Don’t pass up this amazing opportunity to explore one of Santa Cruz County’s most diverse ecosystems and all of the tree-fungi relationships supported in it. Quail Hollow Ranch County Park uniquely boasts four different biotic communities including redwood forest, mixed evergreen forest, chaparral, and closed-cone pine forest, and you will explore them all on this 5.8-mile hike. Along the way, you will identify trees and ecosystems and which fungi you would expect to see in each. Your guide will also highlight medicinal properties and traditional uses of many plant species you encounter. Foraging is not allowed in Quail Hollow Ranch so you won’t be able to gather mushrooms or plants on this hike, but what you will learn can be applied for the rest of your vacation and home!
Bring sturdy shoes, layers, water, snacks/lunch, camera, and a journal. This hike will be 5.8 or 3 miles if you take the option to turn back early, 800 or 300 ft elevation, dirt mostly single-track trail, moderate pace.