SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019
BACKPACKER.COM 67MULTIDAYSKYLINE TO THE
SEA TRAIL
Castle Rock and Big Basin
Redwoods State Parks, CA
Start in the mountains and end
by the surf on a two-nighter that
showcases the best of the area.
Rock-ledge lookouts over the roll-
ing, coastal terrain give way to
silent redwood forests on the
mostly downhill, 25.5-mile trek.
At mile 14.2, veer off the Skyline to
the Sea Trail and take the Dool and
Sunset Trails to the Berry Creek
Falls Trail. Follow the small creek
a s it ca scades bet ween sta nds of
ancient redwoods. Expect to be
slowed by the temptation to gawk.
Ca mp at Waterma n Gap (mile
6.4) and Sunset Trail Camp (mile
18.8). Trailhead Saratoga Gap
(37.2579, -122.1229) 21 miles west
of San Jose Shuttle car Wa del l
Creek (37.1010, -122.2781) 48 miles
southwest of Saratoga Gap Season
Year-round; winter for solitude
Permit $15/site per night; reser ve
up to 60 days in adva nce Info
parks.ca.govSet up camp on
a grassy bluff
overlooking the
Big Sur coastline
(top); summer
wildflowers
decorate the
trailside in
Castle Rock
State Park.