hiking

Great Fall Hikes in and around Santa Cruz

Exploring Antonelli Pond is fun for all ages on Santa Cruz’s Westside. Credit: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.

The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has preserved some sweet spots to enjoy the best season.

Two Great Kid-Friendly Hikes In the Santa Cruz Mountains

Play Fall Creek Bingo under these majestic redwoods. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History photo.

Fun activities created by the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History help students engage with nature and learn about the remarkable resources in our backyard.

Arana Gulch

A remnant of coastal prairie, Arana Gulch has wild grasses galore. Photo by Garrett McAuliffe.

Remnant of an ancient ecosystem in the middle of town.

A Magical Santa Cruz Mountains Winter Hike at Fall Creek

South Fall Creek in flood as seen from the South Fork Trail. Photo by Bridget Lyons.

The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a little-known opportunity to experience the wondrous power of flowing water.

Day Trips and Sips: Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cupertino

Vineyards adjacent to the Water Wheel Permit Parking Area, Montebello Road. Photo by Ben Lilly.

Hilltrompers, we have good news: you don’t have to schlep to Napa or Sonoma to enjoy a day brimming with rural landscapes and local wines. Instead, cruise over the hill for a day trip escape to the vineyards of Cupertino.

Top TikTok Nature Trends – Health Benefits and Potential Pitfalls

Connecting with nature, literally. Credit: Mike Kahn

Explore how TikTok's outdoor activity trends connect people to nature, with all its health benefits, and how that balances with conservation of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Day Trips and Sips: Explore Big Basin as it Rebuilds

Big Basin Redwoods State Park welcomes visitors after the CZU Lightning Complex Fires in 2020. Credit: Naomi Friedland

Big Basin and the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains area have a lot to offer, from hikes showcasing the resiliency of redwoods after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire to rustic wineries and well-loved dining establishments.

Why isn’t Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument Open Yet?

While the park is not open to the public yet, visitors can take part in guided hikes. Credit: Zachary Ormsby, Bureau of Land Management

By Naomi Friedland

Oct. 11 2023— Local residents have been anticipating the opening of Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, the largest onshore piece of the California Coastal National Monument, which was established by Pres. Barack Obama in 2017.

Five Fall Santa Cruz Mountain Hikes

The Fall Creek Trail runs right next to the creek covered in lush greenery. © California State Parks.

Enjoy the changing colors of the leaves and the serenity of hiking in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Oh, and a chai recipe to warm you up!

San Vicente Redwoods

Finished trail with oak regrowth and cleared hazard trees. Brian Homberger for Land Trust Santa Cruz County

Trails and Future Trails in Resilient Redwood Forest

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