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 ranchodeloso@ports-ca.us.Please 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!

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 bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to Register

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.

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

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 wilderranch@ports-ca.us

Learning about different tree species? How in-tree-guing! During this 1 mile walk, we'll be chattin' about a handful of trees that reside in the park, and giving you the tools you need to identify species during your future park visits. Beleaf us, it'll be a great time!This free program will meet in front of the Visitor Center and meander down River Trail and back through the Redwood Grove. Hard rain cancels! Hope to see you there! Click here to RSVP.

Join State Park Docents on a leisurely two-hour walk. Take a journey back in time along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This walk will be a 2.5 miles round trip hike with only a small gain in elevation. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century.  Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures. Meet in the parking lot. For more information, call (650) 726-8814.Click here to make your reservation today!

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 bigbasin@ports-ca.us.Click here to Register

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Every Saturday and Sunday at 12:00pm, we are taking folks on a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. Click here to RSVP. Let's plan to meet in the front of the Visitor Center, we hope you can join us!

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 wilderranch@ports-ca.us

Lighthouse History Walk with Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic ParkJoin us for a 45 minute walking tour of the historic grounds of Pigeon Point Light Station. Meet by the fence in front of the first cottage. Hear tales of whalers, bootleggers, shipwrecks, the building of the lighthouse, the “Wickies” and their families, and the restoration of the tower (currently closed to the public). Visit the Fog Signal Building to view the magnificent First Order Fresnel lens and explore the exhibits. ADA accessible.Register: Lighthouse History Walk

***RESCHEDULED***Experience the incredible dark skies around Pigeon Point Lighthouse! Join Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park and Hostelling International USA for the annual Stargazing for Peace. Enjoy the sunset around 7pm on the observation deck behind the Fog Signal Building. Then learn how to identify constellations with hostel manager and astronomer Jeff Parry. Once it get darks (around 8pm) put that new knowledge to practice with the Santa Cruz Astronomy Club.6:11pm - Sunset7:15pm - Starhopping the Fall Constellations with Jeff Parry8:00pm - Stargaze with the Santa Cruz Astronomy ClubExpect chilly weather and dress in layers. Feel free to bring warm drinks, blankets, or chairs to sit in while we watch the sky. Please leave flashlights at home. We will have red lights that do not interfere with our night vision. This will make it easier to see the stars! Come enjoy the dark skies!Contact pigeonpoint@ports-ca.us with any questions.