What's New

two tents set up under a forest of trees

Backcountry Trail Camps provide an incredible wilderness experience in the backyard of the Bay Area. Plan a backpacking trip and explore for yourself.

BACKPACK
Parkstore Logo

Shop the ParkStore Online anytime to get nature and State Parks themed gifts and merchandise. Proceeds support local state parks and beaches!

SHOP
Seacliff Resilience Logo

Improving the resilience of our coastline starts with studying coastal processes, planning for change, and adapting to new conditions.

LEARN
The Big Basin Shuttle Driving along a forest road

Summer shuttle now cruising at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Plan your visit today!

VISIT

Plan Your Visit

Our Mission, Our Passion

a lone angler stands on rocks while waves crash

Our local parks and beaches: thriving and available to all!

Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (Friends) is a vital partner with California State Parks, creatively working to ensure our cherished local parks and beaches are thriving and available to all. Friends’ innovative and collaborative community partnership provides support and investment for education, equity and inclusion, conservation, facilities improvements, historic preservation and cultural events.

I want to help!

Get News and Stay Connected

#thatsmypark

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Jul 12

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😮 Learn about the fascinating history of Basin Basin Redwoods State Park with this book by local author Traci Bliss. The book, inspired by a story shared by her great-great aunt six decades ago, shares the untold story of the herculean effort to preserve the ancient redwoods for future generations! Pick up your copy today at any ParksStore and the ParkStore Online. #Thatsmypark #Forest #Redwoodforest #BigBasinRedwoods #Book #ParkStore #Read #Gift #History

😮 Learn about the fascinating history of Basin Basin Redwoods State Park with this book by local author Traci Bliss. The book, inspired by a story shared by her great-great aunt six decades ago, shares the untold story of the herculean effort to preserve the ancient redwoods for future generations!

Pick up your copy today at any ParksStore and the ParkStore Online.

#Thatsmypark #Forest #Redwoodforest #BigBasinRedwoods #Book #ParkStore #Read #Gift #History ...

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Jul 11

Open
Butano State Park features 40 miles of trails through coastal redwoods 🥾🎒🌲. This off-the-beaten-path park covers 4,000 acres of canyons, redwoods and riparian landscapes for visitors to explore. Stop by the Visitor Center while you’re here and explore exhbits featuring local flora and fauna. Plan your next hike at the link in our bio. Parking is $10 and helps Friends to support the park. @santacruzmountainsstateparks #thatsmypark #Butano #Forest #Hike #CoastalRedwoods #Redwoods #Trails #Riparian #Widlife #Nature

Butano State Park features 40 miles of trails through coastal redwoods 🥾🎒🌲. This off-the-beaten-path park covers 4,000 acres of canyons, redwoods and riparian landscapes for visitors to explore. Stop by the Visitor Center while you’re here and explore exhbits featuring local flora and fauna.

Plan your next hike at the link in our bio.

Parking is $10 and helps Friends to support the park.

@santacruzmountainsstateparks
#thatsmypark #Butano #Forest #Hike #CoastalRedwoods #Redwoods #Trails #Riparian #Widlife #Nature ...

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Jul 10

Open
Ready to hike around an ancient seafloor? Join this guided 1.5-mile hike on Saturday, June 12 at 9 a.m. through the Santa Cruz Sandhills to explore the landscape and learn about the rare and unique plants and animals that call it home. The hike begins at the campground parking lot off of Graham Hill Road. The event is free. RSVP and learn more by visiting the link in our bio. @santacruzmountainsstateparks #thatsmypark #Hike #AncientSeafloor #Explore #SantaCruzSandhills #Sandhills #Widlife #Nature #NaturalHistory

Ready to hike around an ancient seafloor? Join this guided 1.5-mile hike on Saturday, June 12 at 9 a.m. through the Santa Cruz Sandhills to explore the landscape and learn about the rare and unique plants and animals that call it home. The hike begins at the campground parking lot off of Graham Hill Road.

The event is free.

RSVP and learn more by visiting the link in our bio.

@santacruzmountainsstateparks
#thatsmypark #Hike #AncientSeafloor #Explore #SantaCruzSandhills #Sandhills #Widlife #Nature #NaturalHistory ...

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Jul 10

Open
Would you like to experience the peace and beauty of nature more profoundly? Do you want to cultivate a deeper connection with nature that will support you wherever you go? Treat yourself to an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation among the redwoods! Join us for this mini-retreat and discover how easy it can be to experience a deep and healing connection with nature. You’ll be guided on a peaceful journey that will skillfully blend mindful walking and stillness, exploration and reflection, solo and shared experiences. Together, we will learn simple yet powerful ways to slow down, calm our minds, and engage more mindfully with the more-than-human world. We’ll discover how small shifts in awareness and actions allow us to experience greater peace, delight, and wonder when we’re out on the Earth. Expect to leave feeling relaxed and restored, with simple tools you can use to enjoy lasting benefits from time in nature and more ease in daily life. This is a gentle, experiential program—not a vigorous hike. We will walk about half a mile and spend more time sitting than walking. Many of the practices will be done in silence to allow us to be more fully present with the natural world.  Class meets in the parking lot at the main entrance to Fall Creek. Most of the activities will be done near the 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. Nature-Based Mindfulness Mini Retreat $45.00. Led by Kai Siedenburg Tuesday, July 15, 2025 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm Fall Creek Sub-unit, Henry Cowell https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-07-15 #MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX #HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks #CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Wellness #Meditation #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness #MiniRetreat #SanLorenzoRiver #water #healing #UnviversalCare #NaturalHealing

Would you like to experience the peace and beauty of nature more profoundly?

