Date:
So maybe you didn't call early enough to get in on the Año Nuevo elephant seal tours. That's no reason to give up and spend New Year's Day moping and nursing a hangover in front of the TV! You need fresh air—and your local state parks are here to help you get it as part of a national effort to organize First Day hikes that has enlisted 700 state parks in the conspiracy to start the year off right. Here's what's on offer today in the Santa Cruz Mountains and on the coast, courtesy California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
10am
Año Nuevo State Park Equal Access Seal Tour
If you need mobility assistance, you can sign up for docent-led equal access tours. You will board an accessible van and get a ride to a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. Two docent naturalists will accompany you to the two seal-viewing decks, explain in detail the Northern elephant seals’ natural history, and answer all your questions. Reservations are required. Cost is $7/person. Each person with mobility needs can bring up to two guests/assistants. Please contact the park at 650-879-2033 or email Ano.EqualAccess@parks.ca.gov to make your reservations.
Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park Mill Creek Trail
Take a journey back in time to experience how early pioneers and farming families survived here in the 19th Century. This stroll travels along the Mills Creek for a 2 hour, 2 mile long trip. Pets on leash are welcome. Bring water, close toed shoes, snacks, layer clothing, and binoculars recommended. Meet at the Burleigh H. Murray Ranch parking lot, which is located on Higgins Purrissima Road off of Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay. For more information, please call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov.
Gray Whale Cove State Beach Gray Whale Cove Trail
Join a docent for a 1.5-hour, 2-mile hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail along the edge of the California coast. View how the Ocean Shore Railroad has etched itself into the landscape and the remnant bunkers left over from the World War II era. Bring water, close toed shoes, snacks, layer clothing, and binoculars recommended. Pets on leash are welcome. Meet at the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1 just south of Devil’s Slide. For more information, please call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov.
Monte Bello Preserve Healthy New Year Resolution Hike
If ‘stay healthy’ is one of your New Year resolutions, you can start with a fast-paced 10-mile hike through this popular Preserve. Join docents Huey-Shin Yuan and Vivian Neou to explore the White Oak, Stevens Creek Nature, Indian Creek, Bella Vista and Canyon Trails. Enjoy a beautiful view of the Bay Area from the top of Black Mountain. You’ll enjoy a well deserved lunch along Waterwheel Creek Trail with a peaceful view of the woodland. 10am-3pm. Preserve parking lot on Page Mill Road (across from Los Trancos Preserve), 7 miles west of I-280 or 1.5 miles east of Skyline Boulevard.
Pescadero State Beach Sequoia Audubon Trail
Join State Parks Docents for a 1 mile, 2 hour guided walk along the Sequoia Audubon Trail, an important stop along the Pacific Flyway. Explore the remnant levees from past farming and discover the byways of the Pescadero and Butano creeks in this restored marsh. Dress in layers, wear waking shoes, and bring binoculars and water. Rain cancels. Meet at the Central Pescadero State Beach parking lot, approximately 0.25 miles north of the junction with Pescadero Road. For more information, please call (650) 726-8819 or email HMBparksvolunteer@parks.ca.gov.
10:30am
Big Basin Redwoods State Park Meteor Trail Hike
Join Docent Peggy O’Shea on one of our most diverse hikes—by mountain streams, oak woodlands, chaparral and redwoods. You will discuss forests, flowers and fires on this 6 mile, 3.5 hour hike. This somewhat strenuous ascent is rewarded with ocean views on a clear day. Bring water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters. Rain cancels.
Noon
Año Nuevo State Park Geology Guided Walk
Join docent Jeff Phillips on this 1-mile stroll along the ever-changing Cove Beach. Uncover evidence of the hard-to-see forces that shape Año Nuevo’s beaches and cliffs and gain a perspective of California’s geological future while walking along active faults, ancient fossil beds, forgotten shorelines, and a mysterious river of sand. Suitable for all ages. Rain or shine. Meet at the Marine Education Center. Please leave pets at home. Space may be limited. For more information please call (650) 879-2025.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park Shadowbrook Stroll
Join Docent Tom Batley as he guides you on a less-traveled trail to visit Union Creek and the Sempervirens Falls. This is a 4-mile, 3.5-hour hike. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters. In case of rain, Tom will lead a hike up beautiful, and paved, North Escape Road.
1pm
Año Nuevo State Park Equal Access Seal Tour
If you need mobility assistance, you can sign up for our docent-led equal access tours. You will board our accessible van and get a ride to our wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. Two docent naturalists will accompany you to the two seal-viewing decks, explain in detail the Northern elephant seals’ natural history, and answer all your questions. Reservations are required. Cost is $7/person. Due to limited space, each person with mobility needs can bring up to two guests/assistants. Please contact the park at 650-879-2033 or email Ano.EqualAccess@parks.ca.gov to make your reservations.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park New Year's Redwood Grove Loop Walk
How do these grand redwoods grow to be so old? So tall? How are they important to humans? Join us for this fun and informative guided 0.5 mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90 minute walk. Stroller and wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park Headquarters. Heavy rain cancels.
