Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete. 11. A little difficult to follow.. notice how I got lost lol. The Garden of Eden: SC's Best Swimming Hole - Santa Cruz Waves We even went to this parking lot that said big rock hole was .5 miles away but we didn't find it. Photo by Madeline Hughes. We went to these to spot to find big rock hole. Hopefully it opens back up soon! Twilight times begin at 1:30 pm Nov thru March, 12pm for Player's Card members. Read more Log in or register to post comments Big Rock Hole A sunny swimming hole on the San Lorenzo. The state park does not provide any trash service here, so any trash left behind must be picked up by volunteers or the rangers. In the 1960s, it offered drug-inspired self-discovery. It's just south of Big Basin Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is about as majestic as they come in the "outer Bay Area." Not to mention there are insanely beautiful hikes all around, as well as perfect campgrounds where you can stay. Hole-in-the-Wall Beach is located immediately south of Panther Beach between Santa Cruz and the town of Davenport. Be the first to share your experience. On a hot summer day, is there anything quite so sublime as a dunk in a wild river? Trying to get to the Garden of Eden.. not this time but we did manage to find Big Rock! share. In the 1920s, the river served as a dramatic setting for silent films. Drive south on RT 9 until you are about 3 miles south of the park entrance. Contact Us. Trees down and blocking the trail once you pass the river. Ox trails is an old railroad line along the highway not as pristine as a real trail. So the last 1/4 you aren't able to finish. Hidden Beaches In Santa Cruz Locals Keep Secret | SeaSpiration Madeline Hughes. Could not finish the loop because all the river crossing points were flooded. This is primarily a nudist area, so do be prepared to see naked people. Official MapQuest website, find driving directions, maps, live traffic updates and road conditions. Big Rock Hole USA / California . Many paths lead down to the river; all are steep and some require bushwhacking. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 11 min to complete. Explore. Leonardo Daniel Morales Martinez/Google. There were some large trees over the trail, so some parts were super confusing by the river crossing. Big Rock Hole, Redwood Grove, Ox Trail Path Loop - AllTrails.com Big Rock Hole Trail Topo Map in Santa Cruz County, California People of all ages gather here with beach towels and lawn chairs. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Refreshing. A rope swing tied to a tree lets people practice their flips and cannonballs, and a large rock to the left provides a warm place to dry off. The state parks are public and open to all, but please don't come here thinking this is great place to drink beer, smoke weed, and party. FYI, a medivac helicopter out of there costs about $30,000 & it happens more than you would think. Could not finish the loop because all the river crossing points were flooded. Directions: From Santa Cruz drive 3 miles up Highway 9 and park in the small lot near two metal gates. 5. Got stuck in the dark. I live about a mile from the park and serve as a volunteer. Lately, I've had to spend hours cleaning graffiti from rocks and trees. I was afraid about going in, says Otto. I wouldn't have been able to cross over it without the help of my husband. Under pursuit, the hero scrambled up the rock to safety, while the villain slipped and fell. One looks out over the river, making the decision on whether to jump. 4 hr Ticket $22.00. The San Lorenzo river is NOT cross able. To get to both spots, park in the roadside pulloff along Highway 9 just below Toll House Resort, 1.2 miles south of the entrance to Henry Cowell State Park. San Lorenzo water level higher in 2023. Take your pick. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Latitude: 37.0152271N There's some great local crags that are . P.O. Dont confuse the two. This was my 35th hike using All Trails and this was the first time getting lost using the downloaded map. Other than that it was great. Twilight times begin at 3:00pm April thru Oct., 1:30 pm for Player's Card members. 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. Read more Log in So worth it though! Category: Trail, Santa Cruz County Cliffs (3) Many of the established climbing spots were bolted then abandoned in the 80's and 90's. The riverbed granite is solid in quality, often shaded, and always mossy. Part of my work is picking up trash at Garden of Eden. When coming out to the river from Big rock hole trail, keep right and cross the river to the dry median. great, rigorous hike. We decided to take a different (difficult) shortcut to a more secluded area. Santa Cruz County Trails (41). Gorgeous hike. Great golf course with affordable prices. Big Rock Hole, Redwood Grove, Ox Trail Path Loop. Ox trails is an old railroad line along the highway not as pristine as a real trail. Contact Us. Archived. 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! It's just not set up for that. 70. Gorgeous hike. Garden of Eden | Santa Cruz Drive 7.5 miles up Highway 9 and look for it on the right. For more information visit http://www.slvswimcenter.com, recreation San Lorenzo River Summer Guide 2012, Restaurants / And up the stairs by the parking lot is a grass lawn with a barbecue where reservations can be made at 831.338.4144. Who says theres nothing to do in the Valley? 