REGISTRATION OPEN!

Cost:

$495  |  $100 non-refundable deposit

Personal  gear (tent, mat, chair, headlamp) available to rent for additional fee. 

Trip Details

Just over the hill from Silicon Valley lies a majestic redwood forest tucked away in a serene canyon in the Santa Cruz Mountains, ready for us to explore. Portola Redwood State Park park offers a tranquil environment in a lush forest of towering coast redwoods, moss-covered trees, and vibrant ferns. The park is known for its peaceful and less-crowded atmosphere compared to other redwood parks, which makes it a great place for a quiet nature retreat.  There are ~ 18 miles of hiking trails that wind through its redwood canyons, ridges, and creekside forests.

The Hike

Our big day hike will be to Peters Creek Grove, a large group of ancient old-growth coast redwoods deep in the park’s canyon. It’s one of the most impressive redwood groves in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with some trees over 200 feet tall and massive trunks.  

• Distance: ~11.5 mi round-trip

• Elevation Gain: ~1,800–2,500 ft

• Time: ~6–7 hrs

• Difficulty: Strenuous/hard

This hike isn’t just about getting to the grove, it is the experience of walking through varied forest and canyon terrain. When you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a lush, quiet stand of ancient redwoods along Peters Creek that many Bay Area hikers consider one of the best old-growth experiences south of Humboldt County.

What to Expect

On this trip, you can expect to connect with other outdoors-loving women while enjoying gourmet camp meals, learning Leave No Trace principles, spending meaningful time in nature, taking on a challenging hike, and exploring wellness practices like yoga and forest bathing.

Our Food

We’re passionate about great food and strive to bring a gourmet touch to our trips! Our meals focus on organic, locally sourced produce, with very limited packaged items and no unnecessary preservatives. Most dietary needs can be accommodated (gluten-free and vegan included). We prioritize bold, satisfying flavors, women’s health–focused nourishment, and protein-rich meals that fuel both adventure and enjoyment. Outside of meal time, we provide a variety of fruits and snacks to keep you going throughout the day. You won't go hungry!

Campground Amenities

Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, nature center and store.

Carpooling

We suggest carpooling when possible and are happy to help coordinate.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome 
We’ll gather at our campsite after 3:00 pm. Once everyone has arrived and has set up their tents, we’ll ease into the weekend with appetizers and dinner. As the evening unfolds, we’ll enjoy a gentle walk, followed by tea and dessert around the campfire (weather permitting), soaking in the night sky.

Day 2 – Big Hike & Nature Time
We’ll wake to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in camp (if you drink tea, we got you). After a morning stretch and breakfast, we’ll prepare for our day hike: fill water bottles, distribute snacks, pack a picnic lunch and review weather and trails. The majority of Day 2 will be spent on the trail on our Big Hike. Back in camp that afternoon will be our optional yoga and forest bathing session in our campsite. In the evening, we’ll enjoy appetizers, dinner and repeat our cozy nighttime rituals under the stars.

Day 3 – Gentle Morning & Farewell
We’ll repeat our morning activities followed by an optional morning hike after we're packed up and ready to head home, refreshed and grounded.

Making a Difference

We’re proud to donate 10% of proceeds from this retreat to Sempervirens Fund who have been protecting redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains since 1900. By joining us, you’re not only treating yourself to an unforgettable outdoor experience - you’re also helping create lasting impact. Let’s adventure with purpose! 

The Redwoods  

Spending time in redwood forests has been shown to lower cortisol levels, reduce blood pressure, and enhance mood...benefits linked to the calming effects of phytoncides and the sensory immersion of nature.  Forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku, has been shown to enhance mental clarity, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boost immune function by encouraging mindful, sensory engagement with the natural environment.  

The Guides

Led by She Hikes Too founders, we're passionate about the outdoors and women's wellness. Our mission is to empower women to discover their own adventure while ensuring your safety and fun in the outdoors.

Payment Schedule

$100 deposit per person is required to secure your booking. Deposits are non-refundable. The final payment is due 15 days prior to the start of the trip. Each booking will be finalized once required forms and payments are received.  

Cancellation & Refund Policy

She Hikes Too reserves the right to cancel a trip if the number of sign-ups is insufficient to make it financially feasible for us to operate, or due to unforeseen circumstances (such as extreme weather, fire, smoke, road or wilderness closure). In the event She Hikes Too cancels a trip;  you will receive a full refund.  She Hikes Too is not responsible for  additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip, e.g.  transportation costs, gear, etc. If you cancel more than 7 days of the trip start date, all but $100 (security deposit) will be refunded.  If you cancel within 7 days of the trip start date, there is no refund.

We understand that certain circumstances such as death of a family member, change in health status, exposure to COVID-19, or loss of employment happen, and we may make exceptions to our refund policies on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you have a unique circumstance  and would like to discuss your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're planning to register for a trip, please take a moment to review the FAQs on our website! There's a lot of helpful content there that could impact your plans, so be sure to check it out before completing your registration. Thank you!

Trip Registration

We’re excited to be partnering with WeTravel for our booking and payment system for this trip. Once you sign up, you’ll receive a confirmation email via the WeTravel platform. She Hikes Too will then reach out with detailed information about your adventure.

Led by She Hikes Too founders, we're passionate about the outdoors and women's

wellness.  Whether it's hiking, yoga, leave no trace or forest bathing, we've got  you covered. Our mission is to empower women to discover their own  adventure while ensuring your safety and fun in the outdoors.