Interactive Map

Cabins 1-9

Cozy rustic cabins tucked away amongst the redwoods with the soothing ambiance of nature all around. Cabins are located along the Soquel Creek, each with a view. Step inside to discover a warm, inviting interior featuring a retro kitchenette with mini frig, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and copper sink on a beautiful redwood slab. The living area has a plush leather couch with a queen-sized memory foam pull out bed. Additional sleeping quarters for two in the loft allowing up to four people to sleep comfortably. The customized half bath has a rustic redwood mirror and vanity. For those chilly evenings, each cabin is equipped with an electric fireplace with 2 fan speeds to warm you as you watch the brilliant flames of light. For warmer days, a stained-glass ceiling fan with remote, circulates with a gentle breeze. Imagine spending those summer evenings on your private deck under a canopy of stars while you listen to the tranquil sounds of Soquel Creek.

Beach & Dam

Wander past the parking lot and journey to a hidden oasis with pristine white sand surrounded by lush forest. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can unwind and sink your feet in the white sand while reconnecting with the earth. Feel the stresses of life melt away. The crystal-clear pond created by the dam makes this the perfect destination for meditation and quiet reflection amid nature.

Parking Lot

Welcome to our expansive visitor parking area, where convenience meets history under the glow of thoughtfully illuminated spaces. Each light fixture, uniquely adorned with old saw blades, pays homage to the site’s storied past as a bustling lumber mill in the early 1900s. As you park, let your gaze wander to the majestic Buddha fountain display, watching over the comings and goings of life. This blend of history and tranquility transforms a simple parking experience into a moment of Zen and appreciation for the rich tapestry of stories woven into the fabric of this place.

Water Tanks – Landscaping

The property’s filtered drinking water is from a natural spring/well and treated with Ozone and UV lights for the best quality water. Three 5,000-gallon tanks remain full providing 15,000 gallons of treated drinking water and another 10,000 gallons at the well site on a 10-acre parcel connected to the main plot. The tanks are gravity fed into the lodge and provide treated water to the lodge and all cabins. The sophisticated water softener system manages the natural minerals to perfect quality. Another three 5,000-gallon tanks located across the creek are exclusively used for landscaping and an automatic lawn sprinkler system. A total of 40,000 gallons of water are available.

Pavilion

The pavilion is designed to be the ultimate gathering space where nature meets comfort. Surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the creek’s rolling waters, entertain guests with a delightful BBQ or dance the night away on the spacious redwood deck. The pavilion boasts solid wood cabinetry with soft close drawers custom designed to accommodate both small and large plastic tubs – keeping all items clean and dry. Equipped with a commercial refrigerator, this space is perfect to host conference group lunches or evening dinners. Experience the joy of outdoor entertainment without compromising on comfort or convenience.

Lodge

Laurel Mill Lodge is a sprawling haven of over 4300sf and boasts a state-of-the-art conference center/formal dining room, a spacious catering kitchen with commercial appliances, 7 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 3 half baths, caretaker quarters, laundry, storage, and community bathroom/showers/sauna. The lodge is designed for conference organizers, meditation, wellness retreats or educational groups seeking a harmonious blend of professional amenities and natural tranquility.

MAIN FLOOR

• Conference Room – Enter the lodge through a hand carved mountain lion door highlighted with custom lighting. At the heart of the lodge, the large Conference Room is a masterpiece of functionality and aesthetic grace. A grand custom redwood table, capable of seating up to 20 people comfortably, is perfect for brainstorming sessions, strategic meetings, or a serene dining experience. This space is transformed by raising the table on its hydraulic mechanism, revealing a sculptured tree of life, and opening the space for yoga, meditation, or dance. The ambiance is enhanced by the warm glow of the propane fireplace with custom mantal, retro swinging kitchen door, an 83” OLED LG Smart TV, and beautiful red oak flooring.
• Bedrooms – Just off the Conference Room, two large bedrooms on the main floor are beautifully appointed and conveniently located for conference administrators. Both bedrooms have private exterior doors as well as a door to the interior hall leading to the Conference room. Each has a private ½ bath and share a full bath with standing shower in the hall. Rooms have a fireplace wall heater for those extra chilly nights.
• Kitchen – The large caterer’s kitchen is a testament to thoughtful design, including commercial grade appliances. Everything a Chef needs to prepare delicious and nutritious meals. The Dishmachine dishwasher completes its wash cycle in 2 minutes. The six burner, two oven dual fuel propane Five Star range has it all including a broiler. One room is specifically designed for two Everest commercial refrigerators. One is a dual temp glass front with freezer, the other is a two-door reach-in refrigerator with ample room for all your catered dishes. The center island, buffet counter and wall unit are solid wood cabinetry with stainless steel custom countertops giving you ample storage.

