Thanks to the help of a trusted co-worker, I was able to wow a guest and myself with a relatively short day trip to this super scenic state park. It's near Aptos, so you can find things to do before and after in town, or in nearby towns, like Capitola.
The trail map you can get at the ranger station ($8/day parking pass) is pretty spotty, but a local "guide" was walking the trails and helped us stay on track. He also pointed out the trail down to the now felled "Advocate Tree". This was a priority on my list for the day.
The hiking is pretty up and down, with some challenges thrown in for good measure, like a stream crossing or two. (if for some reasons its rained a ton before you go, trails may be washed out).
Can you see the people below? These are big trees, Folks.
A short walk down to the Advocate Tree is worth it, hands down. This tree is HUGE and old too.
Basically all that brown is tree.
It's so big, there are portions of the trunk that a human can easily crawl/jump/stand in. It's very big.
If you feel up to it, you can also test your balance (and possibly cranium) with a long and high walk over this log. I did not make it all the way across, but I think I would like to try.
For sure put this state park on your list. Way cool. I'd go back any day.
