and has been catching up on following her passion for hiking, backpacking, and pursuit of nature in all its manifestations.  She has hiked, and backpacked the John Muir Trail, the Grand Canyon and Havasupai, sections of the Colorado Trail, many sections of the High Sierra trails, Trinity Alps, Desolation Wilderness, as well as her homelands of Point Reyes and Tamalpais State Park.   She led a private group of backpackers on the Lost Coast a few years ago and was so inspired by the experience that she lead the Lost Coast Trip for Coastwalk in 2019. 

Gia Whalley:

Gia participated in her first Coastwalk in 2016 on the magnificent Lost Coast Backpacking trip, was immediately hooked and has joined Coastwalk each summer since – Shady Dell, San Mateo, Del Norte. Although she has hiked in Ireland, Greece, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain (the best part reaching the Atlantic after 500 miles) she has loved every section of the California coast especially when it presents challenges and obstacles which it invariably does. The adventurous spirit of the walkers has resulted in some amazing friends, shown here with Janis trekking across beautiful Catalina Island on their own in the summer of 2018. The comradery with fellow hikers and superb leaders is what enhances the beauty of each walk. Gia feels very fortunate to have a boat in Marina Del Rey and a home in the Santa Monica Mountains where she hikes regularly and where she has frequent views of Catalina when leaving the canyon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer 2020

Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer

Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer

Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer

Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer

Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer

Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer

August 24-28, 2020

5 days/4 nights

Rating: Moderate

Max Capacity: 20

$675 Non-Member Price

$650 Coastwalk Member Price

Camp all four nights in the forested bluffs at New Brighton State Beach. Explore Wilder Ranch State Park and enjoy guided tours of a working dairy farm; an 1840 adobe; and a Victorian farmhouse.  Experience Coastal and mountain hikes through old growth redwoods and the 10-mile section of the well-known Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. Explore sections of the Coastal Trail that take you to a monarch butterfly preserve, the Santa Cruz Wharf, the Surfing museum, and picturesque Capitola, California’s oldest seaside resort town. All meals provided.

 

 

The Santa Cruz Coastal Explorer will include a diverse series of hikes including a former dairy ranch situated next to the ocean, a backpack trail that starts in the Santa Cruz Mountains and ends at the beach, a monarch butterfly preserve, a paved trail on the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean that passes numerous iconic Santa Cruz attractions such as the Boardwalk.  Other hikes will be sections of the California Coastal Trail with stops in the quaint beach town of Capitola, the Santa Cruz wharf, the surfing museum, and an old growth redwood grove.  We camp all four nights in the forested bluffs at New Brighton State Beach.

Food: Coffee (and decaf), juice, and milk will be available each morning, as well as a variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Soft drinks will be available each day to refresh you contingent on donations to the food kitty.

Dinners are provided each evening.

You will only need to carry lunch items, water and layers while hiking.

We will camp at New Brighton State Beach for all four nights.  New Brighton S.B. is located at 1500 Park Avenue, Capitola.  Phone (831) 464-6329.

There are a limited number of parking sites adjacent to the Group Camp sites, so you will likely have to park in the overflow lot which is close by so car pooling is encouraged.

Check-in time 2 o’clock.  Check-out time 12 o’clock.

Day 1 – Meet up, Set up camp, Hike Natural Bridges to Twin Lakes (5.2 miles)

Meet between 2 o’clock and 3 o’clock at New Brighton State Beach (check-in time is 2 o’clock).  Unload our stuff, set up our tents and have a quick snack before starting our hike.  Due to the camp check-in time today’s hike will be a short one.  We start at Natural Bridges State Beach where we will see the monarch butterfly preserve.  Then we walk along West Cliff Drive, a paved promenade above the ocean. We visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum and pass by the wharf, the famous Boardwalk, and a small craft harbor before arriving at Twin Lakes State Beach.  This hike is essentially the second half of Section 4 and the first part of Section 5 of the California Coastal and is an easy, flat trail that should take about two hours.

 Day 2 – Wilder Ranch State Park (approx. 10 miles)

 At Wilder Ranch we will have a docent tour of an old dairy farm, an 1840 adobe, and a Victorian farmhouse, followed by a coastal hike and a mountain hike through old growth redwoods.  The coastal hike is Section 3 of the California Coastal Trail.  Along this stretch of the coast, hidden pocket beaches are tucked between spectacular wave and wind-cut cliffs.

