California State Parks
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Moonlight Madness
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesEnjoy an astronomy-themed evening at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park! Learn about the moon, stars, solar system, planets, all things astronomy, through activities, games, interactive models, and more! 6:00-8:00 – jazz music and interactive astronomy booths 8:00-9:00 – guest speaker presentation 9:00-10:00 – moonlight walk through the Redwood Grove 9:00-11:00 – telescope viewing with Santa Cruz Astronomy Club This event will be held at the entrance to the famous Redwood Grove. There is a $10 parking fee to park at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, but if you have a receipt from any other state park earlier in the day, that is good for all state parks. The event itself is free.
Big Basin State Park: Art in the Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesThe oldest California State Park is celebrating California State Parks Week with Art in the Park! This is a free event! View art exhibits that celebrate Big Basin’s recovery from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Create your own art! Enjoy a guided nature journaling hike (no experience or art supplies needed). Enjoy kids’ arts and crafts with your little ones. Watch en plein air painters work their magic in real time! Food is available for purchase from food trucks or bring your own picnic. Be sure to pack sun protection, bug spray, and drinking water before you leave for this event. The Big Basin parking lot will fill early, but the Santa Cruz Metro Route 35B bus to Big Basin will be FREE and offer EXTRA SERVICE for this event. The vehicle day-use fee is $8 with a parking space reservation, $10 first-come, first served. For more information, call (669) 899-1516 or email [email protected].
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesLearn 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. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. They will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coastal redwoods, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the park’s future. Registration is required to ensure your spot on the walk.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Fuel Reduction Workday
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesOn Fuel Reduction Workday, in which park staff 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 event will be meeting in front of the Visitor Center. If possible, please bring work gloves. The parks offer a limited supply.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Sandhills Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesGet ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plan to meet in the parking lot of the campground (located off Graham Hill Rd.). Program starts at 10:00am.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesLearn 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. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. They will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coastal redwoods, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the park’s future. Registration is required to ensure your spot on the walk.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Fall Creek Guided Hike
Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 1561 Felton Empire Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesThe Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods is extraordinary! Don’t miss this chance to explore it with a guide! Explore this beautiful creek system and learn a bit about its history. On this multi-mile, moderately graded hike, you’ll be be meandering along Fall Creek to the historic Barrel Mill and Lime Kiln sites. You will meet with your guide in the main parking lot of Fall Creek (located off Felton Empire Grade).
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesLearn 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. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. They will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coastal redwoods, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the park’s future. Registration is required to ensure your spot on the walk.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesLearn 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. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. They will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coastal redwoods, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the park’s future. Registration is required to ensure your spot on the walk.
Wilder Ranch State Park: Guided Coastal Nature Walk
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Pre-registration required at www.santacruzstateparks.as.me. Meet next to the park map in the main parking lot. Rain cancels. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Big Basin State Park: 2-Day Guided Car Camping Excursions
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesEnjoy the very first public camping opportunity in Big Basin Redwoods State Park since the 2020 CZU fire! This car camping weekend will allow you to venture out on day hikes without all the gear in tow, a great option for folks of all skill and camping experience levels. Evenings will feature community, conversation and games, and special guests will join us to discuss the past, present, and future of the park! As such this 2-night, 3-day adventure is family-friendly, allowing youth aged 11 and up to join with a parent or adult family member. The CA park system is even offering a discount for all youth aged 11-17 at just $100 each (adult price $200 each)! Parents please give them a call at 831-291-8273 to reserve your child’s spaces or visit www.parks.ca.gov/backpacking for more information. Don’t miss your chance to join Big Basin’s first camping comeback since 2020!
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Guided Walk Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesLearn 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. They will be covering the cultural history of this unique area including indigenous groups, loggers, and preservationists. They will also discuss natural history such as the amazing coastal redwoods, the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, and the park’s future. Registration is required to ensure your spot on the walk.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Sandhills Tour
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground 2591 Graham Hill Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesGet ready to hike around an ancient seafloor! On this 1.5 mile hike through the Sandhills, which will last approximately 2 hours, participants can meander through sandy soils on the mountain top, about 800 feet above present day sea level. Explore this beautiful landscape and learn about the rare and unique things that call it home. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Plan to meet in the parking lot of the campground (located off Graham Hill Rd.).