Bay Nature’s Summer Guide Is Here

 

Itching to get outside? Whether you’re looking for an ambitious solo adventure, or you want to introduce kids to the joys of peering at low-tide critters, Bay Nature’s got you covered. Here’s some inspiration to get you started. … Read more

 

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The Over-The-Hills Gang: Redwood Park

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park 11500 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, CA, United States

Hikers 55 years and older interested in nature study, history, fitness, and fun are invited to join this series of monthly excursions exploring the Regional Parks. No registration, drop-in program only.

Free

Hikes for Tykes: Encinal Beach

Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Alameda, CA, United States

Low Tide Exploration (bring shoes that can get muddy, or rain boots), wildlife viewing, and sneaking up on lizards are some of the fun activities to do at this special place. No registration is required.

Free

Bair Island Sunset Walk

Bair Island San Mateo County, CA, United States

Flock together for a lovely walk along the marshes of Bair Island while viewing the flamboyant colors of a California sunset! The walk will be an easy 0.8 mile stroll along the marsh at Bair Island. This event is FREE! … Read more

Free

Explorer Hike: Nutmegs of Red Mountain

Saratoga Gap Preserve Saratoga, CA, United States

Set off to look for California nutmeg trees with Docent Naturalists Kate Bauer and Mary Brunkhorst. You'll enjoy a mostly shaded route (appr. 5 miles) along the Nutmeg and Red Mountain trails on this leisurely-paced hike with 600 feet of … Read more

Free

Stevens Creek Watershed

Monte Bello Preserve 4301 Page Mill Road, Los Gatos, CA, United States

Join Docent Naturalists Sabra Abraham and Lindsay Joye to explore the upper Steven's Creek watershed through riparian, mixed evergreen forest, and grassland habitats. You'll walk (appr. 3 miles) at a moderate pace along the Stevens Creek Nature, White Oak, and … Read more

Free

Transitions: Exploring Life Cycles

El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve 16040 CA-35, Redwood City

Explore transitions in nature’s life cycles with Docent Naturalists Catherine Crawford-Swent, Marie Faust Evitt, and Nancy Weintraub. Hiking (appr. 5 miles)  through the forest you’ll encounter ferns, wildflowers, Douglas fir, and redwood trees along Sierra Morena, Oljon, Steam Donkey, Manzanita, … Read more

Butterflies of Sierra Azul

Sierra Azul Preserve San Jose, CA, United States

Docent Naturalists Jan Hintermeister and Vivian Neou will be your traveling companions on this leisurely-paced hike (appr. 3.5 miles) through varied habitats of the Bald Mountain and Mt. Umunhum trails. Starting from the Bald Mountain Park Area you'll later car … Read more

Free

Canine Capers: Sunol

Sunol Wilderness Regional Preserve 1895 Geary Road, Sunol, CA, United States

The restorative effect of spending time outdoors with a friend, furry or otherwise, is well-known! Join this monthly adventure to nurture our inner and outer selves by exploring and learning about the natural world around us as we hike park … Read more

Free – $7

Pride Hike

Tilden Regional Park 2481 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA, United States

Happy Pride! Join Naturalist Paula to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride with a 4-mile hike to the heights of Tilden (500 feet of elevation gain) where toy may see late-season wildflowers and, if the fog cooperates, amazing views of San Francisco and … Read more

Free

Hiking with Pride

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, CA, United States

Black Diamond is home to many unique ecosystems. Join this hike (1-2 miles) to discover how all types of diversity are important to nature and society. You will focus on connecting the LGBTQ+ community to the natural world. All are … Read more

Free

Saturday Walk in the Park

Gualala Point Regional Park 42401 Coast Highway 1, Gualala, California

Explore the natural history of this north coast park and beach with park staff and guest naturalists! Join this leisurely stroll through coastal prairie, riparian area, beach, and bluff trails with an emphasis on a different natural and cultural history … Read more

Free

Nature Club: Moore Creek Preserve

Moore Creek Preserve Moore Creek Trail, Santa Cruz

Kick off the beginning of summer with an awesome visit to the Moore Creek Preserve, exploring different communities found in one of our best local habitats. Birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and much more call this place home and we will … Read more

