Hiking (PE 37)
Cabrillo College
Instructor: Phil Kaplan
Phone: 477-5201 Ext. 1529 (PE Office)
E-mail: kaplanvb@cruzio.com
Office: 1110B. One-half hour before the start of each class and by arrangement

Course Description
Hiking class is designed to be fun and challenging on terrain flat to moderately steep. Hikes typically average 6 to 8 miles on each outing. Students will experience many of the beautiful parks, trails, and forests of Santa Cruz County. Also covered will be safety rules, emergency procedures, history of the area, and basic flora and fauna. Attendance at the first class orientation meeting is mandatory and takes place in the gymnasium. All students will receive a letter grade unless special arrangements are approved by the instructor for a “Credit/No Credit” grade. Attendance and arriving on time for class will be considered an important part of a student’s grade. See handout provided for more information concerning grades. Hiking class can be taken four times for credit after which the class may be audited. It is the student’s responsibility to submit to the Admissions Office the necessary paperwork for adding and dropping a course; failure to do so results in students not being officially enrolled or having an “F” appear on their permanent record.

Requirements

Good footwear is required. Experienced hikers wear well broken-in boots. Running shoes will work, but some trails can be rough and boots offer better protection and traction. Some of our hikes may be slippery and muddy. Bring an umbrella if rain is forecast. A small back or fanny pack, layered clothing, light colored lightweight long pants, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lots of water and energy snacks are absolutely necessary. Smoking is not allowed on the trails we will be hiking. Children and dogs are not allowed to join us. We will be near poison oak on most hikes. Ticks, wasps and mosquitoes can also be a problem. Day Use or Parking Fees may apply at some of our hikes. Parking regulations are also strictly enforced at Cabrillo. The group will meet at 9:30 AM the day of the scheduled hike at the tennis courts at Cabrillo in Parking Lot K (south side of the gym), the middle of the parking lot at Cost Plus/World Market on River Street in Santa Cruz, or on Paul Sweet Road (next to Dominican Hospital) at the entrance to the Oakwood Memorial Cemetery. We depart soon after. If you are meeting the group at the hike site be sure to consult with me first. If you arrive late and miss the group’s departure, GO HOME! Absolutely no unaccompanied hikes as this is a safety issue. In the event of rain or other adverse conditions, the instructor will have a message on his office phone machine (477-5201 x1529) by 7:30 AM the day of the hike if it is cancelled or changed.

Special Circumstances
Students with disabilities, including "invisible" disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning, and psychological disabilities, are encouraged to make an appointment with the instructor to explain their needs and appropriate accommodations.

Planned Hikes:
Typical hikes throughout the year include: Seacliff Beach and Porter Sesnon, UC Santa Cruz, Pogonip, Henry Cowell, Moore Creek, Fall Creek, Nisene Marks, Wilder Ranch, Upper Arana Canyon, Paradise Park, Santa Cruz Circle Trail, DaLaveaga, Natural Bridges, Arana Gulch, Upper Cabrillo College, Quail Hollow, the Enchanted Forest, Medicine Buddha, the Byrne Forest and Elkhorn Slough.

Special Note: Extensive hiking resources along with Frequently Asked Questions and class photos can be found on my web site.

Be sure to read all course materials to avoid misunderstandings