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

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.


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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

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

New Almaden - Quicksilver County Park

Bench overlooking Almaden Valley
Located in Santa Clara County the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine was the first mining operations in California 1845 before the gold rush of 1849. If you are traveling to the area I think that this part of town would be a great place for a picnic or a family stroll. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all around at the New Almaden Park. I have hiked several trails in the area but the latest hike was a late evening one to El Senator Mine. It is a fun low stress walk about half a mile to a mile. You can walk further up the hill but bring water because it does get extremely hot in the summer months. The park is about 4000 acres so more than one day is needed to explore it.

Check out this website for more info on whats happening at New Almaden - Quicksilver County Park

Eagle Rock - Big Basin State Park, Santa Cruz County

Eagle Rock, Big Basin, California, United States


Eagle Rock is probably one of my favorite spots in all of California, and perhaps the world. It is a nice hike to the top and the view looks over my childhood home at the Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club. So this spot has significant meaning to me as I spent a lot of my youth in these mountain ranges. Anyway, Eagle Rock was once a fire lookout tower location for the CDF forest service. Now it is just an abandoned building with unfortunately, a lot of grafitti. But none the less it is still 360 degrees of pure Santa Cruz Mountains beauty. Also you can see Buzzards Roost which is another favorite of mine. The round trip hike is probably a little over 3 miles. The first picture was taken before the grafitti!


Directions:
Now growing up here I know of a couple fun ways of getting to Eagle Rock. The most popular way is go towards Big basin from Boulder Creek or through Watermans Gap at the other end of 236. If you decide to come through Boulder Creek go past the Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club. Head to Little Basin and go left all the way to the Hewlett Packard entrance. Park here but dont block the entrance. Hike up the hill and your on the Eagle Rock trail.

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Seymour Marine Discovery Center

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is located in Santa Cruz California and is a definate stop to fully experience the true coastal waters of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay. This property is also an education facility for the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Center is part of field studies across the world. If you have children then you HAVE to bring them here. The sea creatures that are in display at the center are spectacular and there is a wide variety, trust me!

Other Information:
Phone Number:
1-831-459-3800
Contact:
Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
100 Shaffer Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Map


Map by Google Maps

Capitola and Capitola Wharf

Description of Capitola:
The town of Capitola is a vacationers paradise. This little community boasts some of the most exciting events and shops in the Bay Area. People the world over come and stay at the many vacation rental homes and enjoy the services of the merchants in town. Enjoy the beaches, bars, restaraunts, hiking and the Capitola Mall are all near by. Be sure to walk the wharf and check out the cool shops out there. Maybe grab a bite at the Wharf House Restaraunt or go do some deep sea fishing.


Directions:

View Larger Map
Links:
Capitoal Chamber of Commerce