Weekend suggestions - ~3 hours from Santa Cruz -

Hey Folks,

I'm looking for a nice place to take the lady and pooch this weekend. Something no more than ~3 hours from Santa Cruz and preferably with some water nearby. Just wanting to get out of town and away from people. Hopefully, park and camp the truck where the average civic get to.

I'm rocking a mostly stock 2001 TRD with upgraded tires.

We're always respectful of the places we visit. Pack it in, pack it out and leave it nicer than we found it.

Thanks in advance!

 

From where you are you're around or below 3hrs from these spots.

Pinnacles, Big Sur, Big Basin, and Mt Madonna.

Though, if you leave in the evening or early morning, Yosemite is around 3h 30m

 

Lucia Lodge in Big Sur Area (South). 866-424-4787.

Rooms overlook the ocean. Place to eat that’s good. Recreation nearby. Or just chillax on the porch of your room.

 

Have you been to Prewitt Ridge near Big Sur?

https://www.google.com/maps/place/P...hUKEwjstO-9mPreAhUCGDQIHVJDDHMQ_BIwF3oECAIQCA

 

Hollister Hills OHV park isn't far from Santa Cruz, tons of trails from black diamond 4x4 to 2wd friendly.

Also check out the redwood parks in the Santa Cruz mountains...my wife and I got married at Big Basin this Sept., beautiful park

 

I apprichate the responce. I do need to explore the Mt. Madonna and Pinnacles area more. Any road or spot you mind sharing where I should start?

 

I absolutly love Prewitt Ridge, and hope to get down there soon!

 

There's also the Old Coast Road that starts near Bixby Bridge I think...goes for a few miles parallel to the PCH but it's all dirt. It's a pretty drive, doesn't last very long but worth the trek if you're out that way. It connects with the PCH again along Big Sur

 

Thanks for pointing that out. I just scoped it on Google maps and seems like a nice little drive, and off the beaten path.

 

I'm born & raised in SC guy--now in Campbell, CA--where did you end up going? Any good? I usually go to Los Padres, Death Valley, Etc.

 

It's not as "off the beaten path" as it once was. Sometimes, lots of partying happens there...