Stroll through the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve and be on the lookout for every splash of orange on the walk! The monarch migration is variable, please check the website or contact the park at (831)423-0871 to find out the current population. To arrange a tour for groups of 10 or more, please visit www.thatsmypark.org. Events
Every weekend day at noon, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks will be taking folks on a guided walk through the Old Growth Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest. On this 1-mile stroll, you will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among
On this 2.5 mile hike, be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces, with many stops to view the many birds, plants, and scenery along the way. You will help each other spot and identify birds! Bring your binoculars if you have them, clothes for variable weather, and good walking shoes. Meet next to park map
On Fuel Reduction Workday, in which park staff manually clear fallen debris in select areas of the Redwood Grove, and by doing so, reduce the fuel load and restore old-growth habitat. Park staff will facilitate organizing this debris into brush piles. Participants should be prepared to help with a fair deal of manual labor. This
Learn about the story of Big Basin: past, present, and future while wandering under the guardian old-growth redwoods that have seen it all! This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Stroll over sand dunes, enjoy beautiful ocean views, and gain a unique opportunity to view Northern elephant seals on this 3-mile, 2.5-hour guided trail! Layered clothing, closed-toed shoes, and rain/wind gear are strongly advised. Bring water. Food, umbrellas, and strollers are not permitted inside the preserve. Año Nuevo State Park offers docent-guided walks between December
Join a State Park docent and plant enthusiast for a first day hike at Big Basin starting at 11 a.m. from the Visitor Center. This hike will be a little over four miles in length with a steady climb up to the Ocean View Summit. Please allow at least 3 hours for this outing. Bring
On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of the coastal bluffs. Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. 2.5 mile loop trail is easy, with no elevation. Meet by large map sign in Wilder Ranch parking lot for the Old Cove Landing
Head to Natural Bridges State Beach for the 38th Annual Migration Festival. Many organizations from the community will be there with family-friendly, hands-on activities and booths highlighting the migration of whales, butterflies, birds and the many creatures that travel to and through this fascinating area. Celebrate migration of all kinds with migratory animal talks, active
Enjoy welcoming the monarch butterflies back to the park, where they will spend the winter. There will be arts and crafts, active games for kids, live music, information booths on monarch butterflies and butterfly gardens, and more! *This event is free. Parking is $10 to park in the day-use lot. For more information, call
