Archive-name: nude-faq/beaches/North-America/California
Last-modified: Fri Sep  6 1996
Posting-Frequency: monthly

  This is one of seven volumes of the "REC.NUDE FAQ: Naturist Site Reports".
  These are posted on the first of each month.

  This volume covers California and Lake Tahoe.

  This FAQ answers one question which has an infinite number of variations:
  Where is a nude or clothing-optional beach/resort/campground/B&B/etc.
  near where I am or where I will be?  To answer that, this FAQ lists
  some brief information on some nude or clothing-optional sites that are
  frequently mentioned on rec.nude.  General information on family-oriented
  nude recreation can be found at either of
    ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/nude-faq
    http://www.oxy.edu/~mop/recnude.faqs.html
  Also check out these Naturist home pages:
    http://www.webcom.com/~rngerber/naturist/naturist.html
    http://www.realtime.net:80/~kr4ah/
+ And please read the Free Beach Etiquette page:
+   http://www.sss.org/naturist/misc/Etiquette.html

  This FAQ can't be a replacement for a more thorough source such as
  the World Guide or others listed in the general FAQ mentioned above.
  If you don't see any CO sites on this list which are near you or want
  more information about those listed here, feel free to ask on rec.nude
  (the FAQ maintainer is not a very good source for such information).
  The maintainer of this FAQ takes no responsibility for the accuracy
  of the information contained herein.  Updates to these entries are
  greatly appreciated; this FAQ is only as good as you make it.

  The latest copy of this FAQ may be found at any of:
   ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches (North America)
   ftp://ftp.sunet.se/pub/usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches (Eupope)
   http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/nude-faq/beaches/top.html
  Archives may also be retrieved by sending e-mail to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu
  with a body that only contains one or both of the following lines:
send usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches/*
send usenet/news.answers/nude-faq/beaches/North-America/*

  + - and | in the 1st column mark additions/deletions/changes from last month.

  (c) Copyright 1995 Richard M. Mathews.  Copyrights for contributions
  to this document may be retained by their authors who may or may not
  be named below.  Permission is granted to freely distribute this in
  whole or in part provided that it is without profit or service fees
  and that this notice remains attached.

  In this issue:
  	Northern California
  		HARBIN HOT SPRINGS
  		RED ROCK BEACH
  		MUIR BEACH
  		BAKER BEACH
  		GREY WHALE COVE BEACH
  		LUPIN NATURIST CLUB
  		SAN GREGORIO NUDE BEACH
  		BONNY DOON BEACH
  		RED, WHITE, AND BLUE BEACH
  		GARDEN OF EDEN
  		KIVA RETREAT HOUSE
  		2222 BEACH
  		PFEIFFER BEACH
  	Lake Tahoe
  		SECRET COVE, NV
  	Southern California
  		BLACK'S BEACH
  		SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH
  		SMUGGLER'S COVE
  		ELYSIUM FIELDS
  		MORE MESA
  		GAVIOTA BEACH
  		DEEP CREEK HOT SPRINGS

----------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: HARBIN HOT SPRINGS

  HARBIN HOT SPRINGS, near Middletown, is a 1160 acre membership
  resort run by a non-profit organization.  It is about 70 miles west
  of Sacramento and 70 miles north of San Francisco.  Located atop a
  beautiful mountain, it is a very peaceful, beautiful, and spiritual
  place.  Harbin's retreat center is maintained and operated without a
  single employee.  Instead, more than 150 residents share the duties
  of preserving this land as a place of rest and renewal for others.
  They live simply.  And although they strive to provide basic comfort
  and conveniences during your retreat, they have no desire to compete
  with elegant spas or fancy resorts.

  A one-month trial membership is available for $5.  A full year membership
  is $15.  Day vists are $17/adult on weekends (1996 prices).

  Natural mineral water (without chlorine) is piped to several hot and
  cold soaking pools and a swimming pool.  Facilities include hotel rooms,
  vegetarian restaurant (meat is not permitted on the grounds), kitchen,
  sauna, hiking trails, camping, and RV space.  They are also a state
  accredited massage school.  If someone is interested in learning
  massage and has a week or so of vacation it's a good place to get
  started.  Contact them at 800-622-2477 or 707-987-2477 for rates and
  reservations.  Also check them out at
    http://www.harbin.org

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=middletown,+ca

  	[Original from Lee Dronick <leed@pro-harold.cts.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: RED ROCK BEACH

  RED ROCK BEACH is in Marin County, a bit north of San Francisco.
  It is on Highway 1 at milepost 11.35.  This is 1/2 mile south of
  Stinson Beach (which is textile) and several miles north of Muir
  (see "MUIR BEACH").  Parking is in a large unpaved area on the ocean
  side of the road or in a smaller lot on the mountain side.  From the
  parking lot, there is a 1/4 mile walk down a trail (steep sometimes,
  but always kept in good shape).  Watch for poison oak.  During lower
  tides, it's quite possible to park at Stinson Beach and walk south
  around the rocks.

