Busy November at local state parks

The beauty of Santa Cruz County is captured and memorialized by the local state parks, all of which are offering incredible fall experiences in November.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park in Boulder Creek gives people a chance to see the view from Mt. McAbee on Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m. with a guided six-mile climb out of the old-growth redwood forest to the peak above the coastal mountains. Guides say the hike is moderately difficult — suggesting park-goers bring good shoes and plenty of water — and repeats on Nov. 12 and 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Several more free activities at Big Basin are scheduled for Nov. 4, including A Walk in the Past tour of the Ohlone Indians mountain home. The four-mile walk takes about 2½ hours and begins at 10 a.m. The Meteor Trail Hike begins at 10:30 a.m. and features a talk about the ecology of the forest. The six-mile hike is said to be strenusous and hikers should bring water, lunch and good shoes. But for those who want a more relaxing experience, the logging demonstration called Felling the Giants begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Big Basin park headquarters. Park-goers will get to see how loggers managed to cut down massive redwoods with no chainsaws. People can also take a relaxing 90-minute stroll in the Redwood Grove Loop Walk to see the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and Chimney Tree.
People can explore Sempervirens Falls in a hike on Nov. 9, starting at 10:30 a.m. A guided 5-mile hike from the Big Basin headquarters up to Buzzard’s Roost begins Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. Park staff say the hike is a challenge and people should bring at least a liter of water and lunch to have when they finally reach the dramatic rock formations at the top.
The following day, Nov. 12, park-goers can tromp through redwood canyons on an 11-mile loop to reach the jewel of Big Basin, the 65-foot high Berry Creek Falls. The hike ranges from moderately strenuous to downright strenuous, so staff recommend good shoes and lots of water for the seven-hour trek that begins at 9:30 a.m.
The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, off Highway 9, starts off the month on Nov.4, and continuing on Nov. 11 and 18, with guided tours of the redwoods. A docent will answer questions about the largest trees around as visitor walk through the old growth forest. The walks are sponsored by Mountain Parks Foundation, California State Parks volunteers, and California State Parks and begin each of the three Saturdays at 11 a.m.
The Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park also offers a photography tour the next day, Nov. 5, beginning at 1 p.m. The guided five-mile trek offers photographers a chance to not only capture the towering trees but panoramic costal vistas.
The following weekend Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center in Davenport, 3600 Highway 1, offers a coastal examination of the county. The Wildflower and Nature Hike of Waddell Valley is guided by a botanist who will explain which flora grow in each of the parks seven distinct habitats.
Birders can get an eyeful on Nov. 11 on a two-mile hike through Rancho del Oso dedicated to spotting and learning about the birds that frequent the area. The walk, sponsored by Waddell Creek Association and California State Parks, begins at 8 a.m. and binoculars are recommended.
On Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. a guided one-mile Nature Wander will take people from ubiquitous coastal scrub to one of the last stands in the world of native Monterey Pine trees.
Closer to Santa Cruz on Highway 1, Wilder Ranch State Park offers a look at early life along the coast beginning on Nov. 11 with Life on the Ranch Day. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes demonstrations of blacksmithing, wood stove baking, tortilla making, rope making, butter or ice cream making and crafting.
Ranch tours happened every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. and feature water wheel demonstrations and other staples of life sponsored by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
Wilder Ranch State Park also offers a challenging backcountry tour to explore the cultural and natural history of the region. The six-mile trek is free and docents say people should bring a lunch, plenty of water and wear good shoes.
There are more events locally, found on the website of the California Department of Parks and Recreation at www.parks.ca.gov.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park — (831) 338-8883, www.parks.ca.gov/bigbasin/activities
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park — (831) 335-7077
Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center — (831) 427-2288
Wilder Ranch State Park — (831) 426-0505