$5 – $10

Tidepool Wilderness Exploration

Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail 20600 Mockingbird Road, Bodega Bay, CA, United States

Sonoma County has one of the most biodiverse coastlines in the nation. Get a glimpse into the marvelous underwater wilderness during a 1.5-mile round-trip walk to the ocean, tide pool exploration and scavenger hunt. Anemones? Sea urchins? Sea stars? Maybe … Read more

Free

Family Nature Walks: Foothills Nature Preserve

Foothills Nature Preserve 11799 Page Mill Rd, Palo Alto, CA, United States

Environmental Volunteers’ Family Nature Walks program is designed to help students and their families get to know our local open space areas. Small family groups will be guided by a knowledgeable environmental educator during an exploration of a local open … Read more

Storywalk along the Marsh

Coyote Hills Regional Park 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd, Fremont, CA, United States

Join this outdoor story walk as you explore the wonders of the marsh! Enjoy a stroll with stories, songs, and movement! Each session features a different nature-themed book designed to spark curiosity about nature. Registration is not necessary.

Free

Slow Journeys

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, CA, United States

Do you enjoy a slow walks in a valley, breezes, wildflowers, the sounds of songbirds, the taste of a Douglas Fir needle or a California Bay leaf, the aroma of Tarweed, or watching wild turkeys and California Quail hunt for … Read more

Free – $10

Guided History Walk at Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos

Delve into forest history - and prehistory - with a 2-hour walk through the Forest of Nisene Marks. Bring water and snacks. Meet at the Georges Picnic Area next to the steel bridge about one mile past the kiosk. This … Read more

Free

Scenic Aerobic Hike: Saratoga Gap Preserve

Saratoga Gap Preserve Saratoga, CA, United States

Join Docent Naturalists Fran Keeler, Mary Brunkhorst, Inga Buyse, and Lindsay Joye, for a moderately-paced, exercise-focused hike (appr. 5 miles) on trails with beautiful scenery. Scenic Aerobic hikes are offered at different preserves every second Wednesday. The route of each … Read more

Free

Smith River Watershed Wednesday Flotilla!

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City

Experience the wild and scenic Smith River within Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, part of Redwood National and State Parks! The Smith River Watershed Wednesday Flotilla hike and paddle includes floating through flatwater, riffles, and small rapids. This will be … Read more

Free

Big Sur River Gorge Exploration

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd, Big Sur, CA, United States

Be prepared to get wet in this river exploration walk up to the Big Sur Gorge swimming hole. You will be crossing the river several times, in sometimes knee-to-waist-deep water, and climbing over rocks in this 1-mile hike. This 1.5-hour … Read more

Free – $10

Redwood Relaxation

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Pfeiffer Big Sur Rd, Big Sur, CA, United States

Connect with nature while you exercise your mind and body. This one-hour-long program will include a gentle walk through the redwoods and a few easy mindfulness practices to boost both mood and well-being. The entry ($10 vehicle) fee also gives … Read more

$10

Following in Ohlone Footsteps

Sierra Azul Preserve San Jose, CA, United States

Join Docent Naturalists Nancy Weintraub, Frances Reneau, Mike Lohr and Marie Faust Evitt on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Start your hike (appr. 8.5 miles) at the Bald Mountain Parking Area for this moderately-paced gradual ascent to the Mt Umunhum … Read more

Free

Guided Forest Meditation Walk

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Crescent City

The redwood forest is an awe-inspiring place that leaves visitors feeling a sense of wonderment. Beyond the physical benefits of hiking through the redwood forest, there are many mental and emotional benefits as well. Through a guided meditative walk at … Read more

Free

Exploring Protected Redwood Groves

Samuel P Taylor State Park 8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Lagunitas, CA, United States

Join us on a hike on the Pioneer Trail for a look at one of California's old growth redwood groves. Only 5% of Southern Oregon and California's Old Growth redwood forests still stand today. Years of logging following the discovery … Read more

Free

Summer Hiking Series: Caminata in June

Creekside Terrace Trailhead, Fort Ord National Monument, California Salinas, CA, United States

Join Blue Zones Project Monterey County and Park Ranger Tammy on a fun trail day! Start your day by moving naturally with your loved ones. The free, educational, and interactive hike is moderate (incline) and approximately 3.6 miles. Hikers of … Read more

Free