 Day 3 – Last Section of the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail  (10 miles)

We will do a section of the well-known Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail.  This is a popular trail for

backpackers who typically take three days to do the complete trail.  We will do the last section of the trail, starting in the mountains of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and ending at Waddell Beach.

 Day 4 – Twin Lakes State Beach to New Brighton S.B. (5 miles)

Section 5 of the California Coastal Trail.  Starting at Twin Lakes State Beach we follow East Cliff Drive for 5 miles until we arrive at the picturesque town of Capitola, California’s oldest seaside resort town.  Capitola is a very pretty town with lots of quaint shops, restaurants, and the iconic, brightly painted beach bungalows.  We will spend some time here taking in the sights before

continuing on to our campsite at New Brighton S.B.  In the afternoon we visit the UCSC Marine Lab.

 Day 5 – Seacliff and La Selva Beach Walk  (Section 6 of the CCT)

From our campsite at New Brighton we head south, walking on the sandy beaches of Seacliff and La Selva.  The campsite check-out time is 12 noon, so we will need to be back in time to have lunch, pack up our things, and say goodbye to our new friends.

  • Hiking shoes, boots or sturdy walking shoes
  • Waterproof sandals
  • Spare walking shoes & laces
  • Comfy camp shoes
  • Hiking poles
  • Water-proof windbreaker/ or parka for cold nights
  • Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and bugs)
  • Layers for upper body
  • Hat for sun protection that ties under chin
  • Beanie for cold, windy conditions
  • Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, lots of socks, etc.
  • Bandana
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sunscreen (minimum 30 spf)
  • Natural bug repellant
  • Personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
  • Personal medicines
  • Day pack
  • Plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
  • Sturdy Tupperware for leftovers
  • Flashlight & headlamp with new batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Folding camp chair
  • Tent & Ground Cloth
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • REUSABLE Water Bottle
  • Trail snacks (power bars or jerky)
  • Credit Card & cash for camp showers and treats
  • Solar shower if there is no shower at campsite
  • Shower towel

What’s Included: 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.

Breakfast:   

  • Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)
  • Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)
  • Yogurt
  • Biscotti
  • Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)
  • Granola
  • Walnuts or assorted nuts
  • Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)
  • Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins

  Lunch:   

  • Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)
  • Almond Butter
  • Fruit spreads
  • Cold Cuts
  • Cheeses (sliced)
  • Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)
  • Butter, (Regular and dairy free)

Dinner: 

  • Dinners are included unless otherwise noted and will be provided by Coastwalk’s Volunteer Food Angels. 

Our Chuckwagon Wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.

David has been an avid hiker and backpacker since graduating from high school in 1970.  He has hiked many of the county, regional and state parks near his home in San Jose, and nearly every year he does a backpack trip in his beloved Sierra Nevada mountains or in the canyon lands of the Southwest.  For the last few years he has set his sights on hiking the California Coastal Trail, having completed the San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, & Mendocino Coastwalks. David has also been the Walk Leader for the San Mateo Coastwalk.

 

 

 

 

New Brighton State Beach:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=542

Wilder Ranch State Park:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum:

www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/parks-recreation/facilities/surfing-museum

UCSC Marine Discovery Center:

https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/

 

Southern San Luis Obispo 2020

Southern San Luis Obispo

Southern San Luis Obispo

Southern San Luis Obispo

Southern San Luis Obispo

Southern San Luis Obispo

August 10-14, 2020

5 days/4 nights

Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Max Capacity: 20

$600 Non-Member Price

$575 Coastwalk Member Price

Enjoy a new Coastwalk!  Explore the coast and bluffs of Southern San Luis Obispo.

 Walk on the trails, bluffs and coast from Diablo Canyon to Point Sal. Hike Rattlesnake Canyon Trail through beautiful and fascinating Diablo Canyon PG&E power plant land. Discover the newly opened Pismo Nature Reserve. Follow Oso Flaco Lake to a small creek through the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes to the sea. Climb the dunes, dropping down to the hidden 4-mile-long Paradise Beach. We will be camping all 4 nights at North Pismo State Beach close to the beach and dunes but protected from the wind. All meals provided including gourmet dinners and home-made treats at the end of each day made by our fabulous Coastwalk volunteer chefs.

