Highway 35, Skyline Boulevard
Cruising the Boulevard will never be the same again!

Driving along highway 35 is taking a step back in history on this two lane highway running along the western ridge line of the Silicon Valley to San Francisco. On any given day the blessings of your senses will take full advantage of the Skyline. Views of the rugged Pacific Ocean and the bustling Silicon Valley on both sides create a unique experience for a new adventure in the Bay Area.

Highway 35 begins at the junction of Summit Road and state route 17. Following Summit road to the junction of Bear Creek road, highway 35 runs along Bear Creek road for a few miles until you reach the junction of Skyline Blvd which bears to the right. State Highway 35 reaches upwards of 3,000 feet near the junction of highway 9 and highway 35 and passes by Mt. Bielawski at 3231ft. Highway 35 runs the border between both Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties and continues through San Mateo county. The Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County Sheriff's, state park rangers and highway patrol cruise the ridge.

Follow the interactive map to see how the northern portion of the highway connects near Crystal Springs reservoir continuing north to San Francisco.

Parks:

Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve

Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve

Castle Rock State Park

Sanborn Skyline County Park

Stevens Creek County Park

Monte Bello Regional Open Space

Purisima Creek Redwoods

Crystal Springs Reservoir- some neat history of California water resources

P.O.I.

Mountian Charlie Landmarks

Mt. Bielawski

Things To Do:

Alices Restaurant intersection of 35 and 84 in Skylonda

Los Gatos Paintball Pursuit intersection of Skyline Blvd and Bear Creek Road

Pacific Coast Bike Highway

The Pacific Coast Bike Highway is one of the most popular touring destination routes for bike enthusiasts the world over. In doing my research I have talked to people from all over the globe, solidifying this an international adventure. Some bikers swear that you have to start at the Canadian border and head south to Mexico. Others are satisfied with a weekend tour along the Pacific Coast of America. Whatever your choice of touring length one thing is for sure, you will love every pedal you make taking in the scenery.

If your looking for a tour of a lifetime, the Pacific Coast Bike Highway needs to be moved to the top of your list. There are many sections of the highway that are well marked and you wouldn't need a map to follow the route. However there are some portions of the highway that lack any kind of signage and it would be easy to follow an unnecessary route. The PCH reminds me of the old buggy roads of yesterday. Nothing matches, different cities place different agendas on the importance of a bike highway. Hopefully this article will help those who wish to venture onto the Pacific Coast Bike Highway and join in on the adventure of a lifetime.

SAN FRANCISCO THROUGH PACIFICA
From San Francisco through Pacifica you will likely find yourself scratching your head wondering where did the road go. I found that the route from San Francisco through Pacifica is the most difficult part of the route. I am mapping out the directions and will have them posted soon.

PACIFICA TO MONTEREY
South of Pacifica to Monterey things start to get a little easier. Not only are you past San Francisco but the terrain is more friendly, the shoulder is wider (some parts a little barbaric), and the climbing is kept to a minimum.

MONTEREY TO SAN LUIS OBISPO
This is probably my favorite part of the entire route. The Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean as your backdrops make a exciting ride. My favorite part about this section is that taking your time is a requirement. Of course unless you head inland to the inland passage along the El Camino Real. But for the coast lovers you'll want to hug the coast.line Also camping spots dot the entire route so you will always have plenty of opportunities to rest your head (and legs).

A COUPLE WARNINGS
Have you ever rode your bike on the main highway system? Ever known or seen anybody get hit by a car? Well your not the only one. Riding your bikes on the current highway system is dangerous sometimes a death sentence. People drinking and driving, talking on their cell phones, eating dinner and reading in their cars while driving. This is extremely dangerous and it is for this reason alone I hate to ride my bike along public roads. One of these days I keep thinking something is going to happen to me riding on the streets. Something has to be done.

IMPORTANT LINKS
Pacific Coast Bike Trip

Adventure Cycling Association

Highway 1 - Point Lobos State Reserve

THE GOODS:
Our California Pacific Coast Highway 1 can't be described by words or pictures. You must see, feel and breathe deeply in order to truly grasp the concept of the dramatic Pacific Coastline. Point Lobos State Reserve is no different. Some say that this is the best spectacle of the meeting of land and sea. Point Lobos State Reserve is just about 3 miles past Carmel and just south of Monestary beach (also know as mortuary beach to the locals because the surf is relentless here.) This is a great area to bring the grandparents or let the kids get some hands on experience with earths greatest treasure.
Point Lobos Hiking Map Online



Whalers Cove and Cabin


Point Lobos has no camping at the reserve but it is plentiful elsewhere up and down the coast. The coastal bluff trails at the reserve are spectacular and teaming with life. I have been up and down the California coastline many times and I feel that Point Lobos is definately on my top ten list for best coastal experience. Whalers Cove is amazing and a natural seaport for fisherman past. Beginning divers find peace from the relentless waves as well as every other coastline species along the Point Lobos Reserve at Whalers Cove. Over 250 different animal and bird species as well as over 300 different plant species call the reserve home. The rules add up here so be sure to pick up brochures and read up.

