![]() He was instrumental in the formulation of the Wilderness Act of 1964. In addition to writing fiction and non-fiction about the American West, Stegner was an active conservationist, who was assistant to the secretary of interior during the Kennedy administration. In addition to sweeping views, it is also a place to appreciate the contribution author and historian Wallace Stegner made to the preservation of wild lands. Our group arrived at the Wallace Stegner Bench just in time for lunch. We enjoyed beautiful views into the Pescadero Creek watershed and all the way to the blue Pacific beyond. Students built their own residences, including tee pees and geodesic domes.Īfter a short stop to examine the pond, we charged uphill to the Long Ridge Road trail on the ridge top. This land hosted Pacific High School beginning in 1965. The pond was created in the early 1960's. We next paused to enjoy a beautiful pond, which is just beyond the preserve boundary in the Jikoji Zen Center property. This route was constructed in the nineteenth century, long before Skyline Boulevard was built in the 1920's. We then followed the Peters Creek Trail, which is on the bed of the old Summit Road. It is best to pick the fruit in early October. The trees still bear fruit, but they have all been picked by now. Our 4.9-mile loop took us downhill from Grizzly Flat, stopping to examine an abandoned apple orchard that was planted more than a hundred years ago. I arrived early and stood by the road so that the students would know where to park. We met at the Grizzly Flat entrance to Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, which is along Skyline Boulevard about 3 miles south of the intersection with Page Mill/Alpine Road and about 3 miles north of the intersection with Highway 9. Yesterday was the final field trip for the fall session of my Foothill College hiking class. The trail head is at the parking lot just north of The Sequoias retirement community. from Highway 280 take Alpine Road south to Portola Road in Portola Valley and turn right. We then headed downhill on the Hamms Gulch Trail. Be sure to pause to examine the magnificent weathered old Douglas fir trees near the top of the trail.Īt the bottom of the hill we headed north on the Betsy Crowder Trail and back to where we started. You can cut eight tenths of a mile from the route by eliminating this part of the hike. At the top of this trail we hiked north on the Lost Trail for lunch at the picnic tables at the Skyline Boulevard entrance to the preserve. The forest is lush and green, with lots of healthy sword ferns along the way. We had to watch our step to avoid crushing migrating newts. We headed south, passing Sausal Pond, and continued on the Eagle Trail and then charged uphill on the Razorback Ridge Trail. Gates open at 9:30am, and parking closes at 5pm, unless trains are still operating.We started at the preserve parking lot off of Portola Road in Portola Valley, next to The Sequoias retirement home. Inquire at the ticket office when you visit. Please note: Picnic tables are available at Roaring Camp for all-day rental. Stretch your legs and take in the majestic surroundings on a nature stroll through nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Capture the moment in the vintage photo booth and peek inside the charmingly woodsy sheriff’s office. You’ll have plenty of time to admire your surroundings on the 1-hour round trip ride.Īt the summit, study the architecture and visit the old-fashioned general store. Learn about how steam locomotives similar to the one you’ll be riding are among the oldest and best preserved narrow-gauge steam engines in America, and were once used to schlep redwood logs down from the mountains. Along the way, the knowledgeable train conductor will illuminate the forest with bits of history about how it was formed and facts about the local wildlife, as well as stories about the railroad and Roaring Camp. Settle into your open-air car and hang on as you chug past hundreds of old-growth redwoods with an unobstructed view.Īs you make your way up to the top of Bear Mountain, you’ll cruise over trestles and glide beneath the verdant canopy. Hop aboard the train at Roaring Camp in Felton, near the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 80 miles south of San Francisco. Be inspired by both the natural beauty of the groves and the engineering prowess of this hulking locomotive, which dates back to the 1890s. Experience California’s redwoods as never before, by taking a steam train through one of the Golden State’s towering ancient forests.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |