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. There is no drinking water or cell service at Big Basin, so be sure to bring plenty of water!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!

Learn about different tree species on August 26th at 3:00pm! 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! Click here to RSVP.Let's plan to meet in front of the Visitor Center and meander down River Trail and saunter back through the Redwood Grove. Hard rain cancels! Hope to see you there!

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!

Park: Castle Rock State ParkWhere: Meetat the Saratoga Gap ParkingLotTime: Hikebegins at 10:00am Parking: Freeparking at Saratoga Gap until sunsetWhat to expect: Comestart the new year right with a grand history of these lush and scenic forest ridgelands. Former Castle Rock Ranger Miles Standish will take you through a seriesof short walks touching on the entire history of these mountains, fromprehistory to the first peoples of the Ohlone, the American pioneer times and intothe modern era. The hike will be broken into multiple pieces as participantshave the option of following in their own cars to additional trailheads with (former)Ranger Standish to explore a variety of historically and naturally significantareas. Total hiking distance will be around 2-3 miles, total (optional) drivingdistance will be approximately 7 miles.Ages: Allages welcomed.Preparation: Participantsshould wear sturdy shoes and a hat, bring water & snacks, and wearweather-appropriate clothing (significant rain or wind will cancel).Special instructions: Steadyrain,  strong winds or other potentiallyunsafe weather conditions will cancel – to confirm, call (408) 868-9540 or email portolacastlerock@ports-ca.usContact: AlexTrudelle (alex.trudelle@parks.ca.gov)831.291.8273Follow us on:Facebookand Instagram

New Years Day Hike – Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock!January 1, 2024 (10:30 AM – 3:30 PM)Castle Rock State Park, Headquarters (Kirkwood Entrance)Start the New Year by hiking one of the most exciting and scenic trails in the Bay Area.  This moderate 5.15 mile loop has 1,190 feet elevation gain and amazing panoramic views.  We leave from park headquarters and visit the top of Castle Rock Falls.  We continue along a rocky trail with views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and the Pacific Ocean.  At Castle Rock Trail Camp, we loop-back to Goat Rock with its breathtaking vista.  After a relaxed lunch, we return to headquarters.This hike is rated “moderate” because hikers need to step onto rocks, balance, and scramble over rocks.  Hikers should be comfortable with their sense of balance.Meet at Park Headquarters.  Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing.  Rain or heavy wind cancels.  Vehicle day-use fee is $10.Free Event – No registration required.

Park: Montara State BeachWhere: Montara Mountain North Peak and Peak MountainTime: 8:30am - 1:00pmParking:  Free parking is located in Gray Whale Cove parking lot on Hwy 1 North. Exact location hereWhat to expect: Join a State Park Interpreter to enjoy the flora, fauna, and views of the coast on this strenuous 7 mile hike with 2,000 foot elevation gain and stunning 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Mt. Tam, Mt. Diablo, Farallon Islands, Point Reyes, Golden Gate Bridge, and the greater San Francisco Bay. A lunch break will be taken atop Peak Mountain, before the downhill climb back to Gray Whale Cove. Length of hike: 7 mile loopAges: All ages welcome; please carefully read notes and be prepared for strenuous hikePreparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks. Hike includes some steep downhill and trekking poles are encouraged.Special instructions: Steady rain will cancel.Contact: Erin Christ - halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or call (669)758-1819Follow us on:  Instagram or Facebook

Come spend the morning with resident and migratory birds of the park! On this 1 mile stroll, which will last approximately 1.5 hours, participants have the opportunity to observe, and listen to, a handful of bird species in the park. This program is recommended for 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parking: Meet in the main parking lot of the campground just past the kiosk (located at 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley CA 95060). Day-use fee is $10.Preparation: Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. Bring warm layers. Wear good hiking boots/shoes. Bring water and snacks.Special instructions: Pre-registration for the hike is required here.Contact: henrycowell@ports-ca.usFollow us on: Facebook and Instagram.

Park: The Forest of Nisene Marks State ParkMeet at: Georges Picnic Area/Winter GateTime: 9:00amParking: $8.00 park entrance fee per car.  Limited parking so please carpool.What to expect: Join us for a leisurely walk to the site where the town of Loma Prieta was located and the hidden spot deep in the redwood forest where marine fossils can be found. We will encounter the remains of the old lumber mill, follow the trail of the ghost trestles, and learn about the wonders of our giant redwoods and their survival.Length of hike: 4.5 miles, 3.5 hoursAges: Children 10 years or older.Preparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes, and hat. Please bring water, snacks, and a layer since the forest can be chilly in the morning. Special instructions: Steady rain will cancel hike. No pets are allowed.Contact: Paul Karz - seacliff@ports-ca.us or call (831) 685-6444Reservation Link:  https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/nisenefirstday

Park Name: Wilder Ranch State ParkWhere: Backcountrytrails of Wilder RanchTime: 5.5 hoursParking: Main visitor parking lot. Vehicle day-use feeis $10.What to expect: 8-mile hike across varioustrails of the Wilder Ranch Backcountry area, through coastal prairie,grasslands, mixed forest.  The hikeascending about 1000 feet over a variety of trail surfaces; gravel, dirt, andsand, single track, fire roads, and some switchbacks.Length of hike: 8-mileloop, 1000 feet of elevation gainAges: 12 and upPreparation: Participants should wear sturdy closetoed shoes have sun and rain layers, bring 1-1.5 liters of water & a lunchSpecial instructions: Pre-registration for the hike is required here. Day of rain will cancel, as will rain of more than 1/2 inch the day prior.Contact: wilderranch@ports-ca.us

Join a Big Basin Docent and plant enthusiast for a first day hike at Big Basin starting at 9:30am from the temporary 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 plenty of water, snacks, layers and binoculars (optional).

Park: Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State ParkWhere: 305 Higgins Canyon Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019Time: 10 amParking: Free parking in parking lot off of Higgins Canyon RoadWhat to expect: 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.Length of hike: 2.5 milesAges: All ages welcomed. Preparation:  Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, bring water & snacks. Feel free to bring binoculars or a camera if you have them. Special instructions: Steady rain will cancel – to confirm, call Contact: Elexis Padrón - halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or call (669) 758-1819Follow us on:  Instagram or Facebook

Park: Montara State BeachWhere:  Gray Whale Cove TrailTime:   10 am Parking: Free parking in Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot off of Hwy 1 located here.What to expect: Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at Montara State Beach.  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.Length of hike: 2 milesAges: All ages welcomed. Preparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, bring water & snacks, and bring binoculars if they have them. Special instructions: Steady rain will cancel.Contact:  Elexis Padrón - halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or call (669)758-1819Follow us on:  Instagram or Facebook