First Day Hikes are a great tradition!
Some hikes require registration. Also. be prepared to pay a parking fee at most parks.
January 1, 9am – 1pm – First Day Hike – The Forest of Nisene Marks
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, 600 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos, Join us for a 4 mile, 4 hour walk to the site where the town of Loma Prieta was located and the hidden spot deep in the redwoods. Register https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule/0ef4b536/appointment/28163212/calendar/5807009
January 1, 10am – 12pm – First Day Hike – Burleigh Murray Ranch
Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park – Join State Park Docents on a leisurely two-hour walk. Take a journey back in time along Mills Creek at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park. This walk will be a 2.5 miles round trip hike with only a small gain in elevation. Along the way you will learn about the lives of early pioneers and farming families who first settled here in the 19th century. Enjoy one of our area’s hidden treasures. Meet in the parking lot. For more information, call (669) 758-1819. Click here to make your reservation today!
January 1, 10am – 12pm – First Day Hike – Gray Whale Cove Trail, Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay State Beach 95 Kelly Ave, Half Moon Bay, Join State Park Docents for a two-hour hike along the scenic Gray Whale Cove Trail at State Parks’ McNee Ranch at Montara. Enjoy a moderate 2 mile hike overlooking the California coast. From the trail you will be able to view evidence in the landscape of the Ocean Shore Railroad and bunkers left over from the World War II era. Enjoy the ocean views, the coastal plants, and the birds on this exciting hike. Meet on the north side of the Gray Whale Cove State Beach parking lot on Highway 1. If you have any questions or concerns please contact halfmoonbay@ports-ca.us or call (669) 758-1819.
January 1, 10am – 2pm – First Day Hike – Big Basin Redwoods
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, This 5-mile moderately difficult hike will take you to the Mount McAbee Overlook with views of the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. The hike has an elevation gain of 800 feet. You will be going up part of the Skyline to the Sea trail to Middle Ridge Fire Road to Hihn Hammond Fire Road to the Overlook, returning via Hihn Hammond Road, on the Hihn Hammond Connector trail and into the Redwood Loop back to Park Headquarters. You can expect stops along the way to observe and learn about flora and fauna in diverse ecosystems. Meet at the Visitor Center. Length of Hike: 5.0 mile, 4 hoursWear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and wear layers. Bring plenty of water. There is no potable water available other that by purchase for $3. Bring lunch. Hike will happen rain or shine, but route may be altered in inclement weather depending on trail conditions. High winds will cancel. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No pets are allowed. Registration is not required. A $10 vehicle day-use fee will be charged upon arrival (no cash), or you can reserve a parking spot for $8 online.
January 1, 11am – 12:30pm – First Day Hike at Henry Cowell – Redwood Grove
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, Coast Redwoods offer a 100% satisfaction guaran-treed! Join us for a guided walk through the Redwood Grove to talk about coast redwoods and to experience the forest together. On this 1-mile stroll, we will be chatting about life histories, ecology, etc. and sharing a wonderful adventure among these giants. We will meet in front of the Redwood Visitor Center.
January 1, 11am – 1:30pm – Guided Coastal Walk at Wilder Ranch
Wilder Ranch State Park 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, On this 2.5 mile family friendly walk, we’ll explore the plants, animals, and geology of our coastal bluffs. Bring water, hat, closed toe shoes, layered clothing, and binoculars if available. Sign up here! Meet next to park map in Wilder Ranch main parking lot. Rain cancels. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 426-0505.
January 1, 1pm – 2:30 pm – First Day Hike at Henry Cowell – Cable Car Beach
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, Interested in observing and comparing old growth and second growth redwood forests? Walking by the river and learning about what plants grow alongside it? Join us for a stroll to Cable Car Beach! We will meet at the Redwood Visitor Center at 1pm and be out for an hour and a half. Easy to moderate pace. Under 2 miles roundtrip.
January 1, 3 – 4:30 pm – First Day Hike at Henry Cowell – Reflective Sandhills Hike
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, Join us for a mile and a half walk from the mixed forest through the sandhills to the Observation deck and back. We will reflect on how the land teaches us renewal and resilience along with fun gentle qi gong inspired movements. All ages welcome. Moderate pace. Meet at the campground parking lot/kiosk at 3pm.
January 1, 3pm – 4:30pm – First Day King Tide Walk – New Brighton
New Brighton State Beach Capitola, Come start the New Year by exploring king tides at New Brighton State Beach. Join us for a negative tide on a 2-mile roundtrip adventure from New Brighton State Beach to Capitola. We will encounter interesting geological features in a coastal bluff, 5-million-year-old whale fossils, and tide pool creatures. We will return to New Brighton around 4:30 PM and may remain on the beach until sunset. Steady rain cancels this event. Meet at the day-use parking lot at New Brighton State Beach. Parking fee is $10. Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, water, umbrella. Sign up: https://santacruzstateparks.as.me/schedule/0ef4b536/appointment/28163345/calendar/5563015 Call 831-685-6444 if you have questions.
