Join us for nature journaling in the park on July 9th at 10:00 am!During this program we will slow down to the pace of the natural world and capture our observations through pen and paper. Nature journaling is an easy way to experience a new or already familiar landscape through the lens of art and science. Program meets in front of the Visitor Center.Click this link to RSVP.

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.Sign up here!Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.

Fuel Reduction Workday - This is a Fuel Reduction Workday, in which we 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 workday will meet in front of the Visitor Center. If possible, please bring work gloves. Park offers a limited supply.Click here to RSVP and be sure to cross reference the above details with the date of your choice!

 Want to learn about the plants that thrive at Big Basin? Curious about what plants can be used as food or medicine? Bring your “eye spy” skills on this fun and engaging plant walk. One of our park docents will lead this gentle walk, where folks of all ages can learn the names and uses for the many plants found in our redwood forest. Approximately 2.5 miles, gentle incline. All ages welcome.Please Note: This program is free, however, a$10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center. There is no drinking water, food, or cell service available at Big Basin, so be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water for your visit!Register Here For more information, questions, or concerns, pleasecontact [email protected] orcall 669-899-1516.

Bring your little ones and join us for a fun and interactive story time in the redwood forest! This 45-minute program is designed for children ages 3 to 9 but is open to family members of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Please Note: This program is free, however, a$10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center. There is no drinking water, food, or cell service available at Big Basin, so be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water for your visit!There is currently one-way traffic on highway 236 before Big Basin if coming from Boulder Creek. Allow extra time to get to the park.Register HereFor more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] orcall 669-899-1516.

Join us for Junior Rangers at Wilder Ranch State Park! 7-12 year old kids will learn about the park's nature and history through interactive programs about various topics:June 20th: Ranch History and Farm ChoresJune 27th: Farm AnimalsNo Program July 4th! Come to our Old-Fashioned Independence Day special event instead!July 11th: InsectsJuly 18th: Birds and BirdingJuly 25th: TBDSign up hereMeet in the cultural complex at Wilder Ranch State Park. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, email [email protected] or call (669)758-1963

Join us for our summer campfire programs at Half Moon Bay State Beach (95 Kelly Ave)! Program will be held in the campfire center which is located just to the north of the campground. Learn about the Creatures of the Night and participate in a storytelling adventure, while snacking on s'mores! Program is free, however, $10 day use parking fee applies.

Sandhills Tour - Hike around an ancient seafloor?! Yes please! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Santa Cruz Sandhills, we'll be meandering through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800' above present-day sea level! Join us on July 12th at 9:00am to explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. RSVP for this event here.Let's plan to meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels. 

This 30 minute program is designed for children ages 3 to 6 but is open to family members ofall ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Learn about the FurryFriends of the Forrest or All About Banana Slugs.Please Note: This program is free, however, a$10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parkingspot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporaryvisitor center. There is no drinking water, food, or cell service availableat Big Basin, so be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water for your visit!Register here: https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/BigBasinFamilyRangers For more information, questions, or concerns, pleasecontact [email protected] orcall 669-899-1516.

Bring your 7-12 year old to the Henry Cowell Redwoods to learn about a park-related topic, explore select trails with park staff, and earn a badge! This program is exclusively for 7-12 year olds and parents/guardians must drop off and pick up their children.Program begins at 10:00am and meets in front of the Visitor Center. Click this link to RSVP!

Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara.  Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast.  From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact [email protected] or call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today! 

Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara.  Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast.  From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact [email protected] or call (669) 758-1819.Click here to make your reservation today! 

Come 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. We will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including Indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. Of course, we will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coast redwood and the CZU Lightning Complex Fire as well as the future of our park.Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register

Join a Volunteer Docent or State Park Interpretive Staff on a guided walk through the iconic Redwood Loop at Big Basin!This program is a 1 hour walk on a 0.6 mile, flat and easy trail designed for all ages. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Big Basin and how the forest is growing since the 2020 CZU Lightening Complex Fire. Each docent and staff person has their own niche and is excited to share their passion with you!Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or you can reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 10:45 am. Bring your own water or purchase water from Parking Kiosk as there is no running water, electricity or cell service at Big Basin!For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected] here to Register