Activities & Recreation at Ponderosa

Please inquire with your coordinator for pricing.

Mountain Biking

From beginner to pro, enjoy some of the best mountain biking areas in the state!

Surfing

Catch some of the best surf breaks in the world, which are sure to be firing while you’re here

Hiking

Explore some of the most amazing vistas, canyons, rivers, and groves that the Santa Cruz Mountains have to offer

Basketball/Tennis/Volleyball/Soccer

Swish, ace, spike, or score with these classic sports options

Sea Kayaking

Surround yourself with nothing but the ocean for an unforgettable experience

Swimming

Hang at the pool, in the center of camp, and maybe even hit the high dive if you’re game

Golf

At one of many local championship courses in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties

Skating

Hit the street course at Ponderosa Lodge full with ramp, half pipe, quarter bowl, and kink.

Disc Golf

A fun and challenging nine-hole disc golf course that navigates through our indigenous ponderosa pines.

Paint Ball

Duck, dive, and shoot your way through bunkers, barrels, ditches, and the natural terrain of our paint ball course

Mountain Scooters

Terrorize the dirt trails, jump, and wind through the mountain course on these popular scooters

Mountain Boards

Skate board meets monster truck! Take these all-terrain rides anywhere you dare

Basketball/Tennis/Volleyball/Soccer

Swish, ace, spike, or score with these classic sports options

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.