Date:
So maybe you didn't call early enough to get in on the Año Nuevo elephant seal tours. That's no reason to give up and spend New Year's Day moping and nursing a hangover in front of the TV! You need fresh air—and your local state parks are here to help you get it as part of a national effort to organize First Day hikes that has enlisted 700 state parks in the conspiracy to start the year off right. Here's what's on offer today in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties, courtesy Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, the Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
8am
Bird Walk First Day Hike—Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
The early bird gets the worm—or in this case gets to see other awesome birds! Start the New Year off with this easy morning stroll to potentially see and hear the wintering birds of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Such residents can include swooping hawks, twittering Juncos, and even the occasional woodpecker.
Bring binoculars (a limited amount is available for loan) water, snacks, layered clothes, and walking shoes. Event is free; parking is $10. Please no pets.
8:30am
Barrel Mill Hike—Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Adventure out on this 6-7 mile hike by one of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park’s hidden treasures. Explore the beauty of Fall Creek and the park’s 100 years young forest while searching for potential swarms of over-wintering lady bugs.
Please bring water, snacks, layered clothing, and hiking shoes. Pets are not allowed in Fall Creek. Meet at the Fall Creek parking lot, approximately 0.5 miles up Felton Empire Road. Event is free; hike rain or shine. For more information, please call (831) 335-7077.
8:45am
Equal Access Seal TourAño Nuevo State Park
If you need mobility assistance, you can sign up for our docent-led equal access tours. You will board our accessible van and get a ride to our wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. Two docent naturalists will accompany you to the two seal-viewing decks, explain in detail the Northern elephant seals’ natural history, and answer all your questions. Reservations are required. Cost is $7/person. Due to limited space, each person with mobility needs can bring up to two guests/assistants. Please contact the park at 650-879-2033 or email Ano.EqualAccess@parks.ca.gov to make your reservations.
8:45am
Año Nuevo Elephant Seal ToursAño Nuevo State Park
The elephant seals are back at Año Nuevo State Park to mate and give birth. Bring your binoculars and camera to zoom in on the wide-eyed pups and intense battle scenes between competing males on exciting guided tours. The guided walk is across three miles of rolling sand dunes and considered moderately strenuous. Water and snacks are recommended. Day use parking $10. First Day Tours run from 8:45 AM-1:45 PM. Reservations recommended, follow the link for more information First Day Elephant Seal Tours
9am
Buzzard’s Roost Hike—Big Basin State Park
Those eager to start the New Year off with an adventure can embark on this intense but rewarding hike. Docents Kathy Willott and Glenn Joy lead this trek up to Buzzard’s Roost bright and early—it raises the chances of spotting morning critters that tend to hide during the day.
Trompers should be able to do a steady uphill grade for 2.5 miles (elevation gain about 1,200 ft.) but the pace will allow ample opportunity to enjoy the trail.
Pack plenty of water, wear good walking shoes, dress in layers and bring snacks. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Fall Creek Hike—Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Set out on a 3-4 mile moderate hike through 100-year-old forest to examine its logging history and discover how the Bay Area was built.
Please bring water, snacks, layered clothing, and hiking shoes. Pets are not allowed in Fall Creek. Meet at the Fall Creek parking lot, approximately 0.5 miles up Felton Empire Road. Event is free; rain cancels. For more information, please call (831) 335-7077.
Summit Meadow Hike—Castle Rock State ParkGet up and enjoy the view with a 3.5-mile hike; learn about the cultural and natural history of the Santa Cruz Mountains along the way. 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.
Back Country First Day Hike—Wilder Ranch State Park
Take in sweeping coastal views while exploring the backcountry of Wilder Ranch State Park on this 7.5-mile hike. Keep an eye out for the park’s unique and fascinating flora and fauna! Please bring water, lunch, layered clothing, sun protection, and hiking shoes. Please no pets. Event is free; vehicle day-use pass is $10. Meet at the Interpretive Center in the Wilder Ranch Cultural Preserve, located 2 miles north of Santa Cruz off Highway 1. For more information, please call (831) 426-0505.
1pm
Equal Access Seal Tour Año Nuevo State Park
If you need mobility assistance, you can sign up for our docent-led equal access tours. You will board our accessible van and get a ride to our wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. Two docent naturalists will accompany you to the two seal-viewing decks, explain in detail the Northern elephant seals’ natural history, and answer all your questions. Reservations are required. Cost is $7/person. Due to limited space, each person with mobility needs can bring up to two guests/assistants. Please contact the park at 650-879-2033 or email Ano.EqualAccess@parks.ca.gov to make your reservations.