 

 

Walk on the trails, bluffs and coast from Diablo Canyon to Point Sal. Hike Rattlesnake Canyon Trail through beautiful and fascinating Diablo Canyon PG&E power plant land. Discover the newly opened Pismo Nature Reserve. Follow Oso Flaco Lake to a small creek through the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes to the sea. Climb the dunes, dropping down to the hidden 4 mile long Paradise Beach. Hike along the wet sand of the Nipomo Dunes through California’s only beach accessible to vehicles Enjoy gourmet dinners and home-made treats by our fabulous volunteer chefs at the end of each day. Welcome to an extraordinary adventure as we hike beaches, hills and trails along the beautiful Central Coast. You can expect a daily 5 to 7 hour walk of 5 to 11 miles, including stops for lunch and to enjoy the sites and views. Hikes will usually start at 9:00 am. The trails can be moderately difficult with some elevation climbs, but most are fairly level. Some trails are well defined and maintained; however the many beach walks can be sandy. The Paradise Beach hike includes some slogging through high sand dunes, but the miles of secluded beached will make the walk worthwhile!. All of the trails will provide the excitement of an infrequently traveled area. Evening programs will highlight some aspects of the local ecology or history.

Food: Coffee (and decaf), juice, and milk will be available each morning, as well as a variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Soft drinks will be available each day to refresh you contingent on donations to the food kitty.

Dinners are provided each evening.

You will only need to carry lunch items, water and layers while hiking.

Monday August 10: Set up our permanent camp at North Pismo State Beach, then hike the trails of the Pismo Preserve.

Tuesday August 11th: Rattlesnake Canyon Trail and the San Luis Lighthouse, Port San Luis and Avila Beach.

Wednesday August 12th: Head south along the beach to the Santa Maria River Trail to Oso Flaco Lake and Nature Center

Thursday August 13th: A strenuous hike from Browns Road on the trail to Point Sal where we’ll cut down the high dunes into the rarely seen Paradise Beach, then up and back down to Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Center.

Friday August 14th: Pismo Beach, Dinosaur Park, Sunset Beach, then say our goodbyes and hit the road.

  • Hiking shoes, boots or sturdy walking shoes
  • Waterproof sandals
  • Spare walking shoes & laces
  • Comfy camp shoes
  • Hiking poles
  • Water-proof windbreaker/ or parka for cold nights
  • Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and bugs)
  • Layers for upper body
  • Hat for sun protection that ties under chin
  • Beanie for cold, windy conditions
  • Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, lots of socks, etc.
  • Bandana
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sunscreen (minimum 30 spf)
  • Natural bug repellant
  • Personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
  • Personal medicines
  • Day pack
  • Plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
  • Sturdy Tupperware for leftovers
  • Flashlight & headlamp with new batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Folding camp chair
  • Tent & Ground Cloth
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • REUSABLE Water Bottle
  • Trail snacks (power bars or jerky)
  • Credit Card & cash for camp showers and treats
  • Solar shower if there is no shower at campsite
  • Shower towel

What’s Included: 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.

Breakfast:   

  • Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)
  • Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)
  • Yogurt
  • Biscotti
  • Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)
  • Granola
  • Walnuts or assorted nuts
  • Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)
  • Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins

  Lunch:   

  • Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)
  • Almond Butter
  • Fruit spreads
  • Cold Cuts
  • Cheeses (sliced)
  • Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)
  • Butter, (Regular and dairy free)

Dinner:

Dinners are included unless otherwise noted and will be provided by Coastwalk’s Volunteer Food Angels. 

Our Chuckwagon Wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.

