Longer days means more time for afternoon hikes! Whether you're new to hiking or a seasoned hiker, here are tips to make your afternoon adventures more enjoyable:

🥾 Footwear: Plan to bring the right shoes for your stroll
🍎 Snacks: Bring food to gnosh on along the way
💧 Water: Water is an essential part of any hike. Bonus points if you bring your own reusable water bottle.
🤔 Plan: Find a trail by planning ahead

@santacruzmountainsstateparks
#thatsmypark #hike #Forest #Afternoon #Tips #Adventure #Nature #Wildlife #Trail ...

Support equity in education through the Kids2Parks program. The program provides free bus transportation for State Parks field trips serving low-income families in Santa Cruz, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

The program is in partnership with California State Parks and every donation makes a difference. Just $15 can send a kid to a state park!

Learn more and donate to Kids2Parks today. Check out the link in our bio.

#thatsmypark #thatsmybeach #Kids2Parks #K2P #FieldTrips #Donate #Kids #School #CaliforniaStateParks ...

Join us to experience an all-in-one prescription for a healthier and happier life!

Experience the combined power of physical activity, health education, social connection, and the healing magic of nature by joining our Walk with a Doc program.
Each walk begins with a short discussion of the latest evidence-based lifestyle approaches to the prevention of chronic diseases and the enhancement of the healthiest lifespan.

For the remainder of the walk, you will stroll at your own pace while having the opportunity to connect with others in a relaxing and beautiful forest environment. There will be ample time to interact with the doctor to get your general lifestyle questions answered.

Walk with a Doc does not require any special gear or experience, and is safe, fun, and FREE. The success of the Walk with a Doc program to inspire communities through movement and conversation in nature can be measured by the fact that the program boasts 560+ chapters in 49 states and 30+ countries around the world!

Group meets in Fall Creek and we will be walking approximately 1.5 miles on a trail that is mostly level or gently sloping, with one brief, moderately steep section near the trailhead. Note that there are no restrooms in this park.

Group size is limited, and advanced registration is required. Those who register will receive more detailed information and directions via email.

NOTE: Walk with a Doc includes general information relating to the benefits of lifestyle as medicine and does not include specific medical advice.  Information provided is meant to supplement rather than replace the diagnostic expertise and medical advice or your personal physician. Please consult with your doctor before making any decisions that affect your health.

Walk with a Doc
Free Registration . Led by Steve Leib, MD.
Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods

Class Schedule: 10:00am - 11:30am
Thursday, August 21, 2025

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-08-21-2

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks
#CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #WalkWithADoc #bayarea #California ...

You are invited to experience an oasis of tranquility at one of the most beautiful locations in Santa Cruz County!

Inspired by the teachings of the flowing water, we will relax deeply and learn important healing skills that we can practice anywhere. By slowing down on the green banks of the creek we will savor the experiences of the senses and arrive fully in the present moment.

Qi Gong is an ancient healing system that attunes us with nature through fluid movement, gentle stretching, and self-massage. We will learn and practice a simple sequence twice during the course, which is a wonderful preparation for our walking, standing, and sitting meditations that follow. There will be simple explanations for all practices, no experience is necessary.

This is a gentle, experiential program—not a vigorous hike. Most of our time together will be spent in silence, though there will be space for questions and guidance throughout the course.

Class meets in the parking lot at the main entrance to Fall Creek. Note that there are no restrooms in this park.

Class size is limited, and advanced registration is required. Those who register will receive more detailed information and directions via email.

Teachings of Water: Meditation and Movement
Monday, August 18, 2025 | 10am - 12pm
Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods

$35 per session. Led by Jim Gallas

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-08-18

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods #FallCreekSubUnit#FallCreekStatePark #RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks #CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Redwoods #California #OutdoorLearning #Wellness #Meditation #Mindfulness #TeachingsOfWater #QiGong #SanLorenzoRiver ...

Paint a gorgeous vista of the Santa Cruz Mountains at sunset on an 11”x14” canvas board. Local artist Sarah Orre will walk you through every step of the process including how to paint a wet-on-wet background, sunset sky, mountain fog, and techniques for painting trees with a long-handled fan brush.

Beginners welcome! Class meets outside at Picnic Area 1 in Henry Cowell.

Class size is limited, and advanced registration is required. Those who register will receive more detailed information and directions via email.

Santa Cruz Mountains - Acrylic Painting
Saturday, August 16, 2025
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

$45.00 per class, Led by Sarah Orre.
An additional $20 materials fee will be collected at the class.

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-08-16

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks
#CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Wellness #ArtsAndCrafts #Painting #Birds #colors #AcrylicPainting #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness ...

Awaken your senses and center your energy with our Sunrise Qi Gong flow, held amidst the tranquility of nature. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the landscape, we gather at the Henry Cowell campground.

The class begins with a walking meditation and mindfulness breathing exercises, followed by a scenic two-mile round trip walk to the Observation Deck. There, with the skillful guidance of our certified instructor, we will practice Qi Gong postures and techniques to clear stress, boost vitality, and enhance focus. 

Some of the many benefits you may experience include reduced stress, enhanced flexibility and balance, improved mental clarity, and renewed energy.

The class concludes with a moment of silent meditation to integrate the benefits of our practice and the morning’s tranquil energy. By the end, you will feel centered, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace the day.

Dress in layers and wear closed-toed comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven ground. Participants must be able to walk a total of two miles and climb a steep flight of 22 stairs.

Class size is limited, and advanced is registration required. Class meets at the Henry Cowell Campfire Center. Those who register will receive more detailed directions and information via email.

Sunrise Qi Gong
Saturday, August 16, 2025
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Henry Cowell Redwoods Campground
$35.00 per class. Led by Lewis Regen

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-08-16-2

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks
#CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Wellness #Meditation #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness #Sunrise #QiGong #HenryCowellCampground #Hiking #Walking ...