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 half-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. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters, located 9 miles north of Boulder Creek on Highway 236. Event is free; vehicle day-use pass is $10.
Posts Tagged: First Day Hikes
Shadowbrook First Day Hike
Join Docent Tom Batley as he guides you on a less-traveled trail that takes you by Union Creek, to the Sempervirens Falls and back through the redwoods. This is a four-mile, 3.5-hour hike. Bring water and good hiking shoes. In case of rain, Tom will lead a hike up beautiful, and paved, North Escape Road. Meet at Park Headquarters, located 9 miles north of Boulder Creek on Highway 236. Event is free; vehicle day-use pass is $10.
Buzzard’s Roost First Day Hike
Join Docents Kathy Willott and Glenn Joy for a hike to Buzzard’s Roost. We’ll take an early hike in hopes of seeing things that might be hiding later in the day and share our findings as we go. We’ll watch the environment change as we climb and enjoy the view from the top. Hikers should be able to do a steady uphill grade for 2.5 miles (elevation gain about 1,200 ft.), but we’ll go at a pace that allows us to enjoy what we see. Wear good walking shoes, dress in layers and bring snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters, located 9 miles north of Boulder Creek on Highway 236. Event is free; vehicle day-use pass is $10.
Saratoga Gap First Day Hike
Join us for spectacular vistas on this 3 mile moderate hike as we discuss the local flora and history. Please bring water, snacks, layered clothing, and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Castle Rock State Park parking lot, located off Highway 35 in Los Gatos. Event is free. Please no pets. For more information, please call (831) 291-8273.
Summit Meadow First Day Hike
Join us for a 3.5 mile hike and learn about the natural and cultural history of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Please bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, snacks, and layered clothing. Meet at the Sempervirens Point located off Highway 9 in Boulder Creek. Event is free. Please no pets. For more information, please call (831) 291-8273.
Old Tree Trail First Day Hike
Stroll through an old growth redwood grove in search of the “Old Tree” that’s over 1,200 years old, discover the banana slug’s vital role in this flourishing forest, and learn about the marvelous Marbled Murrelet and how park visitors can help save these endangered birds on this 1-mile, 1.5 hour walk. Bring water, closed toe shoes, camera, snacks, and warm layers. Meet at visitor center. For more information, call (831) 291-8273. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.
Photography Hike
Discover Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park through the lens of your camera and render its marvels and phenomena into an artistic language! During this four-hour saunter, you will explore the functions of your camera, create conceptually- and visually-stunning photographs, become more intimate with the park, and become part of a wonderful community! Make sure to bring your camera, water, proper recreational shoes, a sense of adventure, and your imagination. Meet at the visitor center. Event free. Vehicle day use fee is $10.
For more information, please call (831) 335-7077.
First Day History Hike through Old-Growth Redwood Grove
Stroll through the past under a towering old growth redwood forest on this 1 mile ADA accessible loop. Discover the history of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, from the tribes of the Ohlone to the Californios, from Welches ranch to Santa Cruz Big Trees County Park. Meet at the Visitor Center, located in the day-use area located off of Hwy 9 in Felton. Please bring water, snacks, layered clothes, and walking shoes. Event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. Please no pets. For more information, please call (831) 335-7077
Redwood Loop to Cable Car Beach
Come and walk through the majesty of an old-growth redwood forest. Hear the story of the redwoods and learn what makes these tallest trees in the world so special on our way to Cable Car Beach and back. Bring layered clothing and water. Meet at the visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 335-7077.
Bird Walk First Day Hike
Join us for an easy morning avian stroll to potentially view and hear the over wintering birds of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The residents can be from hawks to Juncos, and maybe even a woodpecker or two. Meet at the Visitor Center, located in the day-use area located off of Hwy 9 in Felton. Please bring binoculars (a limited amount is available for loan), water, snacks, layered clothes, and walking shoes. Event is free; vehicle day use fee is $10. Please no pets. For more information, please call (831) 335-7077.