Aside from the disappointment of not being able to complete the loop and having to go all the way back it was still a great hike. This thread is archived. Please visit, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Wasnt able to cross the river to complete route so I doubled my mileage! Photo by Eric Ressler. Not in the mood for river-crossing? That includes constant stops for photos. View discussions in 1 other community . We were here on a Sunday, and there were probably about 20 people for that mile, and only one couple had clothes. Last mile hard to figure out where trail is at times if you go clockwise. Are there any short and sweet trails that lead to a swimming hole in Northern California? Most of the trail is dirt, though the end becomes very sandy. No whistles or buoys. Our course will be abiding by all "Social Distancing" protocols including a thorough list of sanitizing practices. Didnt do the full trail because people I went with are lame as heck. Leave the cooler, boombox and pets at home. 49 NB to Nevada City. Ill sometimes see a tequila bottle or can of Natural Ice chilling in the frigid water, waiting for some fraternity boy to drink itillegal, yes (but so is being buck nekkid). The trail was awesome. Some say he's had over 1200 birthdays. We went to these to spot to find big rock hole. The Garden of Eden, just off Route 9 in the Henry Cowell Redwoods is one of them. Double check the trails before. Sponsors. On sunny days, views from the campground allow you to see all the way to Monterey. Read more Log in or register to post comments Big Rock Hole A sunny swimming hole on the San Lorenzo. The GPS coordinates are 37.0152271 (latitude), -122.0527416 (longitude) and the approximate elevation is 167 feet (51 meters) above sea level. We used the direction I found on the wiki page for big rock hole but still no help. No bridge or other means to cross the river. Also accessible from UCSC and Pogonip. Hopefully it opens back up soon! I ended up running along the train tracks instead. Go over rocks and rivers. The Bay Area isn't blessed with a bounty of freely accessible, dog-friendly swimming holes. and follow all the rules, this beautiful but fragile ecosystem will remain a jewel on the central coast. It's located north of Santa Cruz about two miles from the town of Davenport. So worth it though! My advice is this: Don't go on a weekend if you want privacy. Eventually had to put my clothes in my backpack and swim across with my bag over my head. This is not ok. Like Cin Dy, I want to warn all visitors to the Garden of Eden that dogs are strictly prohibited and the rangers will write tickets. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park charges a fee to park at the day-use and campground areas. 3 hr Ticket $17.00. Here the San Lorenzo turns flat, shallow and languorous. The park is home to an array of hiking and biking trails, but the crown jewel of the park is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is only a 1/4 mile in from the park's entrance. What a great way to break up the week. You might want to bring a headlight and lifejacket just to be on the safe side. Too strong DONT GO!!!! (This one is slightly closer to campusbetter for lazy college students.). This is primarily a nudist area, so do be prepared to see naked people. Except where otherwise noted, this content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Now its much more family friendly.. The big water crossing its as big as you think and follow the rocks if you get lost shortly after that. It is popular in the summer months, and it is located along the San Lorenzo River in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, near Highway 9 . Attractions / Nestled against the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Spring Hills offers a peaceful & picturesque country setting with ideal weather. Part of my work is picking up trash at Garden of Eden. Family owned & operated since 1965, our friendly & courteous staff along with the fun, challenge, and beauty of the course, are sure to provide you with the golf experience you strive for. Sold to Hank and Dorie Schimpeler in 1964 who then converted it into Spring Hills Golf Course. Managed to find our way, got wet ha. We had to cross over sinking wood. Could not finish the loop because all the river crossing points were flooded. Nothing beats the heat like a natural waterslide and swimming hole! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete. Contact. We mix it up and have a blast. 1. If you follow this in the clock wise route you will get wet about 3/4 into the hike. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is SANTA C which is approximately 4 miles away and has an elevation of 130 feet (22 feet higher than Big Rock Hole). Explore. Im a little unsure of what the big hole was? Follow it for 1.4 miles. Trail washed out and river is not crossable. To find the bridge and dam, instead turn onto East Lomond Street. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Great staff too. Dont confuse the two. People who lose the trail need to open their stupid eyes I live about a mile from the park and serve as a volunteer. Skip this more crowded spot and continue along to find your own cool, watery mecca. The sandy peninsula can be busy on hot summer days. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! Beautiful hike! There are two deep pools, big rocks, and even a waterfall. Big Rock Hole is a swimming hole named for the very large rock next to it. I had a tougher time finding good directions for this big boy, so make sure to read the comments for that kind person to share the best way to get there. Dear Abby: Am I overreacting to my European daughter-in-law's behavior? Prices are as follows: 2 hr Ticket $14.00. Or just give up and grab an ale at Montys Log Cabin in Felton.) This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The river was crossable but also use extreme caution because it was pretty strong in some parts. There will be two river crossingseach involves tiptoeing across river rocks or wading through. