Arise from the couch and head outdoors!
We offer hikes and outdoor skills workshops in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Connect with nature by joining us for an invigorating hike or learn outdoor skills in one of our many workshops.
Your guide is a Certified California Naturalist with more than 20 years experience guiding outdoor activities and holds a Wilderness First Aid Certification.
We offer activities on weekends and also during the week. If you would like to schedule a custom hike or workshop for your group or organization, contact us.
To stay informed of upcoming events, subscribe to the NatureOutside Newsletter .
March 2024
Long Ridge Hiking Adventure!
March 16, 2024 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
Distance: 6.0 miles Elevation Gain: 693 feet Level: Moderate
We will be hiking in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. Long Ridge offers both lush forests and expansive grasslands. Along the top of the ridge, this hike has sweeping views of the surrounding forests and Pacific Ocean. The wildflowers are amazing in spring, but Long Ridge is lovely any time of year.
For this hike we follow Peter’s Creek through a wonderous forest of plants and animals. Once we reach the headwaters of Peters Creek, we ascend to Long Ridge for an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. We continue our journey along the ridge to Turtle Rock. There we discuss Native American creation stories.
From the rock formation, we backtrack along the ridge until we reach Stegner’s Bench. The bench is dedicated to Wallace Stegner, the Pulitzer Prize winning author and conservationist who helped preserve open spaces in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
We descend into the forest and follow Peter’s Creek to the trailhead. This hike is great for learning about native plants as well as seeing a variety of animals.
Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. This hike runs rain or shine. The meeting place is sent to participants after registration. You must be at least 12 years of age to participate.
April 2024
Trip to the Tafoni!
April 13, 2024 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve
Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation Gain: 796 feet Level: Easy
Let’s hike to the Tafoni! Tafoni are unique sandstone rock formations that create dramatic lace-like webs and honeycomb-like caves.
Our hike takes us through the deep forests of El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve. We follow a winding stream through redwood forest where we look for amazing amphibians native to the Santa Cruz Mountains. After passing bubbling cascades, we reach the tafoni. We explore the tafone and learn about their unique geology.
Afterwards, we near the site of one of the worst air disasters in US history. We visit a memorial to the fateful flight and learn the story of that tragic day. We enjoy a picnic lunch at an overlook once used to land rescue helicopters searching for the missing plane. Afterward, we return to the trailhead through mixed oak forest.
Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. This hike runs rain or shine. The meeting place is sent to participants after registration. You must be at least 12 years of age to participate.
Wildlife of the Santa Cruz Mountains Hike!
April 20, 2024 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve
Distance: 4.7 miles Elevation Gain: 796 feet Level: Easy
On this hike we learn about the animals and plants that shape the Santa Cruz Mountains. We travel through Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve taking in expansive vistas from the ridge and visiting several important habitats: chapparal, grassland, forest, and riparian. We discuss important animals and plants you are likely to see on your hikes in the mountains. This hike has a little of everything: great views, lakes and ponds, animal tracking, animal behavior, and wild edible and medicinal plants.
During our journey we have lunch beside a tranquil pond, visit a delightful lake, and explore the preserve’s nature center to learn the life-histories of different animals.
Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. This hike runs rain or shine. The meeting place is sent to participants after registration. You must be at least 12 years of age to participate.
Free Event – Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock!
April 27, 2024 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Castle Rock State Park, Headquarters
Distance: 5.15 miles Elevation Gain: 1190 feet Level: Moderate
Hike one of the most exciting and scenic trails in the Bay Area. This moderate 5.15 mile loop has 1,190 feet elevation gain and amazing panoramic views. We leave from park headquarters and visit the top of Castle Rock Falls. We continue along a rocky trail with views of the San Lorenzo River Valley and the Pacific Ocean. At Castle Rock Trail Camp, we enjoy a relaxing lunch. On our way back to headquarters, we pass Goat Rock with its breathtaking vista.
This hike is rated “moderate” because hikers need to step onto rocks, balance, and scramble over rocks. Hikers should be comfortable with their sense of balance.
Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters.
Free Event – No registration required – Just show up!
Join the NatureOutside Newsletter to Stay Informed
Receive NatureOutside’s monthly Email, “The NatureOutside Newsletter.” You will learn about:
ο Outdoor activities, workshops and lectures in Northern California
ο Free giveaways to members of our Email list
ο New articles appearing on this site
You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time.
subscribe to the NatureOutside Newsletter .