2020 will be the 10th year that Mike Minky leads SLO Walk, the first in South County. A retired CPA, Mike owns several record companies specializing in a wide range of classics from Cambodian psychedelic surf bands to Calypso to ‘60’s East L.A. garage bands. Mike’s first Coastwalk was joining the 2003 Border to Border walkers for 3 weeks on the San Simeon to Carpentaria leg. As land acquisitions have opened up new trails on the Central Coast, Mike has been bushwhacking and marking for the future route of the California Coastal Trail

 

 

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Guadalupe-Nipomo_Dunes/about.html

https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/oso-flaco-lake-trail-oceano-dunes/

https://www.pge.com/en_US/residential/in-your-community/local-environment/diablo-canyon-trails/pecho-coast-trail.page

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=595

Pismo Preserve

 

Del Norte Discovery 2020

Del Norte Discovery

Del Norte Discovery

Del Norte Discovery

Del Norte Discovery

Del Norte Discovery

Del Norte Discovery

July 20-26, 2020

7 days/6 nights

Rating: Easy, Moderate, Strenuous

Max Capacity: 20

$795 Non-Member Price

$775 Coastwalk Member Price

Ever Popular, fills fast!  

Join us and discover the remote Northern California coastline where the redwoods meet the sea.  Long and short hikes options available each day take you to isolated beaches, ancient vegetated dunes, rocky bluffs, marine terraces and virgin redwood forests. Spend time with local naturalists, historians and advocates for the coast who guide you on daily hikes from the beach at the California/Oregon border to the Klamath River and beyond to one of California’s most scenic spots … Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park. All meals provided

 

 

We will be camping 3 nights at the Ramblin Redwoods RV & Campground in Crescent City and 3 nights at Kamp Klamath. We will be shuttled each morning to our starting points or “trail heads” on the California Coastal Trail (CCT), and later picked up for our return to our campsites each afternoon. Clean bathrooms and showers are available at both campgrounds.

We will have a Chuck Wagon for our walk and will provide Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. You are welcome to bring any specialty food items you like. Breakfast includes coffee, tea, juice, milk, soy and almond milk, fresh fruit, granola, instant hot cereal, yogurt, biscotti (or similar sweet).

Lunch includes bread, peanut butter and jelly, honey, deli meats & cheese and any leftovers from last night’s dinner. NOTE: bring a container for leftovers, they make great lunches! Happy Hour each evening include appetizers, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available. Dinner each night will include an entrée, vegetable/salad side dish, and dessert. Vegetarian meals will be available. Please let us know of any special dietary requests.

You have choices in arriving at Ramblin Redwoods RV & Campground located at 6701 Highway 101 North, Crescent City CA. You can meet us there in your vehicle (carpool with your friends) or carpool with the Coastwalk Volunteers. We have drivers leaving from Chico and Santa Rosa. Please contact me if you would like to carpool with us.

Average Daily Hiking:
3 to 9 miles.

Types of Hiking Surfaces:
Coastal bluffs, sandy beaches, steep coastal mountains, dirt trail, old road with some pavement.

Elevation Gain/Loss:
Climb and descend 1530 feet with many switchbacks on Last Chance Trail in Redwood National Park.

Fitness Requirements:
Hikers should be in good physical condition.

Day 1: Monday July 20, 2020 –Meet at 1:30 PM at Ramblin Redwoods Campground, located at 6701 Highway 101 North, Crescent City CA.– Welcome and Introductions. All walkers will be given itinerary and name tags. Set up camp. Shuttle to Brookings Welcome Center. Walk on Pelican State beach to mouth of Smith River – 2 mi. – Easy. Continue walking on Pelican State Beach to Smith River County Park, 5.75 mi. – Moderate.

Day 2: Tuesday July 21 – Tolowa Dunes State Park, meet with Tolowa Nation representative. Walk the Dunes, 3mi. – Easy. Continue walking on the beach to Pt. St. George 9.4 mi. – Moderate.

Day 3: Wednesday July 22 – Battery Point to Enderts Beach Trailhead to Damnation Trailhead. Tour Battery Point Lighthouse. Walk from Battery Point Lighthouse following the CCT into town, 1.5 mi. – Easy.  Walk from Enderts Beach to Damnation trailhead, 6.75 mi. – Strenuous.

Day 4: Thursday July 23– Meet at Lagoon Creek Picnic Area meet with Redwood National State Park (RNSP) Biologist. Walk the top Section of Last Chance Trail, 2 mi. – Easy. Walk Damnation Trailhead to Lagoon Creek Picnic Area on the De Martin trail, 8.5 – Strenuous.

