Alder Trail Camp

Welcome to Alder Trail Camp, a rustic and essential stopover for adventurers exploring the breathtaking Santa Cruz Mountains in California. Located on Skyline-To-The-Sea Trail Rd near Davenport, CA 95017, USA, Alder Trail Camp serves as a key primitive campground for those undertaking the iconic Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. It's a place designed for the self-sufficient backpacker and cyclist, offering a no-frills experience that truly connects you with the natural environment. Less than two miles from the stunning California coast, it provides a convenient resting point that feels wonderfully secluded, despite its relative accessibility.

Alder Trail Camp is not your typical drive-in campground with extensive amenities. Instead, it embodies the spirit of backcountry camping, prioritizing a minimalist approach that allows nature to take center stage. While some aspects, such as campsite spacing and dusty conditions, are noted in reviews, its core purpose as a trail camp is well-served. It's a testament to the beauty of California's state park system, offering a vital link for those embarking on multi-day treks or bike tours. For locals seeking an authentic outdoor experience, away from the crowds and conveniences of modern life, Alder Trail Camp provides a valuable opportunity to embrace the simplicity and grandeur of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Alder Trail Camp is uniquely situated on Skyline-To-The-Sea Trail Rd, in the vicinity of Davenport, CA 95017, USA. Its precise location is within Big Basin Redwoods State Park, specifically in the coastal region less than two miles inland from Waddell Beach. This positioning makes it a crucial stop for hikers and bikers traversing the famous Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, which stretches from the Santa Cruz Mountains ridge to the Pacific Ocean.

Accessibility to Alder Trail Camp is primarily by foot or bicycle. There is no direct vehicle access to the campsites themselves. Campers often utilize Alder Trail Camp as a final overnight stop when completing the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, starting from higher elevations. Alternatively, it can be accessed by parking in a designated lot near the coast (off Highway 1) and then hiking or biking in. This trailhead offers a shorter, less strenuous approach from the coastal side. Visitors should be aware that the access from Highway 1 to the parking lot may involve opening and closing a gate. The journey along the trail to the camp itself is scenic, passing through varied terrain that showcases the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains. While feeling remote, its proximity to Highway 1 and the town of Davenport (within a 20-minute drive from major access points to the park) means that essential supplies or emergency services are not impossibly far, striking a good balance for a backcountry site. The camp's location along Waddell Creek also provides easy access to the water, a refreshing amenity for weary travelers.

Alder Trail Camp provides a set of basic, primitive services tailored to the needs of hike-in and bike-in campers. It focuses on essential amenities, encouraging self-sufficiency and a minimalist approach to camping.

• Backcountry Campsites: Alder Trail Camp offers 6 primitive hike-in or bike-in backcountry campsites. Each site is designed to accommodate up to 6 people.
• Pit Toilet: A pit toilet (also known as a vault toilet) is available on-site, providing a basic sanitation facility. Reviews suggest it is a "nice new one." These facilities are typically available from May 1st to October 31st.
• Trash Cans: Trash receptacles are provided, allowing campers to dispose of their waste responsibly. Like the toilets, these are generally available seasonally.
• Bear Boxes: Individual bear boxes are available at campsites. These are crucial for safe food storage, protecting your provisions from local wildlife.
• Creek Access: Waddell Creek runs along the campground, offering easy access to water. However, it is vital to note that this is non-potable water and must be filtered and treated before consumption. Campers are strongly advised to pack in their own drinking water.

It is important to emphasize what is NOT offered at Alder Trail Camp:

• No Drinking Water: Potable water is not available, so campers must bring all their own drinking water or be prepared to filter/purify water from the creek.
• No Campfires: Fires are strictly not allowed at Alder Trail Camp, due to the high fire risk in the region. Campers should plan for cold meals or bring a stove that doesn't require open flames.
• No Picnic Tables: There are no picnic tables provided at the campsites. Campers should be prepared with their own seating and surfaces for meals.
• No Cell Service: As a remote trail camp, expect little to no cell phone signal, contributing to the "getting away from it all" experience.

Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out everything they pack in (especially outside the May-October season when trash cans might not be available).

