Want to learn about the rich dairy history of Wilder Ranch State Park? Dreamt of peeking inside our beautiful Victorian homes and barns? Join us weekly on Saturdays and Sundays for a 1.5 hour long tour of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch! Meet at the visitor's center at 1 pm. Pre-register here or join us on the day-of. This tour is free. Parking in Day-use lot is $10. Questions? Call (831)426-0505 or email [email protected]

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. Parks offers a limited supply. Click here to RSVP and be sure to cross reference the above details with the date of choice.

Rancho San Andres CastroAdobe State Historic ParkCastroAdobe Open House: Alta COWliforniaSaturday, June 8 from 10:30am to 3:30 pmHoly cow! As summerapproaches it’s time for the matanza! This annual slaughter of cattletook place in the summer and was extremely important in Alta California. Whywere cows so important? Californios like Juan Jose Castro made their wealth inthe cow hide and tallow trade, which produced goods like soap, candles, andeverything leather. Learn about the importance of the vacas in AltaCalifornia and how cows allowed the Castros to build their dream home we callthe Castro Adobe. Ninos, come to the kids’ table and learn how to make an adobebrick!  Listen to live music andenjoy our recently installed interpretive displays.  Reservations for a free 90-minute docent ledtour are recommended at: www.santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse Eventmade possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. For more information call (831) 226-9669  NOTE:  Continuous rain will cancel event.                                   

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 June 8th 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!We'll meet in the campground parking lot (located off Graham Hill Rd.). We hope to see you there! Hard rain cancels. 

During this 1-hour program for ages 7 to 12, kids become Junior Rangers by participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes while learning how to protect the natural world! Activities vary from nature walks, to games, to nature-inspired crafts and are based on a different theme each week. Register in advance here. Walk-ins are welcome. Meet at the amphitheater at the north end of the campground.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.

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! 

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

REGISTER HEREThank you for joining us at Rancho del Oso! We're excited to explore with you.We will depart at 11 am. Please meet us at the Nature and History Center. Depending on group preference, there are several routes available.-The Marsh Trail- This seasonally available trail is a 0.8 mile round trip out across Waddell Creek and to our Welcome Center and native plant garden at the base of the Skyline to the Sea Trail (currently closed). When ready, visitors can then either return to the Nature and History Center via the Marsh Trail or walk down to Waddell Beach and cross a short bridge on HWY 1. The bridge on HWY 1 is brief but has a narrow shoulder, some visitors including those with smaller children may prefer to return via the Marsh Trail.-The Hoover Loop Trail- This 0.7 trail gives excellent views of the Waddell Marsh, Waddell Beach, and the Pacific Ocean. A variety of coastal plants decorate the side of the trail, before you eventually rise into the recovering Monterey pine forest.-If time allows, naturalists are happy to lead groups onto both trails.If you have questions, you can call (831) 218-5750 or email [email protected] Note:Please dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring binoculars, snacks, water, and sun protection. Please pack in your water as there is not potable water available in the park. With water, it’s a good idea to bring more than you think you need (1-3 liters recommended). There are pit toilets at Waddell Beach and the far side (Welcome Center/Skyline side) of the Marsh Trail, and then standard restrooms at the Nature and History Center.We look forward to connecting with you at Rancho del Oso!

Discover the wonders of the natural world through activities, crafts, experiments, and nature walks! Each week will feature a nature journaling workshop as well as a unique activity. This program is for 7 - 12 year olds. Meet at the Butano State Park Visitor Center.For more information, call (669) 758-1819.Program is free. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.Remember to bring water as none is available in this park!

On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. 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.