THE BAD: The Pacific Coast Highway 1 is a beautiful drive, however many dangers hide within the beautiful vistas and white sandy beaches. You want to keep your distance with other cars as much as possible because people tend to get caught in the glory of the scenery and forget even for a second that they are driving and could cause some serious injury. Speeds are posted up to 55mph through this area and a lot of highway 1. Also be aware of the sharp turns that sneak up on you and if you aren't paying 100% attention you could fall victim to the steep cliffs. Also keep safe if you happen upon Carmel River Beach just north of the reserve. It is a powerful and luring presence has taken several lives. Locals know it as mortuary beach, the surf is relentless here. Read all signs at this beach! Here is a pic of Carmel River Beach.

This is looking north from Point Lobos to Carmel River State Beach.


Point Lobos State Reserve Website

Point Lobos Scuba Diving

Camping near Point Lobos State Reserve and the Monterey Bay

1974 Chevy Camper Van - 1ton 4 speed standard

Carrizzo Plains- 7 mile road
I thought it would be proper to showcase the adventure van as this is the machine that has been responsible for a majority of my excursions. This van has been in the family since 1980 and has thus undergone a few transformations. Most recently some fresh paint was laid down. Yes the van is finally one color again. Growing up exploring northern and southern California in this van makes me ponder where the time has gone. Make sure you check out the specs.



The first picture is at the Sea Otter Classic, the next two are on national forest road off of Pozo Road in San Luis Obispo, California and the last photo uploaded was camping at Montaña de Oro State Park


Specs:
1 Ton Frame
250ci 6cyl - great mileage for a camper somewhere around 20mpg's
4 speed Borg Warner T-10 - looking to upgrade to a 5 or greater speed tranny.
44 gallon fuel tank - yes it is a 120 plus bucks to fill this beast, but I can get all the way to tahoe and back.
Disc brakes up front
New Halogen bulbs up front
New kyb shocks all the way around
Custom Interior Loft with Fold out Couch that converts to a bed
Bathroom (under construction) - update, I got a toilet
Kitchen Area (under construction)
Custom rain gutter rail (nobody ever notices the gutter, a lot of work for little recognition)
and that pretty much sums it up right now

Links:
Montaña de Oro State Park



Before the van was painted. Not the best looking rig but the right touch and some paint works wonders

Pacific Coast Highway 1
San Francisco to the Big Sur Coastline

The Pacific Coast Highway 1 running from San Francisco to the Big Sur coastline has to be the most dramatic and magical highway system ever built. A lifetime of top notch adventures await those ready to make the drive. Traveling the Pacific Coast Highway 1 you will pass by endless camping, state parks, hiking, biking, and equestrian trail heads, secluded surfing spots, wildlife viewing, hot springs, beaches, fishing, pick your own farms, lighthouses, historical landmarks, old growth redwood forests and a abundance of wildflowers along the coastline.

DRIVE CAREFULLY:
Fog, steep cliffs, and sharp curves make highway 1 a dangerous proposition if you or your vehicle are not properly prepared. All of the cities and towns listed below offer the travel adventurer a variety of services to make sure their trip along the Pacific Coast highway is a good one.

The cities of:

• Carmel
• Monterey
• Sand City
• Marina
• Seaside
• Castroville
• Moss Landing
• Watsonville
• Corralitos
• Aptos
• Capitola
• Soquel
• Santa Cruz
• Davenport
• San Gregorio
• Half Moon Bay
• Montara
• Pescadero
• Pacifica
• San Francisco

Check out the camping opportunities in the California State Park system.
Big Sur Chamber of Commerce
California State Parks
Monterey Bay Camping
Explorer1 has a bunch of great information for travelers along the coastline.

