Santa Cruz County High Point Trip Report
Date: June 3, 2000
Author: Roy Wallen
The highpoint of Santa Cruz County is on private land which is open in November and December
as a Christmas tree farm. However, it is not posted at all and the land is open for access.
From the intersection of Big Basin Way (Route 9) and Skyline Boulevard (Route 35), go south
on Skyline Boulevard to the parking areas (on either side of the road) for Castle Rock State
Park and park.
On foot, continue south on Skyline Boulevard past the gated road on the right which leads into
the state park. At the second dirt road on the right, turn in (west) and ascend slightly to the fork.
Take the left fork up to an open area with the Mount Bielawski fire tower on the right and an
entrance to the tree farm and fenced-in communications equipment on the left.
Turn left past the gate (unlocked and unposted) and follow the dirt road (poorly defined)
around to the left and behind the communications equipment to an open area for parking.
The Mount McPherson bench mark is on the left (north) side of the parking area.