3 hr Ticket $17.00. Walk downhill past the gate, cross the railroad tracks and descend down Rincon Fire Road. 4 comments. santa cruz mountains. (Yes, theres a dive bar in Ben Lomond. I was Trail running and went probably further than I should have, river is really rushing and super powerful! Looks like they really want to keep this one secret. Beautiful hike! The trail gets a little lost near the river crossings so it was helpful to use AllTrails map as a guide. Yes! Swimming Holes . This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. Powder Mill, Pine, Ridge Fire Road and Pipeline Road Loop, Spring Trail: Paradise Park to Kalkar Quarry, Prairie Trail, Rincon Trail, and Spring Trail Loop, Wilder Ranch Downhill: Eucalyptus to Twin Oaks, Lower Meadow, Brayshaw, Fern, Spring Box and Prairie Trail, Felix the Cat, Chinquapin, Pipe Dream and Magic Carpet Loop, Twin Gates Loop: Meadown Trail, Felix the Cat, Pipe Dream, Geoffs Trail, Ricks Ridge, Airborne, Hillbilly, Lower Pipedream, Chupacabra, Loop. 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. This was my 35th hike using All Trails and this was the first time getting lost using the downloaded map. We used the direction I found on the wiki page for big rock hole but still no help. 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. Longest continually running twilight league in the Monterey Bay. Oregon Creek Swimming Hole, Middle Fork Yuba River. The hike wasnt a loop; it was out and back. santa cruz swimming hole - Colatam Shark Fin Cove is one of the best secret beaches in Santa Cruz because it doesn't get overrun by many people. Nestled against the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Spring Hills offers a peaceful & picturesque country setting with ideal weather. Are there any secret swimming holes in Northern California? The Garden of Eden, just off Route 9 in the Henry Cowell Redwoods is one of them. But this swimming hole has your back. There were some large trees over the trail, so some parts were super confusing by the river crossing. © Copyright 2023 See/Swim. The trail gets a little lost near the river crossings so it was helpful to use AllTrails map as a guide. The route can be difficult to follow, and travels on a series of trails that create the loop. But at dusk and dawn, the site feels almost sacred. LocalWiki is a grassroots effort to collect, share and open the worlds local knowledge. Wasnt able to cross the river to complete route so I doubled my mileage! Terms of Use and Privacy. Take Highway 9 north from its intersection with Highway 1 in Santa Cruz. Its important to remind everyone what theyre missing. Located in the St. Croix Valley, Big Rock Creek offers nearly 1,000 acres of extraordinary panoramic view of gorgeous countryside, invoking the feeling of style and unsurpassed opulence. Definitely will be back. Most of trail is on a railroad track. Longitude: -122.0527416W Santa Cruz Swimming Home - TeamUnify I wouldn't have been able to cross over it without the help of my husband. From the parking lot for Highway 9s Rincon Trail, descend a half-mile fire road through second-growth redwoods, then wade across the river and traverse the sandy island through long-hanging willow and alder trees. Head out on this 4.5-mile loop trail near Santa Cruz, California. Managed to find our way, got wet ha. To find the bridge and dam, instead turn onto East Lomond Street. Had to turn all the way back around. One of the most accessible soaking spots in the county, Highlands has water not quite deep enough to swim init comes to about waist-level, but its plenty good for wading and splashing around. The fault is no longer active; experts estimate that most of its movement occurred more than 5.9 million years ago. Highly recommend this hike, will definitely be bringing my girlfriend up here the next chance I get. This quiet 10 mile hike features a winding creek and tall redwoods throughout the trail. When you reach the site of the abandoned Diversion Dam, its time to jump in! Trail not a loop. Jumping from rocks NOT allowed. Garden of Eden swimming hole: Social media brings problems to Santa Cruz Mountains oasis Dear god please for own safety just dont it. Big Rock Hole Trail is covered by the Felton, CA US Topo Map quadrant. Deep in a green vale, this spot is blessed with giant granite boulders, wedges of beach and gurgling rapids. Dear god please for own safety just dont it. Recommend clock wise, makes Big Rock Hole a reward. Are there any short and sweet trails that lead to a swimming hole in Northern California? A swimming hole on the San Lorenzo River in the middle of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Was difficult to cross the creek. Weve included a few more swimming holes you need to add to that bucket list of yours. 