0.0 mi: Start out on the Skyline Trail. The trail will climb for a bit and then flatten out.
1.1 mi: Stay left on the "Pedestrians Only" trail.
1.5 mi: (EASY TO MISS) The Skyline Trail will run near the shoulder of Skyline Blvd and intersect a driveway. At this point, cross over Skyline Blvd and get on the Loghry Woods Trail. (Note: It is very hard to see the Loghry Woods Trail, but you can tell when to cross because this is the first time that the Skyline trail runs along the shoulder of Skyline Blvd.) The Loghry Woods Trail is a fun singletrack descent.
3.3 mi: Loghry Woods Trail ends on the Service Road Trail. Turn right toward the campground.
3.4 mi: (WATER) At the Castle Rock Trail Camp. Get water if needed, then continue along the Service Road. Veer left slightly to stay on the road, and then turn right onto the first singletrack, which is the Saratoga Gap Trail. After climbing down a rocky section you will pass a few small trails on your left, but stay right to head toward the Ridge Trail.
3.5 mi: Veer left to get on the Ridge Trail. You will climb for a mile or so.
4.3 mi: Pass the Connector Trail on your right. Stay on the Ridge Trail.
4.6 mi: Keep right to continue on the Ridge Trail toward Goat Rock.
4.8 mi: At Goat Rock. Say 'hi' to the rock climbers, then continue down the steps on the Ridge Trail.
5.3 mi: Intersection with the Saratoga Gap Trail. Cross the stream and make a hard right turn onto the Saratoga Gap Trail.
5.4 mi: At the falls overlook. Stop, admire the falls, then continue on Saratoga Gap Trail for two miles. You will pass the Connector Trail on your right, and then get ready for some great views! You will also pass a section where a cable has been installed as a handhold because the trail is narrow and tricky.
7.3 mi: Intersection with the Ridge Trail. Stay left to continue back towards the Castle Rock Trail Camp.
7.4 mi: (WATER) Back at Castle Rock Trail Camp. Get water if needed, then start heading downhill on the Saratoga Gap Trail towards Saratoga Gap (this is a wide fire road). After crossing a bridge, keep an eye out on your left for Travertine Springs Trail.
8.1 mi: Turn left onto Travertine Springs Trail. This trail is a great singletrack that first descends to the San Lorenzo Creek and then climbs back up to Saratoga Toll Road with spectacular views along the way. (Interesting factoid: The tiny San Lorenzo Creek turns into the big San Lorenzo River which flows through Felton and finally empties into the ocean in Santa Cruz.)
10.2 mi: Travertine Springs Trail ends. Turn right onto the historic Saratoga Toll Road and start climbing! You will climb for about three miles.
12.6 mi: Pass Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail on your left. Continue climbing on the Saratoga Toll Road towards Saratoga Gap.
12.9 mi: Saratoga Toll Road Trail ends at Highway 9. Turn right and run along the shoulder to get back to the parking lot.
Course 5:
Skyline --> Logrywood --> Castle Rock Trail Camp --> Travertine Springs Trail --> Saratoga Toll Road Trail : (13Mi, 2300ft)