Santa Cruz: where the forest meets the sea. While the numerous beaches around Santa Cruz draw crowds of avid surfers, passionate sunbathers, and even the occasional furry friend for a walk, the area is also recognized for its gorgeous, expansive redwood forests.
North of the downtown, situated in the small neighborhood of Mount Hermon, is a highly-rated adventure park. An excellent attraction for daring kids, adults, and corporate groups for team-building workshops, read on to learn more about why this park makes for a great Santa Cruz area day trip!
Aerial Adventures: What Is It?
Sometimes referred to as “treetop trekking”, Mount Hermon Adventures is an aerial ropes/obstacle course and ziplining experience. But what exactly does that mean?
Still a relatively underground concept, this activity involves donning on a harness and helmet, and navigating various obstacles (often referred to as “games”) that require participants to use their strength, problem-solving skills, and balance to get across—at almost a hundred feet above the ground. Participants attach themselves onto steel cables (via carabiners and ropes) that run between trees, and must traverse the difficult environment, all while getting some killer views of the surrounding forest.
The obstacles typically increase in difficulty and height as you go, and often have many different ways to go about completing the challenge—which is part of the fun! Depending on the park, the course will sometimes end with a zipline to get down. Aerial adventure courses are popular with nature-lovers of (almost) all ages. It’s a bit of a workout combined with a fun game—but probably not a good option for those who are afraid of heights!
What Mount Hermon Adventures Offers
Mount Hermon Adventure Park is located just northeast of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, in the Mount Hermon community of Felton, California. They offer two experiences: Sequoia Aerial Adventures and Redwood Canopy Tours. The former is the aerial adventure, and the latter is a more laid-back, zipline-only activity.
Sequoia Aerial Adventures features two zip lines and forty obstacles at up to eighty feet in the air. The entire experience is two hours in length, and costs $90 per person on a weekday ($99 on Fridays and the weekend). This also includes a quick safety course and demonstration for all participants, and high-quality pictures can be purchased at the end of the adventure.
For those who are interested in an easier, more relaxed day, then the Redwood Canopy Tours may be more appealing. This includes six exciting zip lines that take you through the stunning scenery, as well as two suspension bridges. Participants will soar up to one hundred and fifty feet during their two-hour excursion. This experience is $120 per person on a weekday ($129 on Fridays and the weekend).
How To Prepare For Mount Hermon Adventures
Before you clip on and start climbing, there’s a few things that you should know. First, is that Mount Hermon Adventures (and by extension, all other parks just like this one!) have a few rules that you have to follow.
There are weight and age restrictions for participants. You must be ten years of age or older, and between 75 and 250 pounds to participate in either of these activities. For Sequoia Aerial Adventures, you must be 4’6” or taller in height, and for Redwood Canopy Tours, you must be 4'4" or taller in height.
Mount Hermon Adventures also advises that you arrive at least twenty minutes before your scheduled time slot in order to have everything ready and running smoothly. As well, all guests should be wearing closed-toe shoes, longer shorts or pants and—depending on the weather—waterproof clothing or a jacket.
In summers and on warmer days, prepare to sweat a little bit by the end! And although gloves aren’t required (the park has some available for purchase, too, if this is something you’re interested in), this might be a good thing to bring, especially for the aerial adventure. Fingerless gloves with grips are a good option to go for; they provide both protection and mobility.
Getting There
From downtown Santa Cruz, Mount Hermon Adventures is about a 15-minute drive north via Graham Hill Road. Aptos residents can take the Cabrillo Highway, and this drive is about 25 minutes. Those coming from Scotts Valley have only about a 10-minute trip.
For more information about Mount Hermon Adventures, including what else is permitted to bring and booking availability, visit their website here.
Searching for a home in the Felton or Santa Cruz area? With local knowledge and years of experience, Lauren Spencer can help. Click to get in touch today!
Posted by Lauren Spencer on
Leave A Comment