  A most excellent beach!  It's safe.  There is always a friendly
  crowd there ready to play a game of ultimate frisbee.  All sorts
  of people come here: families, yuppies, hippies, new-age devotees,
  and tourists.  The beach is small, especially in the spring but gets
  bigger as sand washes up.  It gets even smaller during high tides.
  There is a shower hooked up to a natural spring in the side of the
  hill.  Sometimes gawkers will sit on the rocks but they are easily
  ignored when enjoying the sand, sun and surf.  Besides, the regulars
  keep them in line.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=sfo

  	[Original from "unknown"]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: MUIR BEACH

  MUIR BEACH is in Marin County, a bit north of San Francisco.  It is on
  Highway 1 at milepost 5.7.  This is south of Stinson (textile) and Red
  Rock (CO) Beaches (see "RED ROCK BEACH").  Park in the public parking
  lot (warning: the lot can fill up on summer weekends, so get there
  early or wait until the afternoon).  From the main (textile) beach,
  walk north over the rocks (you can walk around the rocks at low tide).

  The CO area is several hundred yards of wide, sandy beach protected
  from the wind by a nearby cliff.  Bathrooms are at the main beach.
  Good place for kids -- small and protected with not too bad a hike.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=sfo

  	[Original from Andrew J. Oppel <andyo@netcom.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: BAKER BEACH

  BAKER BEACH (north end) in San Francisco...actually part of the Golden
  Gate National Recreation Area, just west of the Golden Gate Bridge's
  south end.  Magnificent views of the Bridge and the headlands of the
  Marin County coast to the north and northwest.  This is a large beach,
  with clothed use near the parking area, but more and more nudity as you
  walk several hundred yards to the north.  Depending on the weather, it
  may be foggy here in the mornings (as is possible everywhere along the
  coast), but it usually clears here before it does along the western shore
  of the peninsula.  A very mixed crowd: not many children, but everything
  from single men in their twenties to couples in their seventies.  (There
  *are* younger women...  don't misinterpret that last sentence.)  Also
  fully-clothed people fishing along the shore amid nude Frisbee-players.
  Some people go in swimming, but I find the water is often too cold until
  later in the summer and fall.

  From the south, take I-280 north to SF, take the Hwy.1/Golden Gate
  Bridge/19th Avenue exit, go north on 19th Avenue, be in the left
  lane as you enter Golden Gate Park, and take the left exit for 25th
  Avenue within the park.  Go north on 25th Avenue until you see some
  stone pillars marking the entrance to an exclusive residential area.
  Ignore the sign marked "Public Beach" with a left arrow, and instead
  turn right here onto Lincoln Blvd.  [June, 1996: The road is narrowed
  for construction but open to through traffic.]  Then follow the signs
  for Baker Beach (first possible left turn, at Bowley Street, just after
  the "No Entry" parking lot exit on the left) to the (free!) parking
  lot.  Park in the rightmost lot as you face the water to be closest
  to the nude area (but remember that clothing is required in and near
  the parking lot).

  From the north, take the Golden Gate Bridge south to San Francisco and
  use the rightmost toll booth lane.  The first possible exit is marked
  "25th Avenue" and leads you to Lincoln Boulevard, within the Presidio
  army base.  Turn right onto Lincoln, and follow the signs (right turn
  at Bowley Street) to the Baker Beach parking lot.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=sfo

  	[Original from Neil E. Midkiff <midkiff@netcom.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: GREY WHALE COVE BEACH

  GREY WHALE COVE, about 25 miles south of San Francisco, is a FAVORITE
  beach of many.  This traditional nude beach, located at Devil's Slide
  between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, has some of the most interesting and
  beautiful topology of the northern California coast.  The surrounding
  cliffs block the wind and make for interesting scenery.  It is very
  clean, and patrols keep the gawkers and other troublemakers out.  It's
  very large, so it never feels crowded.

  Look for a large parking area on the inland side of Hwy 1, 3 miles south
  of the Denny's in Linda Mar (next to Pacifica) or 1 mile north of the
  Chart House restaurant in Montara.  Cross in the marked crosswalk.
  Pay at the office.  They charge $5 for adults (kids are free), or you
  can get a pass for $175 that is good for one year and allows you to
  bring up to 5 others with you whenever you visit (1996 prices).  Pets
  are not permitted.  Restrooms are located near the office.  There is a
  very long staircase from the entrance driveway down to the beach (good
  exercise on the way back out).  The staff has always been helpful and
  friendly to us.  Call (415) 728-5336 for information (even a weather
  report).