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). You'll need to leave pups at home dogs aren't allowed on this trail. Map and location information for Big Rock Hole Trail in California: Big Rock Hole Trail is one of the Trail in Santa Cruz County, CA and can be found on the Felton USGS topographic quad map. Junction Park is at the intersection of Middleton and Railroad Avenues. Alongside the river is a sandy, sunny beach with shaded forested areas on either side. Can get crowded on weekends with people enjoying themselves, but still a wonderful spot that involves an adventure to reach. Go 16.3 miles up Hwy 49 past Nevada City. Really fun and beautiful. Map and location information for Big Rock Hole Trail in California: Big Rock Hole Trail is one of the Trail in Santa Cruz County, CA and can be found on the Felton USGS topographic quad map. For greatest solitude, visit in mornings, evenings or weekdays. Swimming Holes - Robots There was just the one river crossing and we used sandals which a challenge when crossing with so many rocks. Big Rock Hole Topo Map in Santa Cruz County, California Gods speed. The left is only about 100 ft after the pavement ends. Or travel downstream just a hundred yards or so to another special spot, where waters run deep; park by the bridge and climb down to a small concrete dam. Anyone who recalls the rowdy days of the Trout Farm Inns pool and patio should consult the restaurants updated rules, listed on its website: no foul language or running at the pool; and no getting trashed either. The mountain spring water stays pretty cool year-round, making it the perfect destination on a hot Santa Cruz Mountains summer day. Otherwise nice scenery pleasant hike. Wasnt able to cross the river to complete route so I doubled my mileage! Can be relaxing but prepare for blasting music and loud drunk people unless you hike far away from the popular spot. Love Northern Cal? 5 hr ticket $27.00. I was Trail running and went probably further than I should have, river is really rushing and super powerful! We eventually came to big rock swimming hole but could not find the trail again after crossing even with the downloaded map feature. Kudos to the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District, which manages this splendid site. For easier spots, simply follow Rincon Trail when it turns left and parallels the river. Be prepared for 1-2 ft water crossing. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Do not recommend. Little tricky over there but AllTrails was pretty accurate. There are varying fees depending on if you enter by vehicle, motorcycle, foot, horse, or bike. There are many aerial adventures that can be chosen, from obstacle courses to zip lining, or both! If you know where Candy Rock is then you can find Blue Streak. Definitely going to go back here. Managed to find our way, got wet ha. Do not recommend. hide. There is a small beach area too There is also a rope swing. Go over rocks and rivers. Trail is similar to Pine Hills Nature and Shades. Ranch Home Clubhouse Built in 1911, Challenging & Fun Course Layout We went off trail several times and added an extra couple of hours. Attractions / And even at its chilliest, the water is never as cold as the ocean is around these parts. And it isnt the warmest spot, either, on account of the cliffs and tall trees shielding the sun and the rest of the world, too. There are smooth granite slabs to throw out your towel, or enjoy a few cannonballs from some jutted out rocks. Turn right at Middleton Ave. Drive 250 feet until you come to a sharp right-hand bend in the street and a parking lot. Went clockwise and the first 3/4 of the trail is easy since youre mostly on the tracks but then we got lost when it was time to make the big water crossing and again after that because theres no clear trail. Known by the locals, this is the place to be when the summer heat starts to drive you crazy. There is a swimming hole in El Dorado County with the same name. Ben Lomonds shrimp-sized aquatic center offers swim lessons, pool rentals and public swim three mornings a week. Eventually youll see a big a rock that says Nudist Area ahead. Nightlife / Two girls climb up the rocks at Big Rock Swimming Hole with their mother. So me and my friends tried to find big rock hole but we couldn't find it. See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel. Fun adventure at least even if I didn't do the loop I was trying to. This is a popular spot, and even though it was cool and cloudy during our visit, the parking lot was full. Most of the trail is dirt, though the end becomes very sandy. great, rigorous hike. Take Ox Trail down the hill to the railroad tracks. Follow it for 1.4 miles. You might want to bring a headlight and lifejacket just to be on the safe side. It's a very steep walk down a dirt path to Santa Cruz's most famous swimming hole, but the descent pays off when swimmers reach the rocky beach deep in the towering forest of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. And if you are caught by the rangers defacing anything in the state parks, you will be cited. Starting at the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, follow the trail until it connects withthe Pipeline Road Trail and continue on Pipeline Road. Our course will be abiding by all "Social Distancing" protocols including a thorough list of sanitizing practices. Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP. Hole In The Wall Beach, Santa Cruz. Hopefully it opens back up soon! On sunny days, views from the campground allow you to see all the way to Monterey. Its easy to find: After entering Boulder Creek, turn at the fire station.