Return to the Redwoods
We can’t wait to see you in 2025!
FRI
AUG 15
2025
–
SUN
AUG 17
2025
Secure your spot!
View the Return to the Redwoods 2024 photo gallery
Housing options
At Return to the Redwoods, alumni and their guests can stay on campus.
On-Campus Apartments
Accommodate your whole family or friend group with these four-room, six-bed apartments or two-room, three-bed apartments in Porter & Kresge College. Apartments feature shared common areas, including living and dining rooms, a kitchen with a refrigerator, and a shared bathroom.
Large Apt: $415/night
Small Apt: $215/night
View Porter College virtual tours of apartments and dorms.
On-Campus Dorms
Rent one (or more) dorm rooms in a traditional residence hall in Porter College. Dorm rooms are in a shared building with fellow alumni guests. Restrooms (including showers) are all-gendered on each floor.
Single Room: $85/night
Double Room: $145/night
Triple Room: $200/night
*Please Note: Dorm room-style housing is restricted to guests aged 18 and older due to safety considerations. Guests of all ages are welcome to stay in the apartment-style housing options.
Off-Campus Accommodations
Seeking a more luxurious stay? Santa Cruz has many off-campus accommodations including hotels and short-term rental properties.
Weekend passes
A Weekend Pass is your ticket to the weekend.
The Weekend Pass serves as your access to meals and activities throughout the program. You have the flexibility to purchase passes for all members of your party or, share this link with others so they can grab their own!
All participants for Return to the Redwoods must purchase a weekend pass, even if they are not staying on campus.
Pricing:
ADULT: $75 | CHILD (ages 3-17) $50
Each Weekend Pass includes:
Friday:
- Friday night dinner and kick-off party
- Stars ‘n’ S’mores on the East Field
Saturday:
- Saturday breakfast (in the Rachel Carson College/Oakes dining hall)
- Saturday Campus Programs, including Forest Talks, art workshops, and a guided meditation
- Saturday night: Redwood Reels movie in The Rachel Carson College Plaza Amphitheater
Sunday:
- Sunday breakfast (in the Rachel Carson College/Oakes dining hall)
- Westside Renewal Walking Tour
All Weekend:
- Activities and giveaways throughout the weekend!
- Parking on campus for the weekend (in specific lots, we’ll collect license plate information upon arrival)
All participants for Return to the Redwoods must purchase a weekend pass, even if they are not staying on campus.
Schedule
Day 1 – Friday, August 16
- Settle in and celebrate your return to campus!
- Head over to the McHenry Library to explore the archives and do some crafting with our friends in Special Collections
- Dinner and kick-off celebration in the Porter Quad
- Stars ‘n’ S’mores on the East Field
Day 2 – Saturday, August 17
- Breakfast in the Rachel Carson College Dining Hall
- Morning program blocks: Forest Talk, hiking, farm tour, or tie-dye workshop
- Resource Center Celebration
- Afternoon program blocks: Forest Talk, hiking, Sound Activation, balloon twisting workshop, tour of Sesnon Gallery
- Latino Alumni Network Meetup
- Santa Cruz Spotlight Festival in the Porter Quad
- Redwood Reels movie in The Rachel Carson College Plaza Amphitheater
Day 3 – Sunday, August 18
- Wake up slowly and soak in the morning on campus before saying farewell and heading home.
- Breakfast in the Rachel Carson College Dining Hall
- Take a walking tour of the west side of campus with former campus architect Frank Zwart!
- Head off campus on one of our Field Trips
FAQs
Who is Return to the Redwoods for?
All UC Santa Cruz alumni and their families, friends, and more are encouraged to join in the fun. Whether you just graduated or are celebrating a milestone reunion (or maybe somewhere in between), we hope you’ll spend the weekend with us up on our City on a Hill!
Do I have to stay on campus to participate?
While so much of the fun happening this weekend will be on campus, you do not have to stay there if dorms aren’t your thing. Just don’t forget to purchase your Weekend Pass!
Is this event family-friendly?
Absolutely! There will be activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
Please note: Guests of all ages are welcome to stay in the apartment-style housing options. Dorm room-style housing is restricted to guests aged 18 and older due to safety considerations.
How/when can I check-in?
- Thursday Early Bird Check-In: 3pm-8pm at Porter College- Parking Lot 125
- *Please note that Early Bird Check-In is only available for registrants who purchased Thursday night housing on-campus.
- Friday Check In: 11am-8pm at Porter College- Parking Lot 125
- If you’ll be checking in after 8pm:
- Please park in a 20 minute spot in Parking Lot 125
- Call (831) 332-0705 (8pm – 8am).