  The section of Hwy 1 near Gray Whale has a history of slide problems.
  With a touch-tone phone, you can check the status of Hwy 1 by calling
  CalTrans at (800) GAS-ROAD.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=sfo

  	[Original from Andrew J. Oppel <andyo@netcom.com>,
  	David Engman <ABINC1@ix.netcom.com>,
  	and South Bay Naturists, P.O. Box 23781, San Jose CA  95153]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: SAN GREGORIO NUDE BEACH

  SAN GREGORIO NUDE BEACH is a privately owned beach which has been CO
  since 1967.  It is probably the closest CO beach for those around Palo
  Alto.  It is just north of (and adjacent to) San Gregorio State Beach
  where Highway 84 (Woodside Road exit from I-280) meets the coastal
  Highway 1.  The road over the coastal range is curvy and hilly, but
  well-paved and very scenic.  The nude beach has a privately-run parking
  lot ($1/car plus $2/person, 1995 price) which you get to by passing
  through an an unmarked white gate about a hundred yards north of the
  Hwy 84 intersection and proceeding about a half mile to the pay parking
  lot for the private beach.  You can also just park in the state beach
  lot, walk down to the sand, and walk north along the shore until you
  see other nudists.

  Well over a mile in length, this is one of the longest nude beaches
  in northern California; as such, people tend to be more spread out
  than in others.  It can be windy, but many users have built shelters
  from driftwood (resembling low log cabins with no roof).  The length
  and the shelters combine to make this a beach where you and a friend
  can be quite alone.  It is a common practice to hang a T-shirt over a
  pole to indicate a shelter is occupied.  A disadvantage is that there
  is no "community" feeling among the beach-goers... there reportedly
  tend to be isolated pockets of folks who seem to have come together
  and who don't interact with others.  Also, it can easily be sunny 100
  yards inland and foggy on the beach.  Pets are OK, but there are no
  restrooms or drinking water.
  	[Original from Neil E. Midkiff <midkiff@netcom.com>
  	and South Bay Naturists, P.O. Box 23781, San Jose CA  95153]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: LUPIN NATURIST CLUB

  LUPIN NATURIST CLUB, P.O. Box 1274, Los Gatos CA  95030, (408) 353-2250,
  a very pleasant clothing-optional membership resort, is located in the
  Santa Cruz Mountains just south of Los Gatos.  It is well-equipped with
  two swimming pools (one heated), sauna, spas, tennis and volleyball
  courts.  The clubhouse restaurant is now open in a brand new building
  replacing the building destroyed in the Oct. '89 earthquake.  Visitors
  welcome by appointment.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=sjc

  	[Original from South Bay Naturists, P.O. Box 23781, San Jose CA  95153]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: BONNY DOON BEACH

  BONNY DOON BEACH, a little farther south, is one of the nicest spots
  if the coastal weather is clear.  Even on cool days, the horseshoe-shaped
  cliffs overlooking the beach offer protection from the wind and double as
  a sun-reflector.  Strong currents and waves make swimming a dangerous
  activity.  It is just south of the village of Davenport on Highway 1,
  about 10 miles northwest of Santa Cruz.  Go south on Hwy 17 to Santa
  Cruz and head northwest on 1, or take 84 to San Gregorio and head south
  on 1.  Either way is about 55 miles from Palo Alto.  Try to avoid 17 to
  S.Cruz at the "weekend rush hours" of Bay Area folks heading for a day
  at Santa Cruz...the traffic can get extremely clogged over the hills.
  Anyway, Bonny Doon beach is just where Bonnie Doon Road intersects
  Hwy. 1, a mile south of Davenport, at milepost 27.6.  There are a
  few turnoffs for parking along Hwy 1.  Then you have to walk over
  the railroad tracks and down to the beach.  The main CO area is the
  northern cove.  Most *everybody* will be nude, and there is a sense
  that there are a lot of regulars there who know each other.  The nude
  part of the beach is clean and well-taken-care-of (the main part of
  the beach had a bunch of bottles and trash).  There is a very relaxed
  atmosphere, seemingly very welcoming.  Note that there are no rest
  rooms or outhouses, not even a large bush.  A semi-cylindrical cove
  at the north end of the beach provides wonderfully warm protection
  from the wind.  Also, don't sit too close to the cliffs -- they drop
  rocks more often than you might guess.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=monterey,+ca

  	[Original from Neil E. Midkiff <midkiff@netcom.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: RED, WHITE, AND BLUE BEACH

  RED, WHITE, AND BLUE BEACH is a private beach 6 miles north of Santa
  Cruz off of Highway 1.  Conveniences include a volleyball court, picnic
  tables, fire pits, hot showers, and flush toilets.  It is a family
  beach, and lots of people spend weekends there in their trailers.  RVs
  fit.  "Rangers" patrol the cliffs to keep spectators away.  No dogs, no
  cameras, no guns.  Look for a red, white, and blue mailbox at Scaroni
  Road near milepost 24.9.  Go on down the Scaroni Road about a 1/4 mile,
  and you can't miss the entrance.  Call (408) 423-6332 for more info.  No
  reservations; just drop in.  Admission charge is $7 per single, couple,
  or family; $16/night for camping (1994 prices).  A "couple" must be
  opposite sex to be charged just one fee.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=monterey,+ca

