Activities & Recreation at Conference Center
Please inquire with your coordinator for pricing information.
Adventure Programs
Outdoor Climbing Wall
Located directly behind the McAfee Fieldhouse among towering redwoods, the Outdoor Climbing Wall provides a great place for participants of all skill levels to enjoy an afternoon of rock climbing. All adventure activities are run by trained staff and include all necessary safety equipment. Please come dressed appropriately with closed toe shoes and either pants or modest shorts.
Archery
Bullseye! A brand new Archey Course has been added to the Conference Center nestled in the redwoods. Equipment and instruction is provided with a 2 hour time slot that allows you to come and go as you please.
Sequoia Ropes Course
Take a journey through the redwoods as you move between tree mounted platforms along sky bridges and various challenge elements in our new Canyon Course. Designed to be intergenerational, the Canyon Course provides a memorable experience for participants of all skill levels. All adventure activities are run by trained staff and include all necessary safety equipment. Please come dressed appropriately with closed toe shoes and either pants or modest shorts.
Redwood Canopy Tour
Soar through the cool forest groves and experience the giant Redwoods from 150 feet above the canyon floor. Our guides will lead you through a tour of seven platforms, two sky-bridges, and six zip lines of up to 440 feet in length. The Redwood Canopy Tour takes about 2 hours and the course covers nearly a third of a mile. All participants must be at least 12 years old and between 75 and 250 pounds. All adventure activities are run by trained staff and include all necessary safety equipment. Please come dressed appropriately with closed toe shoes and either pants or modest shorts.
Mt. Biking
Take a ride through the majestic redwoods of Santa Cruz along some California's finest single tracks. From beginners to advance, Santa Cruz offers an adventure for all levels. Please come dressed appropiately with closed toe shoes as helments will be provided with your rental. Rental allows for 3 hours of riding. Guided tours are also available upon request for an additional cost.
Kayaking
Enjoy a 2 hour guided tour through one of California's most sought after kayaking destinations, Elkhorn Slough, located in Moss Landing.
On-Site Activities
Board Games
Various board games and card games are available for check out at the Front Desk.
Fitness Center
A fully equipped Fitness Center is available to registered guests. It is located around the back-side of the McAfee Fieldhouse. Participants must be 16 years of age or older in order to use the equipment. Guests may request an access code from the Front Desk, and are asked to wear their nametag. Hours: 5:30 AM–11 PM
Hiking Trails
Many beautiful stream-side trails among the redwoods and ferns are located at Mount Hermon. Trail maps may be requested at the Front Desk.
McAfee Fieldhouse (Indoor Recreation)
• A Game Room (including Ping Pong, Air Hockey, Gockey, etc.) is available to registered guests. It is located on the second floor of the McAfee Fieldhouse.
• Basketball and volleyball courts are located in the gymnasium of the McAfee Fieldhouse.
• Mount Hermon kindly asks all guests to wear their name tag while using the McAfee Fieldhouse.
Hours*: Friday 9–11 PM; Saturday 1 PM–5:30 PM & 9–11 PM
*Midweek hours may be available; please contact your Mount Hermon coordinator for more details.
Use of the recreational equipment in the McAfee Fieldhouse is a privilege for all of our groups. Use will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Exclusive use or reservation of a portion of the McAfee Fieldhouse during the established open hours is not permitted. Reservation of the McAfee Fieldhouse outside of normal operation hours is available for $100 per hour, including necessary staffing and equipment.
Swimming Pool
Swimmers may enjoy our 25-yard pool with diving board and enclosed slide. A wading pool is also available for children. The pool may be requested during the months of May–October and additional charges will apply. Rental of the pool is a privilege for all of our groups.
Hours*: Saturday 1:30 PM–5 PM
*Hours may be subject to change.
Off-Site Activities
Antiques & Boutiques
There are a variety of antique shops, boutiques, stores and coffee shops located in the San Lorenzo Valley towns of Felton, Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek as well as Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, and Downtown Santa Cruz.
Elkhorn Slough
A natural estuarine research reserve, including 5 miles of trails for hiking. Located 40 minutes south on Highway One.
Golf Courses
Local courses include Aptos Seascape, DeLaveaga, Pasatiempo, Boulder Creek, Valley Gardens and Spring Hills. (Directions are available.)
Helpful Website to Visit
Santa Cruz Count Conference & Visitors Council, phone (800) 833-3494
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
See old-growth redwood forest. Walk a short nature trail loop, or explore deeper on a variety of trails. Visit the Nature Center and shop in the gift store.
Monterey & Carmel
The famous 17-Mile Drive, Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the town of Pacific Grove, and the Carmel Mission can all be accessed by a one hour drive south on Highway One.
Nisene Marks State Park & Wilder Ranch
Miles of beautiful hiking trails among the redwoods are found at Wilder Ranch and Nisene State Park. A two-mile walk in Nisene State Park will take you to the epicenter of the 1989 earthquake.
Other Places of Interest
Long Marine Lab and Seymour Discovery Center have many wonderful exhibits, including an 87-foot blue whale skeleton. Local Museums include Santa Cruz Memorial Park, the City Museum, the Surf Museum and the McPherson Center.
Point Lobos Reserve
Coves, beaches, wildlife and tide pools may be enjoyed at this 1,250 acre shoreline reserve.
Roaring Camp Railroad
See California’s towering redwood forest from two historic railroads. Authentic steam-powered trains with daily departures, next to the park where you can.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Rides, games, miniature golf, Fisherman’s Wharf and a mile long beach are all found at this historic amusement park.