SECOND FLOOR

• Caretaker Quarters and Lodge Guest Bedrooms: The second floor of the lodge has a dining/living/kitchen area under soaring redwood cathedral ceilings. In total there are 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a half bath. The second floor has central heating and A/C for year-round comfort. Three guest bedrooms are carpeted and have private entrances from the redwood deck. Each room has a queen leather sofa sleeper with memory foam mattress. Bathrooms are shared.

LOWER FLOOR

• Storage/Guest Services – The lodge offers an abundance of dry storage under the kitchen deck. Guest services provide a chest freezer for the party ice bags and ice cream. An RO water station is conveniently located to fill your water bottles before hitting the Lodge Loop Trail.
• Laundry – Located next to the Community Bathrooms, the laundry room has an electric washer and dryer, folding tables, and space to organize all your linens. Plenty of storage for cleaning supplies and tools.
• Community Bathroom, Showers and Sauna – The Community Bathroom is conveniently located on the lower level and easily accessible from Pavilion activities. The beautiful redwood community bathrooms boast redwood counters with copper sinks and waterfall faucets, a toilet stall and waterless urinal, three private shower stalls, and a redwood electric dry sauna. Try the sauna and then a quick shower to rejuvenate for the day!
• Exterior and Gardens –Step outside to discover a world of vibrant gardens and serene pathways, where every turn reveals the meticulous care and attention devoted to crafting this outdoor paradise. The multitude of colorful flowers attracting a plethora of butterflies, dragon flies and lady bugs bring the natural world directly to you.

Retired Hot Tub

The retired hot tub is a nostalgic nod to the 1970’s era when the property was called “Getting In Touch”. As a clothing optional establishment, you can imagine the hot tub was a popular meeting place. The retired hot tub has not been operating for many years. Let it retire in its 70’s splendor.

Fire Pit

Gather around the fire pit in the main yard for s’mores and share stories under the starlit sky. As you bask in the gentle warm embrace of the fire, the night may grace you with the hauntingly beautiful calls of the Great Horned Owls serenading us with their evening song. Imagine hosting a drum circle or storytelling and creating lifelong memories with the gentle waters of Soquel Creek in the background.

A-Frame Dorms

Across the fairy lit bridge are a trio of charming A-Frame duplexes. For those who seek a camping experience that is both practical and magical, grab a few pillows and sleeping bags and slumber amongst the Redwoods. A-Frames come with either a queen sofa sleeper or two single bed platforms. The loft offers another sleeping area, so up to 4 can sleep comfortably. Lights and power provided, but water and bathrooms are just a short jog to the Community Bathrooms and Guest Services. The two trailheads start at the last A-Frame – time for an adventure. (Lodge Loop and Old Growth Redwood Trails).

Old Log Home

As you cross the bridge to the A-Frames, you will notice the old logger’s cabin taking you back into the historic lumber mill days of Laurel Mill Lodge. In its heyday, this area was the heartbeat of a thriving logging community with over 150 cabins nestled throughout the mountain. These cabins were home to the many families who served this industry.

Meadow

Sprawling meadows are a rarity in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This rare and beautiful meadow becomes a living masterpiece each year as wildflowers awaken in the spring to blanket the landscape in vibrant colors. The wildflowers are a thriving habitat for butterflies, dragon flies and lady bugs busily tending to the garden. As you meander through the meadow, challenge yourself to identify the myriad of flowers. The murmur of the creek running alongside the meadow creates a natural sanctuary.

Gazebo

A quaint path by the A-Frame bridge leads you between the babbling creek and the fragrant meadow to a charming open gazebo. Thoughtfully placed to enhance your experience with nature. The perfect place to connect with nature and friends.