  	[Original from "unknown"]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: GARDEN OF EDEN

  GARDEN OF EDEN is a good change of pace or an alternative when the coast
  is fogged in.  It is in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park at a spot where
  the San Lorenzo River makes an "S" bend and has deposited sandy spots on
  both sides of this small stream ("river" is somewhat of an exaggeration!).
  This spot is not as nude as it used to be.  It may sometimes be occupied
  by textiles, but you will sometimes find it deserted or nude or mixed.
  If it appears to be textile, try going upstream a hundred yards or so.

  The Garden is in a valley in a redwood forest, which means that it gets
  sun only near midday.  It is at a roughly east-west bend in the river's
  generally southerly course; so there's more sun here, as well as larger
  sandy beaches at the turns.  But even here, at the height of summer
  the sun will be hidden below the western treetops by about 4 p.m. PDT.
  You'll probably want to bring sandals, aqua socks, or old sneakers you
  don't mind getting wet, for comfort in getting upstream or down.  The
  river bed is full of fairly large rocks and some tree trunks.  I've done
  it barefooted but find it safer and faster in rubber soles.

  The park is about six miles north of Santa Cruz on Hwy. 9.  To get there
  from San Jose, go south on Highway 17 towards Santa Cruz, but at Scotts
  Valley take the exit for "Mount Hermon Road/Felton".  Take that through
  Scotts Valley and to the west.  When you get to a T intersection (with
  a park ahead of you) turn right, then left at another traffic signal
  onto Highway 9 into Felton.  Just as the town is fading out, you can
  turn left into the main parking lot for the park.

  The Garden is so named on the map on the signboard near park headquarters,
  and on the AAA map of Santa Cruz and Vicinity.  From the main parking lot,
  enjoy walking south through the short Redwood Loop trail.  From the south
  end of the loop follow the railroad tracks over a bridge [WARNING! These
  tracks are no longer disused!  An occasional recreational train runs from
  Felton to Santa Cruz and back through the park, so don't get caught on the
  bridge when a train is coming!].  Then proceed maybe another half-mile
  south until you see signs warning you about diving in the river; there
  may still also be a slim vertical "Garden of Eden" post sign showing the
  location of the trail down.  (If you take the railroad tracks as far as
  the gravel roadbed, you've gone too far by maybe 50 yards.)  Go down to
  the river and enjoy!

  Alternately, you can drive another mile or so past the main parking lot
  and park along Highway 9 nearer the Garden.  You'll first see signs for
  Smithwoods RV park and Cotillion Resort (or similar names) then the road
  will turn right and then bend sharply around to the left.  Soon after
  that there's a turnout on the left with space for about a dozen cars.
  You will find the Ox Road Trailhead here.  Walk down the trail about a
  quarter mile to the tracks, right along the tracks about another quarter
  mile, and look for the "no diving" sign as described above.
  	[Original from Neil E. Midkiff <midkiff@netcom.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: KIVA RETREAT HOUSE

  KIVA RETREAT HOUSE, 702 Water St., Santa Cruz  CA  95060, (408) 429-1142,
  is a former single-family dwelling in downtown Santa Cruz converted into
  a clothing-optional retreat, with two large hot tubs (one bubbly, one
  still), two cold pools, private tubs, sauna, massage tables, and two
  communal sunning lawns (one is a quiet area, the other allows kids and
  so on).  Hours noon till 11pm every day; Friday and Saturday to midnight.
  Sunday mornings, 9 to noon, are for women only.  No reservations are
  necessary.  Admission is $8 a day (1994 price -- add $1 if you need a
  towel) and includes use of all community areas; private tubs and staff
  masseurs are available at extra charge.  Multi-visit passes and annual
  memberships are available.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=monterey,+ca

  	[Original from Andrew J. Oppel <andyo@netcom.com>
  	and South Bay Naturists, P.O. Box 23781, San Jose CA  95153]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: 2222 BEACH

  2222 BEACH is a small beach along West Cliff Drive, in the middle of a
  residential neighborhood of Santa Cruz!  It gets its name from the address
  of the house across the street from the beach (which has no association
  with the beach other than proximity).  It is about two blocks south of
  Natural Bridges State Beach.  There is a pyramid-like sculpture on the
  cliff above the beach, and a small parking lot.  It is convenient to get
  to; there is car and bike parking, and the 3B Metro bus stops at Natural
  Bridges, a short walk away, and runs hourly during the daytime, 7 days a
  week.