Day 5: Friday July 24 – Shuttle to Yurok County Visitor Center then to trailhead at Lagoon Creek. Walk the Yurok Loop, 1.5 mi. – Easy. Lagoon Creek to Klamath River, 5.5 miles – Moderate to Strenuous.

Day 6: Saturday July 25 – Meet with RNSP ranger and a Yurok Tribal member.  Walk to Klamath Beach, 2 mi. – Easy. Walk the Flint Ridge Trail, 4.5 mi. – Moderate.

Day 7: Sunday July 26 – Break camp pack up and drive to Gold Bluffs Beach Campground to Fern Canyon trailhead in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (approx. 25 miles). Walk the Fern Canyon Loop, 1 mi. – Moderate. Walk the Fern Canyon Trail, 5 to-7 mi. – Moderate.

Coastwalk staff and volunteers would like to thank you for your support of the Coastwalk organization and our ongoing efforts to preserve and steward these magnificent coastal places along the California Coastal Trail. We look forward to sharing our favorite places with you through our daily hiking adventures. You are going to have a great time!

See you on the California Coastal Trail!

  • Hiking shoes, boots or sturdy walking shoes
  • Waterproof sandals
  • Spare walking shoes & laces
  • Comfy camp shoes
  • Hiking poles
  • Water-proof windbreaker/ or parka for cold nights
  • Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and bugs)
  • Layers for upper body
  • Hat for sun protection that ties under chin
  • Beanie for cold, windy conditions
  • Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, lots of socks, etc.
  • Bandana
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sunscreen (minimum 30 spf)
  • Natural bug repellant
  • Personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
  • Personal medicines
  • Day pack
  • Plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
  • Sturdy Tupperware for leftovers
  • Flashlight & headlamp with new batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Folding camp chair
  • Tent & Ground Cloth
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • REUSABLE Water Bottle
  • Trail snacks (power bars or jerky)
  • Credit Card & cash for camp showers and treats
  • Solar shower if there is no shower at campsite
  • Shower towel

What’s Included: 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.

Breakfast:   

  • Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)
  • Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)
  • Yogurt
  • Biscotti
  • Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)
  • Granola
  • Walnuts or assorted nuts
  • Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)
  • Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins

  Lunch:   

  • Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)
  • Almond Butter
  • Fruit spreads
  • Cold Cuts
  • Cheeses (sliced)
  • Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)
  • Butter, (Regular and dairy free)

Dinner:

  • Dinners are included unless otherwise noted and will be provided by Coastwalk’s Volunteer Food Angels. 

 

Our Chuckwagon Wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.

Gail Williams: Gail is a retired Air Quality Planner from Butte County who loves the coast and hiking and naturally found Coastwalk as a good fit.  Gail was walk leader on the 2019 Del Norte Coastwalk and she is looking forward to participating again this year. Gail has been on many Coastwalks over the years and volunteered on many as well. It is Gail’s vision to walk the entire California Coastal Trail one step at a time.

 

 

Donna Barnett: Donna is a resident of Forest Ranch. For the past 30 years she helped create cultural videos while trekking with her husband who was a Trek leader in Nepal. This love of walking through the world has shifted to the California Coast where she helped with the “short walks” on the 2019 Del Norte Coastwalk.  “Coastwalk has allowed me an opportunity to slow down and participate with our beautiful California Coast.”

 

 

Linda Schwaberow: Linda was born and raised in Santa Rosa California. Linda loves to be outdoors and has been hiking since her early 20’s. Linda has walked much of the California Coastal Trail and all of the mountain passes between Tahoe and Yosemite.  Linda is excited to be co-leading the Del Norte hike for a second time.

Santa Barbara Riviera 2020

Santa Barbara Riviera Coastwalk

Santa Barbara Riviera

Santa Barbara Riviera

Santa Barbara Riviera

Santa Barbara Riviera

Santa Barbara Riviera

6 days/5 nights

Rating: Moderate

Max Capacity: 20

$775 Non-Member Price

$750 Coastwalk Member Price

From the wild and remote westernmost California beaches to the warm gentle coast of the wealthy Riviera enclave, walk the Santa Barbara coast not visible from Highway 1. Camp on the beaches of Refugio State Park. Walk on the seldom seen pocket beaches and visit nature reserves.  Discover the awesome Point Conception on a newly opened Coastal Trail. Hike Gaviota State Park’s Wind Cave Trail and bathe in the hot springs… and much more. All meals provided.

