The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Olive Springs–Big Stump Gap Trail, 3 sights
14.9 mi · ▲ 2,997 ft · 6 hr 28 min
Olive Springs–Big Stump Gap Trail, 3 sights is a 14.9-mile out-and-back in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park near Monte Toyon, CA. The route reaches Olive Springs at the turnaround, 7.5 miles in. It climbs 2,997 ft, with sections as steep as 18% grade. It scores 71/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: backcountry feel.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Olive Springs–Big Stump Gap Trail, 3 sights
14.9 mi · ▲ 2,997 ft · 6 hr 28 min
Elevation 198–1,584 ft
Out & Back · The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Trailhead: Aptos Creek Road · 37.00621, -121.90721
Weather Aug 4: sunrise 6:16 AM · sunset 8:13 PM
Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start on West Ridge Trail, heading W.
- 4 miContinue straight onto Big Stump Gap Trail, heading N.
- 50 ftBear right onto West Ridge Trail, heading N.
- 1.3 miSharp left onto Hinckley Basin Fire Road, heading NE.
- 2.1 miReach Olive Springs, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 2.1 miSharp right onto West Ridge Trail, heading E.
- 1.3 miBear left onto Big Stump Gap Trail, heading S.
- 50 ftContinue straight onto West Ridge Trail, heading S.
- 4 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.4 mi in (~81 min). Leave by 6:32 PM for the 8:13 PM sunset. Back at your car by 9:29 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
Other ways to reach this destination
More from Aptos Creek Road Trailhead
- Aptos Creek Road 1.9 mi · ▲ 334 ft
- Aptos Creek Road 1.9 mi · ▲ 400 ft
- Aptos Creek Road 1.9 mi · ▲ 334 ft
- 6 mile trail loop 6.7 mi · ▲ 1,191 ft
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