  The beach is best at low tide and later in the summer, since at high
  tide and earlier in the summer the waves cover most of the beach.  There
  is a difficult climb down to the beach over uneven rocks and scraps of
  concrete.  Signs at the top of the cliff warn "Cliffs are Dangerous ...
  Remember!  Hazardous and Changing Conditions May Exist.  Be Cautious ...
  Play Safe."  Once down, the mossy cliffs and beautiful waves make for
  a wonderful experience.  This beach often has gawkers ("pervs" in the
  local parlance) looking down from the cliffs, but they rarely if ever
  harass the bathers directly.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=monterey,+ca

  	[Original from William R. Ward <hermit@cats.UCSC.EDU>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: PFEIFFER BEACH

  PFEIFFER BEACH is in the Big Sur area, approximately 30 miles south of
  Monterey on CA Hwy 1.  Unfortunately, it's difficult to find and difficult
  to give directions to.  The best I can do is to tell you that the turnoff
  from Hwy 1 is approximately 1 to 2 miles south of Pfeiffer-Big Sur State
  Park, that the turnoff is on the west side of Hwy 1, and it is just south
  of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge.  The turnoff is called Sycamore Canyon
  Road.  Your best bet, though, is to stop in Big Sur at a gas station or
  restaurant and ask for directions to Pfeiffer Beach (the majority of it
  is textile, and most locals are familiar with it).

  From the Hwy 1 turnoff, there is a single lane road that goes 2 to 3
  miles to a parking lot.  Park your car in the lot, and follow the
  (obvious) path approximately 100 yards to the beach.  The first thing
  you'll notice is an absolutely beautiful rock formation, 3 or 4 stories
  tall, with large holes cut by wave action.  This part of the beach is
  textile.  Turn right, and walk down the beach about 100 yards.  There's
  a smaller rock formation that, at high tide, almost occludes the portion
  of the beach behind it.  Beyond this rock is the unofficial CO section.
  Swimming is not recommended due to the hazardous surf.

  This beach can get *very* windy, and at times very cold.  On windy and/or
  cold days, you'll likely not see anyone with less than two or three layers
  of clothes, much less nude.  However, on warm, sunny days, when the wind
  isn't blowing too hard, it's an absolutely breathtaking nude beach.

  If you want a serious hike, start at the U.S. Forest Service office
  about 1/2 mile south of the State Park and hike the Pine Ridge Trail
  about 11 miles east until it encounters the river again at Sykes Hot
  Springs.  These natural hot springs feed user-built redwood tubs
  (carved from redwood tree stumps) and are always clothing optional.
  To go in and out in one day is a grueling undertaking; you may want
  to back-pack a sleeping bag and make it two days.  Maps available at
  USFS office.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=big+sur,+ca

  	[Original from Bob Herlien <hebo@mbari.org>
  	and South Bay Naturists, P.O. Box 23781, San Jose CA  95153]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: SECRET COVE, NV

  SECRET COVE is on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.  From Incline Village,
  Nevada, go east out of town on SR28 (clockwise around the lake).  Not
  far after the Carson County Line (aka Carson City Rural Area), you'll
  find a parking area on your right (lakeside).  Park here or along the
  highway south of the parking area.  If you reach Douglas County Line,
  you have gone too far.

  Coming from the other direction, take Highway 50 north to Highway 28
  which takes you northwest toward the lake.  Five miles after the
  junction, you will come to the parking area.

  From the parking area, follow the dirt road which parallels the road for
  some distance.  (If you parked along the road, you can scramble down the
  steep embankment to the dirt road.)  You will see signs warning that
  "nude sunbathers" may be present.  You may also see signs pointing you
  down trails to the water, saying "beach access" (or similar).  Ignore
  the latter signs, unless you're looking for solitude.  When you get to
  the portable outhouses, turn down the steeper foot path to the water.

  Be aware that you are at 6,300 ft. and the sun's UV rays are especially
  strong here.  Also be advised that Lake Tahoe is not very warm, but is
  very refreshing on a hot summer day.  Enjoy!

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=lake+tahoe,+ca
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=truckee,+ca
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=reno,+nv

  For Tahoe area information, write to T.A.N. (Tahoe Area Nudists) for a map.
  The address is P.O. Box 10036, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448.
  	[Original from Dave Franz <jdfranz@netcom.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: BLACK'S BEACH

  BLACK'S BEACH is in San Diego between Del Mar and La Jolla.  It lies just
  south of Torrey Pines State Beach.  The beach is located at the bottom
  of tall cliffs where hang gliders and remote control model airplanes
  are flown.  No problems with police.  Lifeguards occasionally pass by
  and are quite friendly.  The body surfing at Black's is great.  For
  information, contact
  	Black's Beach Bares Association
  	P.O. Box 12255
  	La Jolla, CA  92039

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=san
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=oceanside,+ca

  There are three ways to get there: hike in from Torrey Pines State
  Beach; park at the glider port just off of Genesee Blvd and hike down
  the cliff; or park by the University, hike through the La Jolla Farms
  housing development (public streets), down the blacktop road to the beach,
  and then north to Black's.  The hike down the cliff is the shortest.

