Loch Lomond Felton Opens for Season Outdoors Parks Recreation 

Loch Lomond is Open for the Season

By Mary Andersen Daytrippers rejoice! Loch Lomond, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is open. Administered by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department, the reservoir plays the concurrent roles of supplying drinking water and providing recreational activities. Long enjoyed by boaters, hikers, fisherpeople, picnickers, wildlife watchers, and photographers alike, the park also offers environmental education events for local schools,… Read More
Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Outdoors Parks Recreation 

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Update

California State Parks staff continues to move forward with the Big Basin Redwoods State Park Facilities Management Plan (BBFMP). Site planning and design considerations are in the works with the Reimagining Big Basin project team engaging stakeholders and the public in the recovery from the August 2020 CZU fires. A round of public meetings and an open house are to… Read More
bonny doon ecological reserve moon rocks Bonny Doon Hikes Outdoors Recreation 

A Visit to Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve

By Julie Horner Taking advantage of the early spring warmth among the protected Santa Cruz Sandhills at Bonny Doon Ecological Reserve, I strode out onto the moderately sloped 2.3-mile Silver Leaf Loop, which follows the Reserve perimeter through chaparral, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer. The loop takes about an hour to walk, or you can take a shortcut on the… Read More
Redwoods San Lorenzo Valley Autumn Columns Outdoors 

Golden Moments: The Zen of Mindful Picnicking in Autumn

By Luke Allis Mindful Picnicking is the practice of savoring the simple pleasures of outdoor dining, where we fully immerse ourselves in the natural surroundings and the flavors of carefully curated seasonal delectables. As we transition into the fall, mindful picnicking can help us adapt to seasonal changes and foster a deep sense of gratitude for the autumnal experiences and… Read More
Soquel Demonstration Forest Local News Outdoors 

Soquel Demonstration State Forest Reopening

The Soquel Demonstration State Forest is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, after a lengthy closure due to winter storms. Since the closure, road repairs have been completed and roadways have been cleared of fallen trees and debris. Work is ongoing, so visitors will see trucks and heavy equipment in various locations in the forest. CAL FIRE requests… Read More
San Vicente Redwoods Santa Cruz Mountains Hikes Local News Outdoors Recreation 

San Vicente Redwoods Preserve to Open

By Julie Horner Outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore fresh territory can look forward to setting boots down on 7.3 miles of ecologically integrated trail in the 8,852-acre San Vicente Redwoods Preserve starting on December 3, 2022. This new multi-use trail system traversing sensitive coastal redwood habitat supports hikers, walkers, bicyclists, and equestrians.  San Vicente Redwoods Preserve spans the seaward side… Read More
Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Local News Outdoors 

Big Basin Park Reopens July 22

By Julie Horner Big Basin Redwoods State Park reopens on Friday, July 22, 2022, with limited day-use access by reservation only. The reservation system opens on Friday, July 1, 2022. The Redwood Loop near the former visitor center and approximately 18 miles of fire roads near the park’s core have been cleared for visitor access with limited services available. Highway… Read More