Tromp Blog

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.

Rules for Rainy Season Riding

Riding through the redwoods. Photo by Bruce Dorman

Rain is good. Eroded trails aren't. Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship trail director Drew Perkins explains how to be a force for good and not evil when mountain biking after rain.

A Mushroom Walk with Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Marisa Gomez holds a Gomphaceae (coral fungus) and a copy of Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast. Credit: Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

Learning the names, habitats and behaviors of local fungi in the Santa Cruz Mountains makes this writer want to know more.

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.

Day Trips and Sips: Hiking Aptos, From Redwoods to Restaurants

Enjoying a redwood needle shadow "tattoo" in Nisene Marks. Credit: Mike Kahn

Enjoy a day trip to Aptos, California, with hiking through the redwoods of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, breakfast at Cat & Cloud Coffee, and lunch or dinner with local beers at the Parish Publick House.

What is Audubon's Christmas Bird Count and How Do I Participate?

A California Thrasher spotted during the Mount Hamilton Christmas Bird Count. Credit: Mike Azevedo

Find out what the National Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count is all about and learn how to participate in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Silicon Valley.

Introduction to Geocaching in the Santa Cruz Mountains

A child discovers a geocache! Credit: Adobe

Here's your step-by-step instructional guide to getting started with geocaching in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

8 Great Trails for Rainy Day Running

Ocean vista from post-rain Wilder Ranch trails.

Don't let the rain stop you from trail running! Here are eight places around Santa Cruz you can run when it's wet outside.

Camp at Rancho del Oso and Visit the New Welcome Center

The entrance to the campground at Rancho del Oso. Credit: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

Big Basin’s Rancho del Oso is a hidden gem for fall and winter camping, hiking, and exploring one of Santa Cruz County’s beautiful North Coast beaches.

A Conversation with Santa Cruz Conservationist Bryan Largay

Bryan Largay at Watsonville Slough Farm, one of the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County's agricultural properties. Credit: Emily Repech

Bryan Largay, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County’s conservation director, has overseen land stewardship for the organization since 2012. He talks about his work, serving the environmental community, and future issues.

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