Do you want to cultivate a deeper connection with nature that will support you wherever you go?

Treat yourself to an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation among the redwoods!
Join us for this mini-retreat and discover how easy it can be to experience a deep and healing connection with nature.

You’ll be guided on a peaceful journey that will skillfully blend mindful walking and stillness, exploration and reflection, solo and shared experiences.

Together, we will learn simple yet powerful ways to slow down, calm our minds, and engage more mindfully with the more-than-human world. We’ll discover how small shifts in awareness and actions allow us to experience greater peace, delight, and wonder when we’re out on the Earth.

Expect to leave feeling relaxed and restored, with simple tools you can use to enjoy lasting benefits from time in nature and more ease in daily life.

This is a gentle, experiential program—not a vigorous hike. We will walk about half a mile and spend more time sitting than walking. Many of the practices will be done in silence to allow us to be more fully present with the natural world. 

Class meets in the parking lot at the main entrance to Fall Creek. Most of the activities will be done near the 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.

Nature-Based Mindfulness Mini Retreat
$45.00. Led by Kai Siedenburg

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Fall Creek Sub-unit, Henry Cowell

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-07-15

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks
#CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Wellness #Meditation #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness #MiniRetreat #SanLorenzoRiver #water #healing #UnviversalCare #NaturalHealing ...

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Jul 9

Open
Join us for a rejuvenating workshop where we’ll explore the healing power of nature through meditation and mindfulness practices. Whether you’re an experienced meditator or simply seeking a path for improving your well-being, this class offers an opportunity to learn: * Simple yet powerful meditation and mindfulness practices * How to apply them as complementary treatments to support your health This will be a practical session designed to help empower you with proven ways to support your physical and mental well-being. Within the tranquility of the forest, connect with nature and experience the profound benefits of meditation firsthand. Class size is limited, and advanced registration required. Meet at Picnic Area 3 in the day use area of Henry Cowell. Those who register will receive more detailed directions and information via email. Healing in the Forest: A Meditation and Mindfulness Workshop $35.00. Led by Claire Schneeberger Sunday, July 13, 2025 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-07-13 #MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX #HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks #CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Wellness #Meditation #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness #tranquility #NaturalHealing #healing #Redwoods

Join us for a rejuvenating workshop where we’ll explore the healing power of nature through meditation and mindfulness practices.

Whether you’re an experienced meditator or simply seeking a path for improving your well-being, this class offers an opportunity to learn:
* Simple yet powerful meditation and mindfulness practices
* How to apply them as complementary treatments to support your health

This will be a practical session designed to help empower you with proven ways to support your physical and mental well-being. Within the tranquility of the forest, connect with nature and experience the profound benefits of meditation firsthand.

Class size is limited, and advanced registration required. Meet at Picnic Area 3 in the day use area of Henry Cowell. Those who register will receive more detailed directions and information via email.

Healing in the Forest: A Meditation and Mindfulness Workshop
$35.00. Led by Claire Schneeberger

Sunday, July 13, 2025
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-07-13

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods#RedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks
#CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Wellness #Meditation #Nature #Forest #Mindfulness #tranquility #NaturalHealing #healing #Redwoods ...

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Jul 9

Open
Join us for outdoor yoga surrounded by stunning views of Monterey Bay at sunset! Participants with all levels of experience are welcome to join this nourishing class, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga, which will focus on poses intended to increase strength and flexibility and to calm the mind. We begin in the campground followed by a half-mile walk to the Observation Deck where we will experience a 50-minute yoga session. Bring a yoga mat that you don’t mind getting dirty or a towel to put under your mat. Participants must be able to walk a total of one mile and climb a steep flight of 22 stairs. The return walk to the campground may happen in the dark. Class meets at the Henry Cowell Campfire Center. Class size is limited, and advanced registration is required. Those who register will receive more detailed information and directions via email. Sunset Yoga Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 6pm - 8pm $35.00 per class. Led by Sonya. https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-08-28 #MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX #HenryCowellRedwoods #HenryCowellRedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks #CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Redwoods #California #MontereyBay #OutdoorLearning #Wellness #Sunset #Yoga #YogaInNature #Mindfulness

Join us for outdoor yoga surrounded by stunning views of Monterey Bay at sunset!

Participants with all levels of experience are welcome to join this nourishing class, presented in the gentle style of Iyengar yoga, which will focus on poses intended to increase strength and flexibility and to calm the mind.

We begin in the campground followed by a half-mile walk to the Observation Deck where we will experience a 50-minute yoga session. Bring a yoga mat that you don’t mind getting dirty or a towel to put under your mat.

Participants must be able to walk a total of one mile and climb a steep flight of 22 stairs. The return walk to the campground may happen in the dark.

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

Sunset Yoga
Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 6pm - 8pm
$35.00 per class. Led by Sonya.

https://www.mountainparks.org/rx-classes/2025-08-28

#MountainParksFoundation #RedwoodRX
#HenryCowellRedwoods #HenryCowellRedwoodsStatePark #ThatsMyPark #CaliforniaStateParks #CAStateParks #SantaCruzMountains #OhloneTerritory #Awaswas #LandStewardship #Community #Belonging #Nature #Outdoors #Redwoods #California #MontereyBay #OutdoorLearning #Wellness #Sunset #Yoga #YogaInNature #Mindfulness ...

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