Hike-in Hut

Sierra Club Hikers Hut

06.16.2015

One of the Santa Cruz Mountains' coziest overnight escapes is accessed by a 1.5-mile hike through towering redwoods and shaded fern canyons. The Ollie Mayer Hiker's Hut is an A-frame inspiration built by the Sierra Club in the '70s and today remains a Bay Area treasure. To reach it, walk the Towne Trail from Sam McDonald Park parking lot, admiring the rolling hills, and counting banana slugs. Soon enough, you're enjoying panoramic views from the top of Towne Ridge, with layers of mountains unfolding all the way to the ocean. The rustic yet comfortable cabin has a kitchen with a stove and microwave, and enough bed platforms to sleep larger groups—though you may prefer an intimate party of two. And yes, there are flush toilets. The large wooden deck makes a great hangout while the sun sets, and on warm summer nights people even sleep out on it. Get your Santa Cruz-zzzs.

Non–Sierra Club members: $30 per person Saturday only (1 night); $25 per person per night on Friday, Saturday, and holidays. $20 per person per night for Sunday through Thursday. Members pay $5 less. No dogs.

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