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Wild Recovery San Jose, California

November 17-19, 2006 Arroyo Seco Fall Retreat

The Place

        Arroyo Seco is geologically diverse, much like its sister, Pinnacles NM, due east. Portions of the Arroyo Seco River along the Gorge area become Class IV rapids for kayaking in the winter. The steep, narrow rock formations make for an unforgettable experience swimming down the river. The Ventana Wildreness borders the Big Sur area to the west and is home to a diverse population of wildlife, including many species of raptors and the California Condor.. 

Getting There

        DIRECTIONS: From San Jose take US 101 S. to Arroyo Seco Rd.(just past Soledad). Take Arroyo Seco Rd. all the way to the park entrance. Take the one-way road around the campgrounds until you come to the group site.

Drive Time 2 Hours - Parking $5 - Dogs allowed on leash

Camping is $10/person for Friday and Saturday night.

Walking the Walk

        Both hikes will begin from the Gorge Day-Use Parking Area.

        FRIDAY: (Level 2.5 - Miles: 4.1 - Elevation 1000')  We’ll hike the Santa Lucia Trail counter-clockwise from the Gorge Day-Use Area along Santa Lucia Creek, past the Old Adobe Ranger Station, and up to the falls near the junction with the South Fork Trail, where we’ll have our meeting. Afterwards, we’ll continue on the remaining portion of the S. L. Trail around the lake back to the campground. 

        SATURDAY: (Level 3 - Miles: 7.4 - Elevation 700') We’ll take the Gorge Trail to the Horse Bridge and on to the Horse Pasture Trail via the Marble Peak Trail. We’ll have our meeting where the Horse Pasture trail crosses Willow Creek. Afterwards, we’ll backtrack to several swimming holes (and possibly a 20’ waterfall) before returning to camp. Bring your swimming gear (or not—see below)!

Know Before You Go

Hazzards: Poison Oak, ticks, water crossings, and steep cliffs with loose soil.

Suggested Items to pack: INSECT REPELLANT, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, waterproof boots/shoes(opt.), quarters for showers, fishing gear

Note: Bathrooms are at the campgrounds only. Coin-operated showers available.  There are 2 well-stocked fishing lakes at the campground.

For the more adventurous: there are numerous waterfalls and swimming holes deeper into the Gorge that are accessible only by wading / swimming.

Parents (and the more modest): the deeper we go into Ventana Wilderness, the more “clothing optional” things become!

Drive Time 2 Hours - Parking $5 - Dogs allowed on leash

Camping is $10/person for Friday and Saturday night.