Ishxenta SP

Discovering Connections – A Focus on Birding in the San Jose Creek Natural Preserve

Birders (and everyone else) are welcome on this California State Parks hike along the vibrant San Jose Creek within Ishxenta State Park. This program is designed for participants ages 10 and up. Coast chaparral, Monterey Pine Forest, and riparian habitats create an exceptional birding experience at this location on significant Indigenous ancestral lands! This easy-paced, two-mile round-trip hike affords multiple opportunities for observation of plants, wildlife, and BIRDS. Expect to see hummingbirds, raptors, warblers, sparrows and quail.

Check out past bird sightings on eBird here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L9077959

California State Park interpreters will lead participants along a designated trail with terrain that is mostly flat with some moderate incline along the way. The trail surface is hardpacked but uneven, winding through both sunny and shaded areas. There are no benches or other seating along the way.

Potential hazards include poison oak and ticks. Participants are encouraged to wear long pants, bring hats, water, and their own binoculars. There are a few sets of binoculars available to borrow if you do not have your own.

Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Ishxenta State Park - San Jose Creek Natural Preserve
Leaders: California State Park Staff: Violet Smith and Amanda Preece
Meeting Location: Marathon Flats Parking, adjacent to the Crossroads Safeway parking lot (Check-in with State Park Staff required); Vanpool to Ishxenta State Park.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate, approx. 2 miles, hardpacked but uneven surface, no benches or seating. Potential hazards include poison oak and ticks, and participants are encouraged to wear long pants.
What to Bring: Sturdy walking shoes, water, and sun protection. Camera and binoculars recommended.
Tickets: Register on Eventbrite. Cancellation not permitted within 7 days of event. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. Tickets are transferable to another person but not another date.

Rain or severe weather will cancel

Questions? Please contact State Park Staff: MontereyDistrict.Tribal@parks.ca.gov