Storage Buildings

Three storage buildings blend in with their rustic surroundings. Rustic but useful. As you wander down towards the Amphitheater, two of these buildings are conveniently located for storage and maintenance. One is the old chicken coop, and the other is a lockable storage building. The third storage building is located by the retired hot tub at the lodge. This quaint old building was originally crafted by Alan Medlan and holds a special place in the history of the Laural Glen Children’s Camp. It served as a cozy refuge for the youngest campers under the close and watchful eyes of the lodge. All buildings have power but no water.

Old Pool House

Nestled near the Amphitheater stands a redwood building previously used as the pool changing rooms during the hot summer days of Camp Laurel Glen. Today, it has been lovingly transformed into a workshop and storage building. The doors of this building were crafted from redwood slabs and carry their own stories. Once part of the old lodge, they have been lovingly repurposed to honor their history.

Amphitheater

A stunning display of creativity and reverence for nature, the transformation of an old pool into a redwood forest Amphitheater captures the imagination and spirit of the land. The entrance greets you with flame lights and stairs leading onto the beautiful redwood decks presenting a full 360 view of the forest. The graceful stairs with rustic redwood and copper handrails guide you down to this serene gathering space adorned with redwood benches sourced from the property. Adequately lit for evening gatherings under the stars, peering over the deck rails, visitors will glimpse upon remnants from the old lumber mill days. The melody of the water rushing down Soquel Creek where Burns and Laurel Creeks merge is the soothing soundtrack to this natural Amphitheater.

Entrance Gate

Nestled at the end of a scenic journey down Redwood Lodge Rd you’ll find the entrance by a modest green gate. Guests are kindly asked to arrange their visits in advance by calling 408-353-5851. Follow the driveway as it winds toward the lodge which stands majestically amongst the Redwoods.

Lodge Loop Trail

Embark on a journey of discovery and nature along the Lodge Loop Trail, accessible from either cabin 9 or the final A-Frame. This trail takes you high above the lodge offering you an eagle’s perspective of the entire property. As you meander through the towering redwoods, breathe the fresh mountain air, and rejuvenate your spirit. While the trail offers nature’s beauty at every turn, it also presents a few challenges that add to the adventure. To fully enjoy the adventure and ensure safety, wearing the proper shoes is essential. Walking sticks are thoughtfully available at trail entrances and exits for your convenience.

Old Growth Redwood Trail

The Old Growth trail travels alongside an unnamed creek before ascending towards the historic site of the old town of Laurel. This trail offers a rare glimpse into the past, leading you to one of the few remaining old growth redwoods that stand tall and majestic, untouched by the lumber barons of the early 1900’s. It’s a living testament to the resilience of nature. Both Old Growth and Lodge Loop Trail are rated as moderate, offering a blend of serene walks and moments of adventure where the terrain may ask you to climb, adding an element of challenge to your exploration. Such moments remind us of the rugged beauty of the natural world and the rewards that come with stepping out of our comfort zones.

Water Tanks – Spring

The property’s filtered drinking water is from a natural spring/well and treated with Ozone and UV lights for the best quality water. Three 5,000-gallon tanks remain full providing 15,000 gallons of treated drinking water and another 10,000 gallons at the well site on a 10-acre parcel connected to the main plot. The tanks are gravity fed into the lodge and provide treated water to the lodge and all cabins. The sophisticated water softener system manages the natural minerals to perfect quality. Another three 5,000-gallon tanks located across the creek are exclusively used for landscaping and an automatic lawn sprinkler system. A total of 40,000 gallons of water are available.

Old Growth Redwood Trail

The Old Growth trail travels alongside an unnamed creek before ascending towards the historic site of the old town of Laurel. This trail offers a rare glimpse into the past, leading you to one of the few remaining old growth redwoods that stand tall and majestic, untouched by the lumber barons of the early 1900’s. It’s a living testament to the resilience of nature. Both Old Growth and Lodge Loop Trail are rated as moderate, offering a blend of serene walks and moments of adventure where the terrain may ask you to climb, adding an element of challenge to your exploration. Such moments remind us of the rugged beauty of the natural world and the rewards that come with stepping out of our comfort zones.