Tromp Blog

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.

A Monumental Morning at Cotoni-Coast Dairies

Ascending one of Cotoni's coastal marine terraces, next to the winding folds of a creek ravine. Photo by Mike Kahn.

A tour of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Santa Cruz Pump Tracks Bring Mountain Biking to the City

The Westside Pump Track in Santa Cruz is a terrific way to practice two-wheeling. Courtesy of Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship.

These parks let MTB and BMX riders of all ages practice their skills and get some air—without even pedaling.

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.

Late-Summer Wildflowers in Santa Cruz

The flowers of Hooker’s evening primrose tend to only open in the late afternoon, and are closed by morning. Photo by Jim Morefield, CC BY-SA 2.0.

Discover what's still blooming in the heat of summer.

Was ‘Whale Bathing' Invented by a Santa Cruzan in Pacifica?

Could 'whale bathing' be as healing as 'forest bathing'? Photo by Nicole Cristales.

From the bluffs above the waves in San Mateo County, you can watch humpbacks breach—and feel the power of nature.

Keep Cool Cross-Training at the Best Swimming Holes and Beaches

The Garden of Eden is quite spectacular but gets crowded in the summer. Photo by Mike Kahn.

Six swimming holes and beach-swims near Santa Cruz that let you work in some exercise.

Five Reasons Why Your Parking Fee Matters

Your parking fees help fund education programs at state parks and beaches! Photo: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

How paying parking fees at state parks, beaches makes a bigger difference than most people think.

Explore New Growth and Trails at Big Basin Redwoods

Exploring the big trees, regrowth and interpretive signs along the easy access Redwood Loop Trail at the Main Day Use area. Photo by Mike Kahn.

The CZU Fire brought about a transformation that’s a wonder to behold, and Big Basin is open to visitors. Here’s how to get there and what you’ll find.

Mountain Biking Santa Cruz County’s San Vicente Redwoods

Checking out the Habitats of San Vicente Redwoods interp panel. Photo by Bridget Lyons.

Newish MTB-accessible trails wind through carefully protected wildlife habitat and thoughtful interpretive exhibits in the footprint of the CZU fire.

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