Hike Pomponio's Cave Register

Date and Time:
Wed, Jul 30, 2025; 10:00 AM (Pacific)

Add to Calendar Hike Pomponio's Cave

Join us for a Sierra Club challenging 7.0-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,230 feet to one of the many hideouts of Pomponio.

Skyline Ridge OSP parking

Webinar URL:

37.3126072669,-122.1768604178 Kurt Leal kurt.leal@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org MM/DD/yyyy amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740

Organized By: Loma Prieta San Mateo Hiking

Location: Skyline Ridge OSP parking

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Kurt Leal
kurt.leal@lomaprieta.sierraclub.org
(831) 704-6855

Pomponio’s Cave

➤ Hike Description: Join us for a Sierra Club challenging 7.0-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,230 feet to one of the many hideouts of Pomponio and his rebel band. We'll learn about his defiance and legacy while enjoying beautiful redwood and oak forests, fire roads, and scenic overlooks. A portion of this hike is on an unmaintained trail, prepare for rugged terrain.

Jose Pomponio Lupugeym (1799-1824), known as Pomponio was a courageous leader who stood against the oppressive mission system. Supported by fellow mission Indians, he evaded capture for three years, embodying the spirit of defiance. Pomponio’s rebellion was influenced by Chief Marin and fueled by his loss and questioning of Spanish authority. Despite his resourcefulness, his reliance on mission supplies led to his eventual capture and execution in 1824. Pomponio’s struggle echoes the resilience of the land’s earliest inhabitants, whose survival shaped its history.

We acknowledge the earliest inhabitants of North America, descendants of Siberian hunter-gatherers who arrived around 21,000-23,000 years ago, as evidenced by White Sands footprints. These Paleo-Indians migrated via coastal routes or an ice-free corridor, adapting as nomads who hunted megafauna like mammoths with stone tools. Their presence coincided with megafauna extinctions, possibly due to hunting or climate shifts, laying the foundation for the diverse populations that followed.

After the hike you are invited to unwind and share stories at our optional tailgate potluck. Join fellow hikers at the shaded area next to the parking lot, where we'll celebrate our accomplishment with good food and great company. Bring your appetite and trail tales.

➤ Route from Skyline Ridge parking lot (miles):

Sunny Jim Trail 0.1
Horseshoe Loop Trail 0.3
Fir Knoll Trail 0.5
Tree Farm Trail 0.7
Chestnut Trail 1.5
Peter’s Creek Falls Trail (unmaintained) 0.8
Chestnut Trail 1.5
Tree Farm Trail 1.0
Horseshoe Loop Trail 0.5
Sunny Jim Trail 0.1

You can view and download the route map with elevation profile on:
GAIA or AllTrails

Online PDF Park maps at: Skyline Ridge and Long Ridge

➤ Restrooms: Vault toilet available at the trailhead. No water available.

➤ Exposure: 50% shaded (redwood/oak forest), 50% exposed (fire road/thin canopy). The weather forecast on Weather Underground.

➤ Cell Phone Coverage: Spotty cell phone coverage. Wi-Fi available at the Chestnut/Tree Farm trail junction.

➤ Carpools: Requesting a carpool in the comments is okay. Replies to the initial request should be through private message.

➤ Directions/Parking: We meet at the Skyline Ridge main parking. Parking is free. Arrive early to ensure enough time for parking and signing in prior to the 10:00 AM start time.

GPS: 37.312730, -122.176950

Google Maps

➤ Attendance: For safety, the Sierra Club requires a medical form, it’s kept confidential and ensures we’re prepared for emergencies. Bring this form with you. It can be downloaded from the Sierra Club website.

➤ Bring: Medical form completed. Lunch, water, good boots, a sit-upon for lunch, and poles if you use them, appetite for potluck if you’re staying.

➤ Park websites: Skyline Ridge – Long Ridge

➤ Safety: A briefing will be held before the hike. You hike at your own risk and are responsible for your own actions. There is a creek crossing and minor windfalls along the trail. The nearest EMS is located at CAL FIRE CZU Station #21, 5.1 miles south on CA-35.

These hikes are sponsored by the Sierra Club's Loma Prieta Chapter. We encourage you to join the Sierra Club if you are not a member. Click here to join.

For a complete schedule of events offered by Sierra Club's Loma Prieta Chapter, visit the online calendar or the San Mateo Hiking Section to download a six month schedule of outings.

RSVP Below

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Mobile Phone

Check to join Sierra Club's Mobile Action Network! Receive timely actions on your phone a few times a month.

By taking this action to protect the planet, you are affirming you want to receive regular Sierra Club communications and may vote on policy designated by the Sierra Club Board.