Arise from the couch and head outdoors with NatureOutside!
Connect with nature by joining us for an invigorating hike or learn outdoor skills in one of our many workshops. We offer hikes and outdoor skills workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area in a fun, friendly atmosphere. See the list of hikes, below.
If you would like to schedule a custom hike or workshop in the San Francisco Bay Area for your group, company, or organization, contact us.
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August 2024
Long Ridge Hiking Adventure!
August 4, 2024 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve – La Honda, California
Distance: 6.0 miles Elevation Gain: 693 feet Level: Moderate
Counts Toward Free T-shirt
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.
Looking for an easier entry (or re-entry) into backpacking? I am co-leading the California State Parks meteor shower-themed one-nighter, In Pursuit of the Perseids! Journey across a rugged ridgeline to watch shooting stars in the quiet and darkness of the backcountry on this 1-night, 2-day trip through Castle Rock State Park and Sanborn County Park. While the highlight of this exploration is the meteor shower, daylight brings panoramic ocean and mountain views as you hike through oak woodlands and chaparral-covered ridgelines.
PLEASE NOTE: the night of the trip this year will not be on the peak viewing night, which will be the following Monday night/Tuesday morning. Even so, we should still see a good amount of shooting stars, weather permitting, but no matter what we’ll have fun stargazing, telling stories, eating treats and talking astronomy. Sign up now for this stellar adventure!
Cost: $250
Difficulty: Easy-to-Moderate
Itinerary: Saturday August 10 – Sunday August 11th, 2024
Starting Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance 10:00am (8/10)
Ending Location/Time: Castle Rock Kirkwood Entrance; about 3pm (8/11)
Total Mileage: approximately 8.5 miles
Day 1: Partridge Farm Parking Lot to Castle Rock Trail Camp: approximately 3 miles
Day 2: Castle Rock Trail Camp to Partridge Farm Parking Lot: approx. 5.5 miles
Free Event – Castle Rock and Castle Rock Falls!
August 18, 2024 (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Castle Rock State Park, Headquarters – Los Gatos, California
Distance: 2.8 miles Elevation Gain: 553 feet Level: Easy
Hike to the famous Castle Rock and visit Castle Rock Falls. This easy 2.8 mile loop has 553 feet elevation gain and amazing views of the Castle Rock sandstone formation. Castle Rock has many tafoni, where the rock is eroded to form pits, pockets, honeycombs, caves, ribs, and ridges.
We leave from park headquarters and hike gently uphill to Castle Rock. We learn about the geology and history of the area. We also observe the many rock climbers before we continue to Castle Rock Falls, with its view of the San Lorenzo River Valley and the Pacific Ocean. After a relaxed lunch, we return to headquarters.
This hike is rated “easy” but has some uphill sections.
Bring at least one liter of water, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Rain cancels. Meet at Park Headquarters. Vehicle day-use fee is $10.
Free Event – No registration required – Just show up!
October 2024
Free Event – Castle Rock Falls and Goat Rock!
October 6, 2024 (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
Castle Rock State Park, Headquarters – Los Gatos, California
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!
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