Waddell Beach Mountain Biking to Berry Creek Falls, Big Basin State Park

For those of you who are looking for a nice mountain bike ride through the Santa Cruz mountains and you are tired of doing the same ride over and over, Waddell beach is the destination of choice. About 15-20 miles north of Santa Cruz Waddell beach is packed with things to do. Mountain biking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, waterfalls and the Skyline to the Sea trail makes its end point right here also. Once your on your bike you will roll past grasslands, farms, horse stables, huge redwood trees and you criss cross the creek many times (thankfully there are bridges). From the parking lot it is just about a 6 mile ride on fireroad, but there are some singletrack sections where the road washed out. Make sure you bring a bike lock and lock them to the bike rack at the end of the bike road. Here you will find the trail that leads to Berry Creek Falls along the Skyline to the Sea Trail. From your bike it is about 3/4 of a mile to the falls. All in all it makes for a great morning ride/hike and anybody who is looking to get out and get some fresh air will find this portion of Big Basin worth the trip. Make sure you grab a map if you are new to the area. It is so beautiful in Big Basin State Park that you will definately want to keep seeing what is around the corner.

Check out some of my photos:
Danny about to go down a nice section of trail, Berry Creek Falls, and the entrance to waddell beach in the background.








View San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area Adventures in a larger map

Highway 9, Los Gatos to Santa Cruz
From the city through the mountains to the beach!

Downtown shot of Boulder Creek, Highway9
Highway 9 runs from Los Gatos through the Santa Cruz Mountains to Santa Cruz at the intersection of River Street to downtown Santa Cruz and the Pacific Coast Highway 1. Highway 9 passes through the cities of Los Gatos, Saratoga, Boulder Creek (gateway to the San Lorenzo Valley), Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Felton and finally the city of Santa Cruz home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Heading any direction you'll pass by camping spots, rv resorts, mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trail heads, swimming holes, historic relics, golf courses, county parks, and train rides all while enjoying the comfort of Santa Cruz's most diverse road side merchants providing food, fuel and lodging for any need.




American Flag in Felton, CA
The California State Park system follows highway 9 all the way through, first passing by Henry Cowell and Fall Creek Redwoods State Parks in Felton to California's first State Park, Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek. At the intersection of Highway 9 and skyline Blvd (Highway 35) you'll be at the home of Castle Rock State Park system featuring some of the areas best adventures. If you decide to traverse the Santa Cruz Mountian's highway 9 just remember to drive safe, watch for sharp turns and keep an eye out for bike riders on certain sections of the road. This stretch of highway has taken many lives so be careful. Make sure your car is in tip top condition before hitting the road.

(Highway 9 is the blue line on the map)

GOOGLE MAP of adventures along highway 9 (camping, hiking, swimming holes, vistas, backpacking, historic POI....you get the point now get outside and do something! Also note that sometimes the page doesnt shift properly and the highlighted route may not automatically adjust to different zoom levels.


View San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area Adventures in a larger map


If your cruising highway 9 and your in Boulder Creek:
San Lorenzo Valley Museum
12547 Highway 9
Boulder Creek, California 95006
831- 338-8382

Redwood Resort
150 Grove Street
Boulder Creek, CA. 95006
831-338-3413

Big Basin State Park
21600 Big Basin Way # 406
Boulder Creek, CA 95006-9063
(831) 338-8860

Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club
16901 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006-9218
(831) 338-2111

Joes Bar

13118 Highway 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

(831) 338-9417

Boulder Creek Brewery
13040 Highway 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-7882

Passing through Brookdale:
Brookdale Inn and Spa
11570 Highway 9
Brookdale, CA 95007
(831) 338-1300

If your going to Ben Lomond, California:
Ben Lomond Market
9440 Mill St
Ben Lomond, CA 95005-9301
(831) 336-3900

Henfling's Tavern

9450 Highway 9
Ben Lomond, CA 95005-9228

(831) 336-9318‎

Bobs Stop and Get It
Ben lomond California
9050a Highway9,
Ben Lomond ca 95005
E Mail, bobby5x@att.net
831-336-9496

Coffee Nine

95009 Hwy 9

Ben Lomond, CA 95005

831-336-4521

Passing through Felton, Check Out
Roaring Camp Railroads
P.O. Box G-1,
Felton, CA 95018
(831) 335-4484

Henry Cowell State Park
Gift Shop
831-335-3174

Arroyo Secco Swimming Holes and Campgrounds

Arroyo Seco Swimming Hole and Campgrounds

This summer you have to go check out the Arroyo Seco River and the canyon itself. Swimming Holes, hiking, camping, mountian bike riding and horseback riding are all possible at this little known about secret.

I love going to Arroyo Secco canyon and river. Nestled in the Los Padres National Forest Area, west of Greenfield off Carmel Valley Road and Arroyo Seco Road lies a excellent resource for the Bay Area explorer. I have been here almost every summer because I can get there in about 1 hour from my house and spend the day hiking and swimming the river. Check out the map below if your unsure of the where abouts of Arroyo Secco.

