Rancho del Oso Guided Hikes, Talks, & Events
Please note: Rancho del Oso is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway One. To find the ranger station, go a half-mile in from the green gate entrance directly across the street from Waddell Beach. To get to the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center: follow the dirt road in from the south side of Waddell Creek Bridge where you see the sign for Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center. From Half Moon Bay take Highway One south 30 miles.
JUNE ACTIVITIES - RANCHO DEL OSO NATURE AND HISTORY CENTER
Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center
Located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz off highway 1 (831) 427-2288
From Santa Cruz, turn right just before the Waddell Creek Bridge at the sign for Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center. From Half Moon Bay take Highway One south 30 miles and turn left after the Waddell Creek Bridge (2.6 miles south of Año Nuevo State Reserve). For more information call (831) 427-2288 or (831) 425-1218.
Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center NEW Extended Summer Hours
Thursdays through Sundays in June, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Stop at the renovated Nature and History Center and discover new interactive exhibits share the wonders and diversity of the Waddell Valley. Rancho del Oso is part of the ocean end of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1. Turn right before the Waddell Beach parking lot, you’ll see a sign marked “Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center.”
Wildflower Hike
Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 10:00 am
Want to explore the variety of wildflowers in Rancho del Oso? Within Rancho del Oso's seven different habitats, there are easily over 50 species of flowers you can view in a day. This hike is great for photographers who want to go slowly and take photos. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring a lunch and drinking water! Docent Scott Peden will lead this 4.5 mile, 4-hour hike that begins at the Nature and History Center.
Fireside Stories
Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Pretend, play, sing and explore! Bring the family and gather round the fireplace together at the Nature and History Center for a story followed by activities focused on the theme of the story. This 30-minute program will introduce youngsters (recommend children be at least 3) to the wonders of nature!
Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, June 23 at 10:00 am
Join in the fun for an all-day hike to Berry Creek Falls. Hiking from the Ranger Station to the three gorgeous waterfalls is an all-day affair so bring lunch, water and energy. The hike is 7 miles each way over moderately easy trail except for the uphill around the 3 sets of gorgeous waterfalls. Please wear good hiking shoes for the 14-mile trek. Arrive early at the Hwy 1 gate across from Waddell Beach, and then walk in approximately 1 mile to the ranger station to meet your guide at 10:00a.m. at the Ranger Station. Call to RSVP - (831) 427-2288 or (831)425-1218 - or just show up!
Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Waddell Creek Association
JULY ACTIVITIES AT RANCHO DEL OSO NATURE AND HISTORY CENTER
Critter Crafts Wildflower Hike Fireside Stories From Sea to Tree: The Marbled Murrelet Critter Safari Events made possible by California State Park Docents, California State Parks and Waddell Creek Association
Fridays in July from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Drop in for fun nature-themed craft time at the Nature and History Center on Fridays throughout July and August. We will have a make-and-take-activity most children can complete independently, although parents may need to assist preschool-aged children. Any age child is welcome to participate!
Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 10:00 am
Want to explore the variety of wildflowers in Rancho del Oso? Within Rancho del Oso's seven different habitats, there are easily over 50 species of flowers you can view in a day. This hike is great for photographers who want to go slowly and take photos. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring a lunch and drinking water! Docent Scott Peden will lead this 4.5 mile, 4-hour hike that begins at the Nature and History Center.
Sunday, July 21, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Pretend, play, sing and explore! Bring the family and gather round the fireplace together at the Nature and History Center for a story followed by activities focused on the theme of the story. This 30-minute program will introduce youngsters (recommend children be at least 3) to the wonders of nature!
Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 10:00 am
Join California State Park Environmental Scientist Portia Halbert as we discover the elusive, endangered Marbled Murrelet, which lives most of its life at sea and nests only in the tallest trees in the world. Learn about the Marbled Murrelet’s habitat and life cycle and the scientific efforts under way to prevent its extinction. Program meets at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center.
Berry Creek Falls Hike
Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 10:00 am
Join in the fun for an all-day hike to Berry Creek Falls. Hiking from the Ranger Station to the three gorgeous waterfalls is an all-day affair so bring lunch, water and energy. The hike is 7 miles each way over moderately easy trail except for the uphill around the 3 sets of gorgeous waterfalls. Please wear good hiking shoes for the 14-mile trek. Arrive early at the Hwy 1 gate across from Waddell Beach, and then walk in approximately 1 mile to the ranger station to meet your guide at 10:00a.m. at the Ranger Station. Call to RSVP - (831) 427-2288 or just show up!
July 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM
On this leisurely family-friendly walk we’ll scan for wildlife and uncover the tracks and other “signs” that animals leave. We’ll see how predator and prey (from deer and bobcats to hawks and lizards) survive in our streams, forests and fields. Meets at the Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center.
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