  To get to the glider port entrance, take Interstate 5 to the Genesee exit
  (just south of the I-805 junction at the north end of San Diego).  Head
  west towards the ocean.  Go straight at the light at the top of the hill
  (onto North Torrey Pines Rd.), and make the first right after the big
  arcing turn to the left.  There are signs at the corner referring to
  Salk Institute and to the glider landing area.  Go all the way to the
  end to the large dirt parking lot which also serves the glider port.
  Find a spot to park and walk towards the cliffs.  Take the well used
  path (known as Steve's trail) at the far end of the parking lot down
  the hill.  There are a few other trails, but they are dangerous.

  Bring water and any other supplies you need for the day, but not more
  than what you want to carry down the cliff.
  	[Original from Chris Carlson <carlson@support.newport.sgi.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH

  SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH is preferred by many over the more famous Black's
  (see "BLACK'S BEACH").  The hike isn't nearly as steep, and it is less
  crowded with fewer gawkers.  It is quite aggressively patrolled by the
  regulars who chase off the various problem types that are known around
  Black's.

  WARNING: Low level San Diego Sheriffs were at odds with nudists here
  in 1995.  The situation looks like it will be much better in 1996.  The
  sheriffs have been ordered not to cite for mere nudity.  Park Rangers
  have been helpful throughout this.  The beach should be safe for nudists
  now, but keep an eye out and let others know of any difficulties you
  encounter.

  San Onofre Beach is near the San Diego County / Orange County border.
  You should get there early because they close the gates when the parking
  lot fills up -- paying extra for an overnight parking/camping spot can
  sometimes get you around this, though.  Take I-5 to the Basilone exit.
  Drive west then south a few miles past the nuclear power plant (can't
  miss it; looks like two large breasts with nipples on top:-)) to the
  beach parking entrance.  Pay the $6 parking fee for a day visit or $16
  for an overnight camping spot (1994 prices).  Ask the rangers where the
  nude beach is.  They will tell you, and it is good that they know you
  are there to go to the nude beach.  Drive down as far as you can to
  Trail 6.  Trails are fairly well marked.  Head down to the beach and
  walk about .5 miles south.  As you pass lifeguard station 6, you will
  see the volleyball nets and all the folks properly unattired and having
  fun.  Trail 5 is an easier but longer walk.

  Alternately, many recommend avoiding the parking hassle by bicycling
  in.  Drive to the Las Pulgas Road exit from I-5, just an exit or two
  south of Basilone Road.  Park to the east of the freeway in a lot
  there.  From here, it is an easy, pretty, three or so mile ride down
  a bicycle path to San Onofre.  Bicyclists can chain their bicycles to
  the chain link fence across from the bathrooms; we've been doing that
  for a long time and no one has ever bothered the bikes.

  You can get naked anywhere from the last lifeguard station (the lifeguards
  tolerate it) on down into the Camp Pendleton Marine base.  The Marines
  are very hard-line about trespassing onto the base.  Don't do it.

  For more information, contact
  	Friends of San Onofre
  	P.O. Box 2552
  	Capistrano Beach, CA  92624-0552
  	(714) 443-0891

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=dana+point,+ca
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=oceanside,+ca

  	[Original from Norman Kraft <nkraft@bkhouse.cts.com>,
  	Bruce Hamilton <hamilton@vine.OsbuSouth.Xerox.COM>,
  	and Jeff Foster <foster@mtechca.maintech.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: SMUGGLER'S COVE

  SMUGGLER'S COVE, also known as Sacred Beach, is located near Los Angeles
  on the Palos Verdes peninsula between Abalone Beach and Portugese Bend.

  The city of Rancho Palos Verdes passed a law which went into effect in
  October, 1994, which prohibits nudity (or even thongs) at this beach
  or elsewhere in the city.  This beach appears to be dead now.  The
  remaining information is here for historical reasons only (and maybe
  the hope that we might get this beach back some day).  Instead, try
  heading south (see "SAN ONOFRE STATE BEACH"), east (see "DEEP CREEK
  HOT SPRINGS"), north (see "ELYSIUM FIELDS"), or northwest (see "MORE
  MESA").

  Take the Harbor Freeway south to its end.  Continue straight ahead (on
  Gaffey Street).  Turn right on 25th St.  This becomes Palos Verdes Drive
  South in about 2 miles.  Park at the Abalone Cove County Beach parking
  lot ($5 in 1993) and walk east (15 minutes), or park on Paseo Del Mar
  and walk 1.5 miles west.