Here is a picture of the Pit swimming hole

Here is a picture of the bend swimming hole

Here is a map to the campgrounds provided by Google Maps! Follow the blue route from Greenfield. From camp hike up to the swimming holes.


View San Francisco and Monterey Bay Area Adventures in a larger map


Suggested Route:


Directions:
Exit Oak and Highway 101, Continue to Elm Ave
1 Head southwest on Elm Ave toward 5th St - go 5.9 mi
2 Turn left to stay on Elm Ave - go 0.2 mi
3 Slight left at Arroyo Seco Rd - go 6.5 mi
4 Slight left at Arroyo Seco Rd/Forest Rte-19S09 - go 4.4 mi
Destination will be on the right
Arriving at Arroyo Seco Rd/Forest Rte-19S09
Total: 17.0 mi - about 41 mins

Or come south on highway 1
Right on Carmel Valley Road
Right on Arroyo Secco Road

Bigfoot Museum

Ok. You are probably thinking the same thing I was thinking my first time in the Bigfoot Museum. What is this guy thinking! Then I remembered a 4x4 expedition me and a buddy were on where we both had our Bigfoot encounter. So, I figured the next time Im in town I'll swing by. Well as it turns out there have been numerous sightings and experiences with Bigfoot and one incident happened up by Eagle Rock in the Santa Cruz Mtns, sorry to scare any weekend warrior hikers but beware of the Santa Cruz Mtns Bigfoot.

Contact Information:
Bigfoot Discovery Museum
5497 Highway 9
Felton, CA 95018
1-831-335-4478

Nisene Marks State Park

Nisene Marks State Park is an adventurers paradise. The mountain biker, hiker and weekend warrior will find this park exceeding any expectations. Providing over 30 miles of trails Nisene Marks delivers on its promises. From sea level to over 2600 feet you can be sure you will be making a day trip out of Nisene Marks. If you find yourself at Nisene Marks definately check out the Epicenter for the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. This spot is wierd because not only are you standing within the boundaries of the San Andreas Fault line the place doesnt resemble what you would perceive as a epicenter of a 7.1 earthquake(some resources say the quake was a 6.9).



These pictures are on your way to the epicenter. You cross the creek a couple of times. I heard through the grapevine that the epicenter trail might be closed now.

Also note to hikers and mountain bikers that Sandy Point is a excellent vantage point to relax and check out some views of Santa Cruz. Be warned though that this hike or any other hikes out in Nisene Marks are no easy bout. Consider being warned that even better hikers and bikers will find Nisene Marks challenging. That said, beginners bring your best game.

These pictures are on the way back to the car at Winter Gate going down the hill.

Several historical sites dot the canyon all the way to the start of the incline and beyond. Major logging was going on in these woods for many years so evidence of what was is still there. All said, here are some photos and links to browse before you are ready to adventure Nisene Marks State Park.

Note: This day we neither made it to Sandy Point or Five Fingers Falls. I will update when I go back. Hopefully soon!

Other Information:

Environmental Camping - 6 miles from nearest parking lot.

Picnic Tables and BBQ are available

Dogs on leash

Contact Info:

831-763-7062

Website:

Nisene Marks

Boulder Creek, California, 95006

If you happen to be cruising through the town of Boulder Creek, grab your mountain bike, hiking shoes and camera. Boulder Creek is the gateway to Big Basin State Park, home of the redwoods and the San Lorenzo Valley. The town of Boulder Creek is fairly unique and rich in history, especially with logging. The main park in town is Junction Park and this is where all the locals get together for some good times, especially after the 4th of July festival. If your looking for some camping in town, or maybe Big Basin State Park is at full capacity then check out Redwood Resort at the south end of town. Several hardware and liquor stores in town will be sure to take care of any last minute camping or backpacking item that you forgot at home. Check out Johnnie's Market or New Leaf market. Both have good lunches at reasonable prices and if you are looking for pharmacy type items the the Boulder Creek Pharmacy has it. Boulder Creek makes a great pit stop for Big Basin Campers. Don't forget to gas up in town also.

Every year Boulder Creek houses the annual Art and Wine Festival and it is usually a great success, especially when it is hot out. There are also numerous murals throughout town that local artists have been painting for years. Boulder Creek also houses the San Lorenzo Valley Museum where a lot of local history has been documented. If you are in town go check it out!


San Lorenzo Valley Museum
831-338-8382

Boulder Creek Pharmacy
831-338-2144

Redwood Resort Camping
831-338-3413

San Lorenzo Valley Museum
831-338-8382

Big Basin State Park
831-338-8860