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 - [email protected] or call (669)758-1819Follow us on:  Instagram or Facebook

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: [email protected]

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 - [email protected] or call (831) 685-6444Reservation Link:  https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/nisenefirstday

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!

Join us for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape. This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.  

Explore the ocean without getting your feet wet on this exciting tidepool tour! Join us for some fun in the sun and meet the incredible creatures of the Natural Bridges Tidepools. Prepare to walk over slippery rocks, through sand and up hills on this tour. Our tidepools are part of a Marine Protected Area which means that the animals are protected and cannot be touched, picked up, or moved.  Thank you for helping us preserve these animals and their home.Please Sign up ahead of time using this link: https://SantaCruzStateParks.as.me/?appointmentType=23305287Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? Call 831-423-0871 or email [email protected] tour is free. Parking is $10 and can be used in any State Park that day. Event is made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.

Park: New Brighton State Beach Where: Day-use parking lot at 3pm. Parking: There is a $10vehicle day-use fee.What to Expect:Join us for a 2-mile round trip adventure from New BrightonState Beach to Capitola. We will encounter interesting geological features inthe coastal bluffs, 5-million-year-old whale fossils and tide pool creaturesexposed by the low tide. Sign up here https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/scheduleLength: 90 minutes.Ages: All arewelcome.Preparations:Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, warm clothes, a bottle of water anda flashlight. Special Instructions:Rain and high waves cancel this event. Contact: [email protected] or call831-685-6444.Social Media:Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

Park: New Brighton State Beach Where: Day-use parking lot at 3pm. Parking: There is a $10vehicle day-use fee.What to Expect:Join us for a 2-mile round trip adventure from New BrightonState Beach to Capitola. We will encounter interesting geological features inthe coastal bluffs, 5-million-year-old whale fossils and tide pool creaturesexposed by the low tide. Sign up here https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/scheduleLength: 90 minutes.Ages: All arewelcome.Preparations:Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes, warm clothes, a bottle of water anda flashlight. Special Instructions:Rain and high waves cancel this event. Contact: [email protected] or call831-685-6444.Social Media:Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

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.

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! 

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 November 11th 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. 

Join Half Moon Bay State Beach Staff at the Half Moon Bay Library for a story and a craft. Each month we learn about a different aspect of the natural world. This month's topic is

During this program from 10:00am-12:00pm, you will be introduced to a traditional art: California Basket Weaving. CA basketry is some of the most ornate in the world, and this opportunity will pique your interest in learning more about, and supporting traditional arts and peoples. This 2-hour workshop will teach you how to weave your very own basket out of local Ponderosa Pine needles!All materials are supplied, and no previous experience is necessary. Suitable for participants 12 and up.Click here to RSVP!

Hike at Big Basin with a docent and Plant Enthusiast through the majestic Redwoods post fire. See which plants are thriving after the CZU Lightning Complex fire and likely see some Banana Slugs! Plan for 4 hours of easy walking and 2-4 miles on trails and fire roads. Dress in Layers, bring water and snack. Rain will cancel. Participation is free, however, a $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival, or we recommend you reserve a parking spot by clicking here. Please plan to meet at the temporary visitor center area located next to the restrooms at 9:45 am.For more information, questions, or concerns, please contact [email protected].

Join a State Park Educator and enjoy the flora and fauna of Butano State Park on this moderate 2.2 mile loop. This hike features creekside riparian habitat, redwood forest, and oak woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for banana slugs and newts! Where: Meet at the Visitor Center near the front entranceTime: 10:00amParking:  Parking is located by visitor center. Additional parking is located at the picnic area further down Butano State Park Road. $10 vehicle day use fee applies. Preparation: Participants should wear sturdy shoes and a hat, and bring plenty of water & snacks. Hike includes some slippery downhill in the winter; trekking poles are encouraged. Steady rain will cancel. Note that there is no running water in this park, so bring plenty!Contact: [email protected] or (669)758-1819

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!

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.

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

Natural Bridges State Beach is seeking volunteers to share the amazing and beautiful life of the rocky shore  with the public in the visitor center and outside in the tidepools. Help us lead school programs and discover the many ways you can help at the park.  Come join our Natural Bridges docent team by attending our 5 week long tidepool training session. Training is every Saturday January 20th -February 17th .(Saturday February 10th will be our Migration Festival.) Sign up here

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!

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!

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!

Join us for a guided tour through Santa Cruz’s oldest building, the only remaining example of indigenous housing from the California Missions. Learn about the daily life of people who lived here, and ways in which the Spanish Mission system drastically impacted local native people’s culture and landscape. This is a FREE event open to the public, no reservations required. Call (831) 425-5849 for more information.  

We are offering a bird watching program on Feb 3rd at 9:00am. Join us to learn all about life histories, behaviors, field markings, etc. On this 1-mile walk, we will make specific observations about characteristics that will certainly help us quack the case for many bird identifications! Let's plan to meet in the campfire center of the campground. Hope to see you there! Make sure to bring binoculars and a jacket so you're not murmuring under your breath "brrrrrrrrrrrrd."Reservation required; click here to RSVP.