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. In the early 1800s, this area was a lumberyard, filled with stacks of redwood logs harvested from nearby mountains and loaded onto the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. Big Rock Hole is about a 5 mile roundtrip hike when starting from the park headquarters. McGuire, who calls this the jewel of the San Lorenzo Valley, hopes to bring trout fishing back this summer and has announced six upcoming concerts, including Eagles and Jimmy Buffett tribute bands. Please, if you pack it in, pack it out. hike in. Water is already starting to run downhill, reviving dry creekbeds, creating new rivers and even resurrecting a lost lake (Lake Tulare in the Central Valley). Directions: Up past Murphys and Angels Camp, about two hours Southeast from Sacramento, according to one YouTuber. But this swimming hole has your back. Leonardo Daniel Morales Martinez/Google. Check out the photos and even a few videos below. Geologists say these rocks formed deep underground, probably in the roots of an ancient system of volcanoes that resemble the Cascades or Andes. Garden of Eden used to be a secret place that only locals knew about, and many wish we could return to the old days when San Lorenzo Valley folks like me had the place to ourselves. There are other hikes nearby in Henry Cowell that are amazing. We used the direction I found on the wiki page for big rock hole but still no help. Three river crossings! These are some of the best swimming holes in Northern California. This means way fewer folks to crowd out your summer fun. It's remote and if accidents happen (most often because some idiot gets drunk and cracks his head on a rock), it's very expensive to send emergency crews. There are no Great Whites in the San Lorenzo River, and the biggest risks are getting poison oak on your way there or maybe stubbing your toe. The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) publishes a set of the most commonly used topographic maps of the U.S. called US Topo that are separated into rectangular quadrants that are printed at 22.75"x29" or larger. Longitude: -122.0527416W Find nearby businesses, restaurants and hotels. In 1911, Mr Silva and his wife, Dolly, built a 5 bedroom ranch house surrounded by 160 acres of apple and pear orchards and vineyards. San Lorenzo water level higher in 2023. The parking area is at the end of Taylor road. This is a popular spot, and even though it was cool and cloudy during our visit, the parking lot was full. There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete. Events / Behind the soccer field and jungle gym of Ben Lomonds Highlands Park is a system of trails, a picnic area, and a small waterfall. On a hot summer day, is there anything quite so sublime as a dunk in a wild river? Glad I brought my water sandals, a lot of back and forth bush walking and back and crossing the river and creek. So bring a picnic and spend the day enjoying this natural beauty! Are there any natural waterslides in Northern California? really badly marked in all trails!! Because the nearest station and this geographic feature may have . Youll find lots of flat rocks for sunbathing and shaded areas to get a little refuge from the sun. Come out and see for yourself why Spring Hills' unique features, ideal weather, fun and challenging course layout, great staff and reasonable rates make it the best golf value in the Monterey Bay. Due to the privacy of this lagoon, it is one of the Northern California swimming holes where you might come across some skinny dipping, so be forewarned. Topo Map Name: Felton (If you reach the Toll House Resort, turn around because youve gone too far. There is a small beach area too There is also a rope swing. If you visit, consider bringing a trash bag and helping to haul out trash left by others. Looks like they really want to keep this one secret. A great swimming hole in the Santa Cruz moutains of California, the Garden of Eden lives up to its name. Big Rock Hole Trail is covered by the Felton, CA US Topo Map quadrant. Terms of Use | The Big Melt is coming between now and June. Garden of Eden is the perfect Northern California adventure! 9, Felton, CA 95018) . 501 Spring Hills Dr. Watsonville CA 95076. Wanderlust: Camping close to home We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Its called Henflings, but really you should just turn around). Trail is similar to Pine Hills Nature and Shades. That includes constant stops for photos. Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Under pursuit, the hero scrambled up the rock to safety, while the villain slipped and fell. But that's not going to happen. There is a small beach area too There is also a rope swing Directions From Highway 9 Two girls climb up the rocks at Big Rock Swimming Hole with their mother. Eventually youll see a big a rock that says Nudist Area ahead. Photo by Madeline Hughes. I was afraid about going in, says Otto. 1 of 3. Starting at the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, follow the trail until it connects withthe Pipeline Road Trail and continue on Pipeline Road. Had to backtrack considerably to find a place to cross. This swimming hole is popular among all ages and offers beaches perfect for sunbathing and some nice cliffs perfect for jumping into the blue pool below. The trail is being worked on once you get on the railroad track. As cold days give way to the warmth of spring, a massive amount of snow will melt. Go 16.3 miles up Hwy 49 past Nevada City. We went off trail several times and added an extra couple of hours. Very adventurous! Glad I brought my water sandals, a lot of back and forth bush walking and back and crossing the river and creek. Environment | You can and will be ticketed if you are caught trespassing- the fine can be up to $1000 and Santa Cruz judges are happy to apply it. This is by no means an unknown swimming hole: it's mobbed most weekend days. People who lose the trail need to open their stupid eyes Other than that it was great. The slide is made of smooth rocks that deposit you into the picturesque swimming hole with a splash. Excellent trail! Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your