  The beach is rocky and small (though there are nice stretches of sand),
  and the water is full of sea-scum.  Watch out for rocks that are thrown
  around in the water.  Wind can also dislodge rocks from the cliffs
  above, so set yourself up a little bit away from the cliffs.  One has
  to negotiate rather nasty rocks to go into the water, and there is a
  dangerous undertow; so be *super* cautious if you want to swim.  The
  cliffs and magnificent beauty of the place make up for it, though.
  Also, some have said they expected worse from reading this FAQ entry.
  There are some neat tidepools and caves.  Various layers of sediments
  on the cliffs have different colors.  At the bottom the beach, there is
  a layer of black lava rocks, and consequently the beach has black sand.
  On the whole, a nice beach.

  The usually small attendance, in the dozens, at the beach makes it nice
  as well.  Folks are friendly.  The east side is coed and family-oriented
  (though mostly single men) while the west side is reported to be mostly
  gay.
  	[Original from Bob Larson <blarson@usc.edu>,
  	Niels Catsimpoolas <niels@pure.com>,
  	and David Brahm <brahm@theory3.caltech.edu>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: ELYSIUM FIELDS

  Elysium Fields is a CO membership resort in the incredibly beautiful
  Topanga Canyon, just outside of Los Angeles.  It dates back to 1968.
  It was the site of the first Western Gathering and of the 1995 Western
  Gathering.  Facilities include 8 acres of grounds, swimming pool, large
  hot tub, sauna, tennis, volleyball, ping-pong, meeting rooms, bookstore,
  massages, meditation....

  Phone (310) 455-1000 for information or check out
    http://www.elysium-sunwest.com/fields.html
  Free tours are given twice a week with a fee charged if you then want
  to stay for the rest of the day.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=lax
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=van+nuys,+ca

  	[Original from David Brahm <brahm@theory3.caltech.edu>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: MORE MESA

  MORE MESA is located about 5 miles west (aka north:-) of downtown
  Santa Barbara and a few miles east of UCSB.  No hassle.  Quiet.
  Occasional surf.  Oil/tar sometimes; but the oil companies assure us
  it's "natural leakage", so we feel ok about it:^(  There are quite a
  few egg-sized smooth rocks in the sand near the water's edge, but the
  sand was otherwise clear and very comfortable to bare feet.  The high
  dirt cliffs above the beach looked like they occasionally drop clods
  of earth to their base, so it's probably safer, as usual on California
  beaches, to keep a short distance away from the base of the cliffs when
  you're parking your towel.

  Exit U.S.  101 North at Turnpike.  Turn left over the freeway.  Drive
  down the hill, and turn left at the light (Hollister).  Turn right at
  Puente (the next light).  Continue past the stop sign, up the hill, and
  park on the street where Mockingbird Lane goes to the left.  Do not
  park on Mockingbird lane, as you will be towed.  Walk up Mockingbird
  lane, and when it ends continue on the dirt trail/road that runs to
  the left.  The trail will go left, then straighten out to the cliff,
  then a wooden staircase leads down to the beach.  Once at the beach,
  the area to the right tends to be the "always-CO" area.  Depending on
  the size of the crowds, sometimes the CO area expands to the entire
  beach; but on lightly populated days, the left side (as you face the
  water) seemed to be textile.  Total walk is about a mile.  Don't forget
  to bring water.

  Rumor is that local sheriff has been cracking down on nudity at some
  Santa Barbara area beaches due to complaints about sex.  So far More
  Mesa has been left alone, but the locals blame the sexual activity on
  people from L.A. and other outsiders.  (Certainly no-one from Santa
  Barbara would have sex on a beach! :-( )  Anyway, because of this the
  locals seem to have copped an attitude towards outsiders and if you go
  there they might not be especially friendly.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=sba

  	[Original from "anonymous"]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: GAVIOTA BEACH

  GAVIOTA BEACH is located about 30 miles west (aka north:-) of Santa
  Barbara.  This is not the same as Gaviota State Park which is located
  even farther west.  Gaviota beach is a very long stretch of sand
  overlooked by impressive cliffs.  It tends to be almost deserted; go
  to Gaviota for solitude; More Mesa (see "MORE MESA") for a more active
  crowd.  Whales swim by in some seasons.  You can walk (depending on
  tides) all the way down to the State Park Beach, but it is recommended
  that you stop when you see the R.R. trestle on your right.  Wear shoes
  to avoid getting oil slicks on your feet.  Use old blankets/sheets to
  lay/sit.  If you do get oil-slimes, use mineral (baby) oil applied
  generously and rub it off with paper towels.

  From Santa Barbara, head west on 101.  When you pass the oil refinery,
  you're too far.  Hang a u-turn, go back and check for the cars parked
  along Amtrack's rails.  Pull off, leave no valuables in the car, go
  over the tracks and head down to the beach through the draw.  Stay
  on the well-worn paths to avoid poison oak.  At the foot of the paths
  are families.  Further north and west are straight singles.  Then gay
  couples, then gay singles.  (With population overlap/fuzziness.)

