On Wednesday January 1, 2020, California State Parks invites you to start the New Year outside as part of the tenth annual First Day Hikes initiative across America.
First Day Hikes is a nation-wide promotion of healthy lifestyles and year-round outdoor recreation through free-guided hikes.
First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family!
Visit parks.ca.gov for information on more hikes.
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton | (831) 335-7077
Facebook:@HenryCowellRSP • Instagram:@Henry.Cowell.Redwoods.SP
Bird Walk
Wednesday, January 1 at 8 a.m.
Join us for a morning avian stroll to hear and see some of the amazing birds that reside in our park, from hawks to songbirds and waterfowl, and maybe even a woodpecker or two. Bring water and binoculars if you have them.
Meet at the main parking lot off Highway 9. Heavy rain cancels. No pets. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 335- 7077. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
Fall Creek Hike
Wednesday, January 1 at 9 a.m.
Hike through a young, 100 year old forest to examine evidence of the logging history and discover how the Bay Area was built on this 4-mile, 4-hour hike.
Join us at one of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park’s hidden treasures and explore the beauty of Fall Creek. Bring water, warm clothing, and a snack. Meet at the Fall Creek parking lot, approximately 0.5 miles up Felton Empire Road from the Highway 9 Intersection in Felton.
Rain cancels. No pets. Free event. For more information, call (831) 335-7077. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
Sandhills, the New Acquisition
Wednesday, January 1 at 11 a.m.
Come explore the new Sandhills acquisition at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park on this 3- mile, 2-hour hike. See the hidden treasures and unique geology, plants, and animals of an amazing and fragile ecosystem.
Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to see a relatively unknown part of this magnificent park. Bring water, snacks, and hiking shoes. Meet at the probation center parking lot at 3650 Graham Hill Road.
Rain cancels. No pets. Free event. For more information, call (831) 335-7077. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
Redwood Loop to Cable Car Beach
Wednesday, January 1 at noon
Come and walk through the majesty of an old growth redwood forest. Hear the story of the redwoods and learn what makes these tallest trees in the world so special on our way to Cable Car Beach and back.
Bring layered clothing and water. Meet at the visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 335-7077. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
Children’s Story Circle
Wednesday, January 1 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Join the Children’s Story Circle under the Redwoods! Featuring three different books for different ages, all about the coastal redwood forest. Stories will be repeated.
Drop in anytime and stay as long as you wish. An ideal introduction for children to stoke their enthusiasm and curiosity before you walk the loop through the grove of ancient trees. Bring warm layers and water. Meet at visitor center. If raining, program will move into visitor center.
No pets. Free event. Vehicle day-use is $10. For more information, call (831) 335-7077. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
Amphibian Adventure
Wednesday, January 1 at 2 p.m.
Join us for a ramble along the San Lorenzo River and Eagle Creek Trail to search for amphibians! Learn about the native and non-native species found in our forest. Bring warm layers, hiking shoes, and water.
Meet at visitor center. Heavy rain cancels. No pets. Free event. Vehicle day-use is $10. For more information, call (831) 335-7077. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Located at the end of West Cliff Dr in Santa Cruz | (831) 423-4609
[email protected] • Facebook: @NaturalBridgesStateBeach
Habitat Hike
Wednesday, January 1 at 10 a.m.
There’s a whole lot more than just butterflies at Natural Bridges. On this 2-hour, 1-mile hike, experience the “backcountry” of the beloved park.
Witness the diversity of over 5 distinct habitats and the animals that rely on living in the nooks and crannies of Natural Bridges. Bring water, snack, hat, warm layers, and rain protection.
Meet at visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 423-4609 ext. 8. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Creek Road
Facebook: @TFoNMSP • Instagram: @nisenmarks.sp
History under the Trees
Wednesday, January 1 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Delve into forest history—and prehistory—while walking to the abandoned Loma Prieta town site and discovering marine fossils deep in the redwood forest. Bring water, snacks, and layered clothing.
Meet at George’s picnic area next to the steel bridge before the winter gate. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $8.
Limited parking; carpooling encouraged. For more information, call (831) 685-6444. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
Seacliff State Beach
State Park Drive, Aptos | (831) 685-6444
Facebook: @seacliffstatebeach • Instagram: @seacliffstatebeach
Concrete Ship History Walk
Wednesday, January 1 at 11 a.m.
Learn about Seacliff State Beach and its fascinating history on this 1-mile, 1-hour stroll to the Aptos Creek Bridge and back.
Get the lowdown on the Concrete Ship, great storms from 1889 to present, “The Madman of Seacliff,” and much, much more. Bring water and layered clothing.
Meet at visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. For more information, call (831) 685-6444. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.