Secret Hiking Spots

Last weekend while deciding whether to go downtown for the umpteenth time or troll around campus, my friends chose a new activity to occupy the day: take a hike. UC Santa Cruz is like an epic scavenger hunt filled with secret spots and natural wonders. We have Narnia in our backyard and (what every college student likes to hear) it’s free! The trick is hunting down these hidden locations. You might be lucky to find them on your own or by making friends with one of the upper classmen. If you are a UCSC veteran reading this you might fear the unveiling of these sacred spots but don’t worry I promise not to include a map. Everyone should get a chance to at least visit five of these sites before graduating. These are some of the few I have either explored or heard through the grapevine.

1. Pogonip – A natural reserve literally named “icy fog” that hugs campus. Adjacent to Stevenson college, getting there is pretty simple. Keep going until you hit a mountain road, cross it and try to continue down the slope. Once you hit the dirt road, follow it until the trees open up to a meadow. [It’s an easy hike mostly downhill. The main people you will run into are old couples and dog walkers.] You know you have tapped into the magic of Pogonip when you suddenly have the urge to frolic. Go ahead and frolic. Drop your nap sack and have a few minutes of pure joy. The meadow overlooks the Santa Cruz harbor and if it’s a nice day out you can spot white dots of sail boats. Embrace your inner child and run towards the ocean. Pogonip is truly invigorating but don’t lose your head. This is prime mountain lion, wild life area. So grab some friends with at least one of them who has been there before. Get drunk off the Santa Cruz blue skies but be sure to get back before dusk. Here are some of the nooks you could discover while trekking along:
2. Koi Pond –Similar to the one located within Porter college but a smaller, rustic one fed by a natural spring. The koi fish look more like guppies at the moment but that may be because the pond has been recently restocked. If you see prayer flags strung along the trees then you know you have arrived at these tranquil waters.
3. Grandmother and Grandfather tree – Think Grandmother Willow of Pocohontas. These massive oaks have been growing for hundreds of years. They are a located a couple hundred feet off the beaten trail but if you find them with a bunch of friends, take a few minutes to lie down on the leaves and gaze up at their greatness.
4. Garden of Eden – “Follow the railroad tracks.” This is a favorite amongst the backpacking club and the acid tripping hippies of the 60’s (http://www.facebook.com/groups/46633486551/?fref=ts). It is an ideal swimming hole. Just a day hike located within campus from the Stevenson fire road. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwkfrnTqvRE) Spring is the best time to explore the area. When you get there swim, splash around or sunbathe on a river rock in your birthday suit. Yes, clothing is optional at the Garden.
5. Upper Campus – A forested part of untouched wilderness. Located right above College 9/10 you could spend days exploring the vast meadows, streams and rivers. I also hear this is where the painted water tanks are located.
6. Wishing Tree – I have yet to go here but from what I have heard it is worth finding. Hidden somewhere in Upper Campus live a few trees with wishes attached to their branches. Students write down their wishes and give it to nature. Whatever you hope for, give it to the forest and it may come true.
7. Rock Garden – Located within the Arboretum are mounds of piled stones.
8. Porter Cave – I was shocked to hear how many students haven’t been to the cave! You will find the caves while traveling down a narrow trail on the right side of the Porter meadows. The trail borders the road. Once you see the graffiti under the bridge and a hole with a metal ladder going down to the pitch black darkness, you have hit the spot. The best part is going near the very end of the cave it morphs into more of a tunnel and crawling on all fours getting muddy in the process.

Slugs love the sweet outdoors. Have I missed any secret wonders? Leave comments below!