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=sba

  	[Original from Ikhenaton <ikhenaton@aol.com>]

------------------------------
From: richard@West.Sun.COM (Richard M. Mathews)
Subject: DEEP CREEK HOT SPRINGS

  DEEP CREEK HOT SPRINGS is considered to be one of the ten best hot springs
  in the West.  On weekdays you can enjoy the "hot-pottin'" solitude by
  yourself or maybe with a stranger or two.  During the weekends plan on
  a mellow group of all shapes, sizes, and ages of friendly folks.  The
  hot water flows from several cracks in a rock just above a large pool
  in a bend of the cool waters of Deep Creek.  The hot water is contained
  in three distinct pools of varying temperatures on a flat rock shelf
  above the creek.  The scenery at the springs is worth the hike!  (The
  surrounding mountains, trees, and rocks are not bad to look at either.)
  You can always be guaranteed to find plenty of sunny space to toast your
  buns (or anything else you want to toast).

  To get there, take the Bear Valley Cutoff from I-15 in Victorville.
  Go east about 10 miles to Central Road.  Turn right on Central.  Drive
  about 3 miles until you get to Ocotillo Way.  Go left on Ocotillo and
  continue 2.2 miles (?) until you hit Bowen Ranch Road (no sign, all
  roads are dirt).  Turn right and drive 6+ miles to Bowen Ranch.  Honk
  your horn, even if late at night, to get someone to come to the door.
  Pay $3/person/day and $4/person/night (1995 prices).  Be sure to lock
  valuables in your trunk; this is an unprotected area and cars have been
  known to be broken into.  Then hike the 2.5 miles down to the Springs
  and enjoy!  Camping is permitted at Bowen Ranch, but not at the springs.
  Nudity appears to be OK at the ranch and along the trail.

  A possibility for avoiding paying for parking that may or may not work
  now: when you get to Bowen Ranch, don't park.  Turn right just before
  you enter the ranch.  Drive about .5 miles until you pass the trailhead
  on your right, and park.

  An alternate route is the highway 138 exit from I-15 in Cajon Pass,
  to highway 173 at Lake Silverwood.  Stay on Highway 173 until you get
  to the dry Mojave River Forks Reservoir.  Park here and hike up Deep
  Creek Canyon to the springs.  Free parking here; but you have a long,
  gentle 6 mile hike in (after a short, steep climb up the dam and then
  further up the hill on your left).  There are some reports of vandalism
  of cars parked at the dam, however.

  To get to the hot springs from Bowen Ranch you should continue down
  the road.  Park as far down as you like (the road starts to get pretty
  bad), and then walk.  At the end of the road on top of a hill find the
  trail and follow it down the hill; cross a dirt road where you may find
  some parked vehicles; and go through an opening in the fence.  From
  here you can't go wrong.  Just follow the canyon.  You'll pass a park
  boundary sign with a few rules on it.  Follow the canyon (you'll be
  on the right side hill) about 1.5 mi to the end of a ridge where the
  creek is ahead of you and on both sides of you (only at a much lower
  elevation, about 150 feet lower).  A large rock outcropping straddles
  the creek right in front of you at the bottom of the hill.  A trail
  goes down the hill to the creek from the end of this ridge, but you
  have to turn almost completely around to the right to see this trail.
  Most people just risk their lives by scrambling the short way down the
  right side face of this steep, treacherous decomposed granite bank to
  the creek.  You can leave your stuff at the beach here or take it with
  you as you ford the creek to the hot springs located on the other side.

  Note: The trail there is all downhill.  That means going back it is all
  uphill, about a 1200 foot elevation change.  Bring lots of drinking water.
  You will probably spend all day at the springs, so bring a picnic lunch.
  There are no facilities anywhere nearby on this trip so be completely
  self-contained.  Take: Drinking Water, Sunscreen, drinking water, food,
  drinking water, maybe beer or soft drinks, drinking water, a hat, and
  drinking water.

  Weather reports for the area can be found at
    http://www.webwx.com/cgi/ww.cgi?region=pmd

  For more information, contact:
    FRIENDS OF DEEP CREEK
    c/o The Bowen Ranch
    6221 Bowen Ranch Road
    Apply Valley, CA 92308

  	[Original from <pkcode@sleepy.bmd.trw.com>
  	Dan Kegel <dank@moc.jpl.nasa.gov>
  	and Tom Middleton <middleto@poincare.ucsd.edu>]

End of nude-faq/beaches/North-America/California Digest
*****************************************

Richard M. Mathews	| On the fourth day of telecommuting, I realized
richard@west.sun.com	| that clothes are totally unnecessary.  -- Dilbert
