Santa Cruz Mountains

The Santa Cruz Mountains are the San Francisco Bay Area’s urban wilderness.

Naturalists at Large offers programs at several sites surrounding Santa Cruz and Monterey. Day options near Santa Cruz also include sea kayaking at Elkhorn Slough or Monterrey Bay and visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Memorial Park

Just outside of La Honda in the Santa Cruz mountains, Memorial Park provides an opportunity to view outstanding old-growth redwoods. Explore the Tan Oak and Mt Ellen Nature Trails while learning the area's history.

Redwood Glen

Explore the Coastal Redwood, Douglas fir, and tan oaks flanking the flowing creeks throughout the grounds. Take advantage of the plethora of hiking trails and recreational opportunities while learning the history of the land.

Koinonia Conference Grounds

Nestled amongst a lush redwood forest community in the Southern end of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Koinonia is the perfect outdoor classroom, offering natural history hikes, challenge courses, and environmental science.

Boulder Creek Scout Reservation

Located on 300 private acres just minutes from the town of Boulder Creek, this site offers miles of hiking trails meandering along creeks, streams, and magnificent Coastal Redwoods, as well as a number of challenge activities.