The California Northern Coast Trail is a five-day, five-night ride. Located just one hour south from San Francisco, along the undisturbed California Coast. Long before maps and diaries were inked on Spanish galleons, the indigenous people, the Ohlones, sang the name of this place: “Dancing on the brink of the world.” Your host and horses are located on site at your picturesque seaside inn which overlooks a spectacular stretch of rugged bluffs surrounded by endless acres of wilderness, rolling coastal hills and secluded beaches. This offers a great base camp for the first half of your horseback trail ride vacation. The final day of riding will cross through back country wilderness over to a charming turn of the century Inn for your last night in a coastal town that still retains its 19th century atmosphere.
Nearly 400 years ago, Spanish maritime explorer Sebastian Vizcaino described this part of the coast as “swarming with wild, large sea beast, including otters, seals and whales.” On land, his expedition found an abundance of deer, foxes, bobcats and grizzly bears. Except for the grizzlies, all these other species still roam the trails you will explore while enjoying the comfort of the Tennessee Walking horse's unique “running walk” and “rocking chair canter.” The long, smooth stride covers an amazing amount of ground without expending a lot of energy. The Tennessee Walking horse is known for its gentle disposition and affectionate manner and riding one of these gaited horses will spoil you for the rest of your life.
You will ride through wilderness areas that are accessible to few travelers. The ride will traverse coastal grassland, seasonal wildflower filled meadows and stands of Redwood trees. You will cross creeks and encounter wildlife ranging from herons, hawks to deer and possible sightings of coyote and bobcats with the spectacular Pacific Ocean as your backdrop view. You will have ample opportunity for canters over the rolling coastal hills. After a full day of riding you can experience under the stars the warmth and relaxation of the “California outdoor hot tub” to sooth the muscles.
Other sightseeing excursions include the coastal towns of Pescadero, Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz to sightsee and shop for handcrafted gifts. Take a tour of Harley Farms, a local organic goat farm that produces excellent goat cheese and where you can make your own cheese to take home with you, or visit the local Bonny Doon Winery in the coastal hills nearby.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity for an introduction ride. This is also dependent on the time of season - Spring (2pm)/Summer/Fall (4pm). You will begin your vacation with an introduction to your itinerary and then a short ride to introduce you to the trails, guides and the unique gait of the Tennessee Walking horse. Your ride will surrounded you by the scent of coastal sage and take you through canopies of overhanging pine trees and views overlooking the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean. Pigeon Point Lighthouse has watched over this rocky shore since 1872.
For dinner tonight, you will be joined by your guides for a welcoming dinner at some of the best local restaurants that feature classic northern California cuisine; such as Duarte's Tavern, a historic restaurant and bar in the scenic but sleepy town of Pescadero. The restaurant is one of the locals’ favorite for lunch and dinner with an old west ambiance, and is famous for their olalliberry pies, artichoke dishes and homemade jam, all made from produce grown in local coastal farms.
Day 2: The horses will be transported south to the Big Basin Redwood State Park trail head across from the Pacific Ocean at Wadel Beach. The state park is one of California's oldest state parks which was established in 1902 and it is home to the largest continuous stand of ancient coast redwoods south of San Francisco. It has more than 19,000 acres of semi-wilderness, including rare, virgin redwood forests some of which are over 1,500 years old with mixed conifer, oaks, chaparral, and riparian habitats. You will take a short loop up to Berry Creek Falls, a beautiful 70-foot waterfall considered one of the most beautiful in Northern California (bring your cameras). The trail takes you through a verdant, creek valley with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the smooth glide of the “running walk.” On the return you will enjoy a spectacular wide vista of the Pacific Ocean and Waddell Creek Beach. There is a nature center here called Rancho del Oso (“Ranch of the Bear”) and if you use your imagination you can picture grizzly bears at one time searching for food along the creek. Depending on the season, enjoy the warm amber afternoon glow of the day or a spectacular sunset over the ocean. After your exhilarating ride, finish up with a relaxing massage offered as part of this riding vacation package.
Day 3: The ride begins at the trail junction to Butano (pronounced “Boo-tano”) State Park. The area was home to loggers, farmers, and ranchers, and previously to Native Americans, who drifted down the West Coast from the Bering Strait. The Ohlone was the common tribe of Indians in these parts, and their preference was for open spaces, where they could find edible plants and game (deer) rather than the dark forest where food was scarce and where grizzly bears and predators hid. Along this gradual incline you can again experience the wonderful “rocking chair” canter of the Tennessee Walking Horse. You will stop for lunch at the top of the ridge and enjoy as your backdrop views of canyons, ridges and the Pacific Ocean and are able to take in views from the contrasting high ridges among dry manzanita and knobcone pines. You see an unforgettable picture of the densely wooded Santa Cruz Mountains before the sweeping Pacific Ocean. In early spring it is a unique experience to whale watch while on horseback as the Gray Whales swim off the coast on their 6,000 mile migration from the Arctic to Baja, California.
Day 4: Today’s ride schedule is dependent on the tide. The horses will be transported up the coast to a wide expanse of white sandy beach where you will be able to ride and canter along the Pacific Ocean and on the bluffs. Enjoy a picnic lunch with the sounds of the ocean in the background. If you have brought your own transportation, after your ride enjoy the town of Half Moon Bay which offers art and antiques shopping and dining or stop by the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay to enjoy either afternoon tea or stroll the lovely grounds overlooking the Ocean.
Day 5: At the end of your ride on the previous day, guides will offer you several trail riding options to choose from for your last day of riding; you may want to repeat a previous ride, or choose to ride a different trail. We are always looking for new and interesting trails to ride, so we decided to leave the last day ride open to offer you such an adventure. Possible choices may be a loop through a redwood forest where you can ride inland through areas with diverse micro climates and eco-systems featuring a network of hiking and equestrian trails through the hills and redwood forests along Pescadero Creek.
Another choice could be Wilder Ranch State Park: the park has 4,505 acres, with 34 miles of equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several restored buildings once belonging to the Wilder family are preserved. The site was originally the main rancho supplying Santa Cruz Mission. It later became a successful and innovative dairy ranch.
Another possibility could be trails near Memorial State Park: Fortunately, many of the areas in the park were saved from the logger's saws and were eventually acquired by the County in 1924. The park was memorialized for the men of San Mateo County who died in the First World War.
Day 6: After breakfast a fond farewell to the boys – “The Magnificent Walkers”.
2008 Dates: Sunday to Friday, April 13 to October 26.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,325 per person, sharing; $675 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 5 nights hotel/B&B accommodation
- 4 ½ days guided trail riding
- Breakfast each day
- 4 lunches
- First night’s dinner
- 50 minute massage
- Horse
- Tack
- Tax.
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