Las Trampas

01.05.10 - 11:25 am | Gary Hanauer |

(0)

Rating: C

Are you ready to moon the moon? Imagine walking nude on parkland in the East Bay Hills, with the trail silhouetted by a full moon and small herds of horses coming up to greet you: it's a scene that makes you feel like you're on Avatar's fictional planet Pandora, mingling with another species.

"It's absolutely surreal," says Jurek Zarzycki of Fremont. "The horses come within inches of you, so close you can feel their breath. It's like being on a moonscape with aliens. You may be a little afraid at first, but the horses are very friendly."

As part of a partnership between the Sequoians nudist park and the San Jose-based Bay Area Naturists, Hikers leave the Sequoians' property fully clothed at dusk and walk through meadows and up hills until the moon rises, before heading back down the slopes completely nude, with their clothes folded neatly into their backpacks. Some people walk partially nude, especially near the top of the main ridge used by the hikers where, says Zarzycki, "there can be very cold winds." San Leandro resident Dave Smith, who leads the naked treks, adds that "the coastal air just starts pouring over the hilltop. And the wind begins howling." Once on the peak, almost everyone dons a windbreaker.

Zarzycki suggests hikers bring good hiking shoes, a flashlight — though most of the time, the moon provides plenty of light — and bug spray. And don't forget baby carrots to give to the horses. "It's truly wonderful," says Smith. "We're usually the only ones on the path."

Zarzycki agrees. "It's one of the best experiences I've ever had. I pitched my tent right there at the Sequoians and then slept under the sky."

After the walk, most hikers shower at the Sequoians, then take a dip in the pool or hot tub.

Legal status:

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, where nudity is prohibited.

How to find it:

Contact the Sequoians Naturist Club at http://www.sequoians.com or BAN at http://www.bayareanaturists.org for details on how to join a walk. Participants usually meet at and return to the Sequoians, in Castro Valley. To get there, take Highway 580 east to the Crow Canyon Road exit. Or follow 580 west to the first Castro Valley offramp. Take Crow Canyon Road toward San Ramon .75 mile to Cull Canyon Road. Then follow Cull Canyon Road around 6.5 miles to the end of the paved road. Take the dirt road, on the right, until the "Y" in the road and keep left. Shortly thereafter, you'll see the Sequoians sign. Proceed ahead for about another .75 mile to the Sequoians front gate.

The crowd:

Expect five to 20 participants.

Problems:

Must go as part of a guided group and pay fee ($15 per couple, $10 for singles); visibility limited so bring a flashlight; use of bug repellent advised; some of the trail is steep and slippery; walk only held two to four times a year.