 

 

Welcome to an extraordinary adventure as we hike beaches, hills and trails along the beautiful Central Coast on the Santa Barbara Classic Coastwalk for some extraordinary adventures! You can expect a daily 5 to 7 hour walk of 5 to 11 miles, including stops for lunch and to enjoy the sites and views. Hikes will usually start at 9:00 am. The trails can be moderately difficult with some elevation climbs, but most are fairly level. Some trails are well defined and maintained; however the many beachwalks can be rocky and involve some wet feet. All of the trails will provide the excitement of an infrequently traveled area. Evening programs will highlight some aspects of the local ecology or history.

We may experience some gusty winds; be prepared to deep stake down your tent. The beaches have tar; we will provide oil for foot and shoe cleaning. The walks have been scheduled during seasonally comparatively low tides, but be prepared for wet feet and rocky points that may necessitate some ocean walking. Sandals such as Keen are the best footwear for the coastwalks; hiking shoes for the bluff and hill hikes. A walking stick or pole is highly recommended for the rock hopping. Many of our hikes will be led by members of the Santa Barbara County Trail Council.

Food: Coffee (and decaf), juice, and milk will be available each morning, as well as a variety of breakfast and lunch foods. Soft drinks will be available each day to refresh you contingent on donations to the food kitty.

Dinners are provided each evening.

You will only need to carry lunch items, water and layers while hiking.

Wednesday July 8th: Set up our permanent camp at Refugio State Beach then hike the trails of the Arroyo Hondo Preserve.

Thursday July 9th: Transport for a day trip to Jalama State Beach, the Dangermond Preserve and Point Conception.

Friday July 10th: Hike Gaviota State Park’s Wind Cave Trail and bathe in the hidden hot springs!

Saturday July 11th: Beach and bluff walk from Dos Pueblos to Elwood Shores

Sunday July 12th: Continue our beach and bluff walk to Santa Barbara Marina

Monday July 13th: A morning walk to El Capitan State Beach; break camp and hit the road!

  • Hiking shoes, boots or sturdy walking shoes
  • Waterproof sandals
  • Spare walking shoes & laces
  • Comfy camp shoes
  • Hiking poles
  • Water-proof windbreaker/ or parka for cold nights
  • Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and bugs)
  • Layers for upper body
  • Hat for sun protection that ties under chin
  • Beanie for cold, windy conditions
  • Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, lots of socks, etc.
  • Bandana
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sunscreen (minimum 30 spf)
  • Natural bug repellant
  • Personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
  • Personal medicines
  • Day pack
  • Plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
  • Sturdy Tupperware for leftovers
  • Flashlight & headlamp with new batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Folding camp chair
  • Tent & Ground Cloth
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • REUSABLE Water Bottle
  • Trail snacks (power bars or jerky)
  • Credit Card & cash for camp showers and treats
  • Solar shower if there is no shower at campsite
  • Shower towel

What’s Included: 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.

Breakfast:   

  • Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)
  • Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)
  • Yogurt
  • Biscotti
  • Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)
  • Granola
  • Walnuts or assorted nuts
  • Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)
  • Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins

  Lunch:   

  • Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)
  • Almond Butter
  • Fruit spreads
  • Cold Cuts
  • Cheeses (sliced)
  • Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)
  • Butter, (Regular and dairy free)

Dinner: 

  • Dinners are included unless otherwise noted and will be provided by Coastwalk’s Volunteer Food Angels. 

Our Chuckwagon Wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.

2019 will be the 2nd year that Mike Minky leads the Santa Barbara Coastwalk. A retired CPA, Mike owns several record companies specializing in a wide range of classics from Cambodian psychedelic surf bands to Calypso to ‘60’s East L.A. garage bands. Mike’s first Coastwalk was joining the 2003 Border to Border walkers for 3 weeks on the San Simeon to Carpentaria leg. As land acquisitions have opened up new trails on the Central Coast, Mike has been bushwhacking and marking for the future route of the California Coastal Trail.