Alder Trail Camp, despite its primitive nature, offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for specific types of outdoor enthusiasts in California.

• Strategic Trail Location: Its position directly on the iconic Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail makes it an indispensable overnight stop for multi-day backpackers and cyclists exploring the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• Proximity to the Coast: Being less than two miles from Waddell Beach, campers are just a short walk or bike ride from the Pacific Ocean, allowing for coastal exploration as part of their trip.
• Stargazing Opportunities: A notable highlight is the clearing between several sites where "stargazing is very possible on clear nights." This offers a stunning natural spectacle away from city light pollution.
• Creekside Ambiance: Waddell Creek running along the campground provides a soothing natural soundtrack and easy access to fresh (though non-potable) water, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
• Bear Protection: The availability of bear boxes at each site is a crucial safety feature, allowing campers to securely store food and deter wildlife.
• Primitive Immersion: For those who truly wish to disconnect and embrace a "back-to-basics" camping experience, Alder Trail Camp offers exactly that – a focus on essential needs and immersion in nature.
• Accessibility from Highway 1: The option to hike or bike in from a parking lot near Highway 1 provides a more manageable approach for those not undertaking the entire Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail from the beginning.

While reviews mention that some sites are close together and lack privacy, and dusty conditions can be an issue in dry weather, these aspects are often part of the trade-off for a backcountry trail camp experience. The close proximity of Twin Redwoods campground, which some find more private, offers an alternative for comparison for repeat visitors to the area.

Alder Trail Camp is part of the Santa Cruz Mountains Backcountry Trail Camps system, which falls under the management of California State Parks. Therefore, direct contact information for the individual camp itself is generally channeled through the broader State Parks system or the specific Big Basin Redwoods State Park administration.

Address: Skyline-To-The-Sea Trail Rd, Davenport, CA 95017, USA

Primary Contact Phone for Santa Cruz Mountains Backcountry Trail Camps Reservations:

Phone: (831) 338-8861

Mobile Phone: +1 831-338-8861 (This is the same number, often used for reservations and inquiries for the entire trail camp system).

Reservations for Alder Trail Camp are required and can typically be made online through the California State Parks website or specific booking portals for the Santa Cruz Mountains Backcountry Trail Camps. Reservations can often be made up to 60 days in advance. It's crucial to confirm availability and book your spot, as walk-ins are not permitted for these primitive trail camps.

For general inquiries about Big Basin Redwoods State Park (which contains Alder Trail Camp) or for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, closures, or fire restrictions, you can also check the California State Parks official website (parks.ca.gov) or call their main information lines. Given the primitive nature and lack of cell service at the camp, it is highly recommended to confirm all details, carry physical maps, and prepare thoroughly before your trip.

For Californians, especially those living in the Bay Area and Central Coast, Alder Trail Camp offers a uniquely suitable and accessible backcountry experience. It's a quintessential example of the primitive camping opportunities available within a relatively short distance from urban centers, allowing locals to fully immerse themselves in nature without embarking on an extensive journey. Its role as a vital stop on the renowned Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail makes it an excellent choice for local hikers and cyclists looking to complete a multi-day trek or simply enjoy a challenging overnight trip.

The camp's "no-frills" approach, including the absence of potable water and fires, encourages self-reliance and a deeper connection with the natural environment. This aligns perfectly with the adventurous spirit of many California outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate minimalism and a true escape from modern conveniences. The stunning proximity to the Pacific Ocean, less than two miles away, provides a unique coastal element to the redwood forest experience, offering beautiful beach access and the refreshing sea air.

Despite some sites being close together, the overall atmosphere is one of tranquility and natural beauty, particularly enhanced by the clear skies perfect for stargazing. For locals seeking an affordable, challenging yet rewarding, and deeply immersive camping experience in the iconic Santa Cruz Mountains, Alder Trail Camp stands as an excellent choice. It’s a place where the journey itself is part of the adventure, and the rewards are found in the simplicity, the stars, and the towering redwoods that define California's natural heritage.

Alder Trail Camp

Skyline-To-The-Sea Trail Rd, Davenport, CA 95017, USA