BMHS July 4th Skyline-to-the-Sea Second Section Hike Register

Date and Time:
Fri, Jul 4, 2025; 9:00 AM (Pacific)

Organized By: Loma Prieta Black Mntn Hiking

Location: Intersection of Highway 9 and 236

Map | Directions

Event Organizers:
Sharon Chuang
   sharonsierra@gmail.com
Diana Hall
   dianahall39@yahoo.com

(9.5 miles, 1250ft)

We will hike at a modest pace in this mostly shaded section of Skyline-to-the-Sea trail.  This is an out-and-back hike.

The iconic 30 miles Skyline-to-the-Sea trail starts from the Skyline at Saratoga Gap/Castle Rock, traverses through dense redwood forest mixed with oaks at Castle Rock State Park and Big Basin State Park and reaches the sea at Waddell Beach.   This 30-mile hike usually is done via 2 to 3 days of backpacking with Waterman Gap Camp at Castle Rock and Jay Camp at Big Basin State Park divided into 3 sections.

BMHS has done a series of day hikes to cover the entire 30 miles Skyline-to-the-Sea trail before the 2020 CZU fire damaged and closed much of Skyline-to-the-Sea trail and Big Basin State Park.  The second section from Waterman Gap to Big Basin headquarters recently reopened after the fire.  We will hike my favorite part of the entire route, the first half of the second section, from Waterman Gap trailhead at the intersection of Highway 9 and 236 to just before China Grade crossing.   The profile of Skyline-to-the-Sea trail hike and the beautiful pictures before the fire were very well documented by redwoodhikes.

This section was covered mostly by the dense redwood forest before the fire.  It is often shrouded in fog with fog drips.  We can still see it in the first 1.2 miles of this hike, which would give sharp contrast to the destruction of fire we will witness.  We will also see lots of amazing rebirth.  One can't stop wondering how those dense Ceanothus so quickly covered the ground giant firs and tan oaks used to stand. 

This is a back country hike. Please complete your medical form and carry with you (hikers will be asked to confirm this with the leader)

Meet 9 AM at the intersection Highway 9 and 236 (37.213015, -122.155914).  There is roadside parking along Highway 9, plus some at Old Mill Road just below it.

There is no restroom facility on this hike.

Signup Instructions:

1. Signup for this hike via Sierra Club site ONLY.  (Meetup site is for people to coordinate carpool amongst themselves only. Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.)
2. Please provide emergency contact name and phone number as well as your email and phone contact information when you signup.
3. Complete, print and bring with you the required medical form for this backcountry outing. You will show the leader that the form has been completed and then you will stow it in your own first aid kit with your privacy respected. In the event of a medical emergency, the form will be given to first responders, so include information that they should be aware of when providing you with emergency medical treatment.

Join our email list: If you would like to be on our email list to receive our hike announcement and cancellation notices, please sign up here,

Level: Moderate(2B)

Bring: medical form, a sit upon for lunch, sturdy hiking boots/shoes, 2L water, layered clothing, snacks, lunch, sun protection, basic first aid kit, hiking poles (optional)

Cancellation Policy: 85+F/steady rain/AQI >75

Level: Moderate(2B)