Forest Of Nisene Marks - Aptos

[malibu_adam]

Hey everyone! I am planning on taking a girl out to the Forest of Nisene Marks in Aptos on a first date... I have heard rumors that there is a certain path you can take to get you to a beach. I thought that would be pretty cool... anyone know of the trail or direction I should head for it?

Also, for those experienced at this park, I am considering the West Ridge Loop which I read is 7.9 miles; 3 hours; moderate to strenuous. Any idea HOW strenuous? I've done hikes such as Vernal Falls Mist Trail in Yosemite, while that was tiring when out of shape, it wasn't unbearable....

Thanks for any info or suggestions!!

This is what im going off of: http://santacruz.hilltromper.com/article/forest-nisene-marks

 

[mercurial]

Dunno about the path to the beach, but a 7.9 mile "strenuous" hike for a first date? Seems like a bit much, unless you have already verified that she is really into hiking. My advice is to look for something about half as long - round trip - that's flat, doesn't get you all sweaty, and allows you to easily haul along a picnic basket.

 

[malibu_adam]

^^ Good thoughts... She is pretty athletic though and enjoys hiking. =) But good points on the sweaty, I plan on maybe running into a waterfall and getting soaked haha. THANKS!

 

[elbacalao]

awkward date if she realizes she doesnt like you by mile 2. :laughing Have fun! My first date with an ex was a hike. That relationship lasted 6 years.

 

[Yakoo752]

Dunno about the path to the beach

I don't think there is one. There is a dirt road that runs out to Soquel which you can use to get to State Beach and cross 1

About 6 miles rd trip from the parking lot.

Here is their trail map

http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/666/files/TheForestNiseneMarksWebBroch2012.pdf

 

[Mabrouk]

There's no path to the beach at Nisene marks. I think you'd be better off going to Wilder Ranch if you want to go on a long hike and wind up at the beach.

 

[Mike95060]

There's no path to the beach at Nisene marks. I think you'd be better off going to Wilder Ranch if you want to go on a long hike and wind up at the beach.

^ That, and am I the only one who thinks, "very long walk in he the woods with someone I don't know so well" sounds like the perfect way to make a woman uncomfortable?

 

[nbean16]

Ive done first date hikes, I dont think its a bad idea.

 

[SteelerFanatic]

I don't think first date equals blind date. they could know each other for quite awhile and just had a flame ignite.

Good luck on the date!

 

[malibu_adam]

Thanks guys... yeah, we're not strangers. She actually plays on my coed soccer team (has for 5 seasons) so we know each other, and are friends... but I just recently let her know I am interested in her as more than a friend... =) she accepted my date invitation hiking...

 

[Ant]

He's gonna chop her up and bury her in woods.

Duh!

You guys are so clueless.

 

[m_asim]

He's gonna chop her up and bury her in woods.

Duh!

You guys are so clueless.

True dat!

OP, don't make the same mistake I did once - took her on a long ride not realizing she was scared out of her mind. Make the first date short and sweet.

 

[TerryM]

Beach is on the opposite side of Hwy 1 from Nisene Marks and most trails head the other direction up the hill. Still, it's shady and a nice hike. Rio Del Mar village and beach are just down the hill and pretty neat. Traffic can be bad depending on when you're going.

 

[aminalmutha]

Don't forget your shovel.