Join Alliance Française Silicon Valley for a refreshing summer hike through one of the hidden gems of the Santa Cruz Mountains: The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. This outing will be led by Thomas Célerier, and offers a great opportunity to enjoy nature while speaking French in good company. Located just minutes from the beachside town of Aptos, the park covers over 10,000 acres of second-growth redwood forest and offers peaceful, scenic trails for nature lovers of all kinds.
About the Forest:
Once clear-cut by logging companies in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the forest has made a remarkable recovery. It now features towering redwoods, lush ferns, maples, alders, and cool, shady ravines. A few old-growth redwoods still remain, especially along the Old Growth Loop. The park is also known for its fascinating geology, including visible fossil formations near Fossil Rock.
With elevations ranging from 100 to over 2,600 feet, the park includes a mix of dense forest and open meadows. Wildlife is abundant, and you may spot deer, banana slugs, and a variety of birds along the way.
What to Expect:
We’ll begin on the Aptos Rancho Trail, which offers a gentle start into the forest. Then we’ll loop through the Old Growth Loop to see some of the park’s oldest and tallest trees. From there, we’ll continue toward Fossil Rock, where layers of ancient marine fossils are embedded in sandstone. For those who wish, the final stretch towards Maple Falls, a beautiful 30-foot waterfall hidden deep in the redwoods.
The route includes moderate elevation changes, a mix of trail types, and plenty of scenic spots.
Details:
🗓 Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
🕘 Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Meeting Place: Parking lot of Safeway, 16 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003
🕤 Departure for Hike: 9:30 AM
🥾 Route: Aptos Rancho Trail → Old Growth Loop → Fossil Rock → Maple Falls
📏 Distance: Approximately 7 miles through forest and meadow areas
♿ Accessibility: Not recommended for those with limited mobility
🍽 Picnic: Bring your own lunch and join us after the walk for a relaxed outdoor picnic, potluck style; feel free to share something if you’d like.
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Water and weather-appropriate clothing
Personal picnic lunch
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