Posts Tagged: Hike

Hike the Last Chance Trail

Join docent Steve Stolper as we hike the mysterious Last Chance Trail. We follow East Waddell Creek as it meanders through a deep forested canyon. The highlight of our trip is our lunch spot: a sunny rock overlooking cascades that feed the creek below.

After a relaxing lunch, we leave our tranquil spot and return to park headquarters. This 4.4-mile out-and-back is a moderate hike with 300 feet elevation gain. But we cross a stream that requires hikers to rock hop. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks and appropriate clothing. Meet at Park Headquarters.

Wildflower Walk!

Join us on this slow-paced walk with lots of stops to identify flowering plants and take photos. You’ll also visit several historical spots within the park.

Saturday’s walk is a leisurely 4-mile, 4-hour amble that includes two chimney trees and a waterfall. Sunday’s walk is a relaxed 5-mile, 5-hour amble that includes a chimney tree. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Park Headquarters. Parking is $10 and supports the park.

Outlook from Mt. McAbee

Join docent Hal Anjo on a hike to McAbee Outlook. We’ll stop at the top and enjoy the lovely ocean views, returning through a beautiful old-growth redwood forest. Learn about the different habitats as you watch the environment change as we climb and enjoy the view. Difficulty level is moderate. The hike is 6 miles and about 3.5 hours. Bring plenty of water, snacks and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters. Parking is $10 and supports the park.

A Walk in the Past

No Safeway? No Home Depot? No pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Take a walk with Docent Eva Fewel and learn about some of the plants the Ohlones used for food, tools and medicine. This is a 4-mile, 2.5-hour walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. Parking is $10 and supports the park.

Ohlone Plant Use

No Safeway? No Home Depot? No pharmacy? How did the Ohlone Indians survive? Docent Eva Fewel will have plant samples and tools that the local Native Californians used. Learn how they collected, processed and used the local plants. Stop by our visitor center any time during this drop-in program. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.

Wildflower and Nature Hike of Waddell Valley

Join Bryce Stauble and learn to identify many of Waddell Valley’s plants within Rancho del Oso’s seven diverse habitats. Observe the monthly change of the ecosystems. Each walk is unique as blooming flowers and pollinators are constantly in flux! This walk is a leisurely four-hour amble that is great for learning the native habitat we are experiencing. Bring lunch, questions and spirited fervor! Meet at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center, which is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz, at 3600 Hwy. 1 in Davenport.

For more information, please call (831) 427-2288 or email RDOPIS@parks.ca.gov. Event made possible by Waddell Creek Association, California State Park volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.ranchodeloso.org and www.parks.ca.gov.

Wildflower and Nature Hike of Waddell Valley

Join Bryce Stauble and learn to identify many of Waddell Valley’s plants within Rancho del Oso’s seven diverse habitats. Observe the monthly change of the ecosystems. Each walk is unique as blooming flowers and pollinators are constantly in flux! This walk is a leisurely four-hour amble that is great for learning the native habitat we are experiencing. Bring lunch, questions and spirited fervor! Meet at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center, which is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz, at 3600 Hwy. 1 in Davenport.

For more information, please call (831) 427-2288 or email RDOPIS@parks.ca.gov. Event made possible by Waddell Creek Association, California State Park volunteers, and California State Parks. Visit us on the web at www.ranchodeloso.org and www.parks.ca.gov.

Nature Wander

Find out what’s growing and blooming right now in the Waddell Valley on this approximately 1-mile, 1.5-hour guided walk with docent naturalist Ann Garside. She will share information about the plants of Rancho del Oso as the group walks from coastal scrub through one of the last native stands of Monterey Pine left in the world. Hike starts at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center, which is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz, at 3600 Highway 1 in Davenport.

Meteor Trail Hike

Join Docent Hal Anjo on one of our most diverse hikes—by mountain streams, oak woodlands, chaparral and redwoods. You’ll discuss forests, flowers and fires on a six-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. Parking is $10 and supports the park.

Hike to Ocean View Summit

Escape the crowds on this 6-mile loop through shaded forest to a hilltop view of the coast. Join Docent Steve Stolper as we climb the Meteor Trail through the trees, gaining 600 feet before emerging at Ocean View Summit. After a relaxed lunch, we descend back into the forest and return to headquarters. Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Meet at park headquarters. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 338-8883.