- Staff will activate your parking permit and bring you your welcome packet and housing keys
- If you know in advance that you’ll be in after 8pm, please email alumni@ucsc.edu so we can prepare for your arrival
Will I be allowed to park on campus?
At check-in, our team will collect your license plate number and add it to our system to activate your parking permit (it is associated with your specific vehicle, and not transferable). Your permit is valid from the day you arrive, to 5pm on the day you’re scheduled to check out.
Your permit allows you to park in several lots around campus. All lots you are able to park in are marked on this map in yellow. If you need assistance determining where to park please contact us.
I would like to change/cancel my housing. How do I do that?
To make changes or cancel any housing reservation, please contact conf@ucsc.edu or call (831) 502-7000 between 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Will the dining halls be open?
Yes! The Rachel Carson & Oakes Dining Hall (closest to Porter) will be open intermittently throughout the day (your Weekend Pass includes breakfast on Saturday and Sunday at the RCC&O Dining Hall). The College 9/John R. Lewis Dining Hall will also be open throughout the day.
Hours:
- RCC & Oakes Dining Hall:
- 7am – 9am (open until 9:30am on Saturday and Sunday only)
- 11:30am – 1:30pm
- 5pm – 7pm
- College 9/John R. Lewis Dining Hall
- 7am – 8pm
**Please note: Weekend Pass dining vouchers are only valid at the RCC & Oakes Dining Hall on Saturday and Sunday morning from 7am-9:30am.
Will the bookstore be open?
The Bay Tree Bookstore will be open during the following times:
- Thursday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday: CLOSED
- Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Alumni get a 20% discount on one apparel or gift item. Discount will be added at the register.
Can I use the gym and pool on campus?
Gym and pool access are included in your Weekend Pass. If you’d like to visit the gym or use the pool (located near the East Field House), please stop by Slug Central to complete the waiver and get your access sticker. Once you have your access sticker, you are free to head over and use the facilities (including the pool).
Can I bring any non-alumni friends? What about pets?
Of course! While this event is designed for and inspired by Slugs, you are encouraged to bring friends and family along to join the fun!
Domestic animals that are not service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are prohibited on all UC Santa Cruz property. You can learn more about rules and regulations regarding animals on campus here.
Can I stay in my old dorm room?
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to stay in your dorm room and it is extremely unlikely that this kind of request can be granted. Rooms and apartments are assigned in the order that guests purchase.
What should I pack?
Take a look at our suggested packing list.
Can I cook if I’m in an apartment?
Apartments include a fridge, stove, oven, and kitchen space, but they DO NOT include dishes, cookware, utensils, or a microwave.
New Leaf and Safeway are nearby grocery stores where you can stock up on groceries and other essentials.
Who should I contact to secure any accessibility accommodations?
If you have any accessibility requirements/requests/questions, you can contact alumni@ucsc.edu.
My friend let me know this event was happening. Why didn’t I get the email?!
We don’t always have everyone’s correct contact information! Be sure to update your info here, so that you can always be updated on campus news and alumni events!
Last year hikes were free, why do they cost $5 this year?
By paying for each hike, you’re not only supporting our partners in Adventure Recreation but also helping to make sure everyone who signs up for this popular program shows up and joins in the fun!
What are the dates for Return to the Redwoods 2025?
Mark your calendars! Next year, we’ll be Returning to the Redwoods August 15-17, 2025
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation details for campus housing:
- Cancellations with at least two weeks’ notice will receive a refund minus a 6% fee
- Cancellations less than two weeks will be charged a $50 and a 6% fee
- Cancellations without at least 72-hour notice will be charged one night’s accommodation and 6% fee
Cancellation details for Weekend Passes and activity registrations:
- Cancellations with at least two weeks’ notice will receive a refund minus a 6% fee
- Cancellations less than two weeks will be refunded 50% minus a 6% fee
- Cancellations without at least 72-hour notice will be charged the full amount.
Any other questions? Feel free to reach out to us at alumni@ucsc.edu
Relive the weekend
Last year’s Return to the Redwoods was a resounding success, vividly captured in the smiles and laughter evident in our gallery of photos and videos now available online. Alumni and friends soaked in the nostalgic campus ambiance, exchanged stories of yesteryear, and enjoyed an array of engaging activities surrounded by UCSC’s iconic natural beauty. As you reminisce on these treasured memories, get ready to create new ones—next year’s event promises to bring even more opportunities to connect and celebrate the enduring spirit of UC Santa Cruz. Stay tuned for updates and start planning your return to the campus that forever holds a place in our hearts.
