Natural Bridges State Park / Monarch Butterfly Trail
Santa Cruz, California
| Address: | Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA |
| GPS: |
36°57'11.0"N 122°3'21.0"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trails/Routes: | 0.1-0.9 mi |
Restrooms Picnic Tables Trails Ponds Bicycles State Park
Hike
This trail is perfectly tucked away from the business of Santa Cruz. Monarch butterflies, during the Winter, fly here to stay warm. As you walk through the Monarch Grove, you will see trees covered with butterflies. Their wings fluttering look like tree leaves blowing in the wind, until you take a closer look. It is a peaceful place to be as you learn about Monarch butterflies and watch them fly around.
Monarch butterfly migration begins at different times but they start arriving in the grove around mid-October. This is the perfect time of year to take a nice stroll on the boardwalk and watch the butterflies. The park is filled with eucalyptus trees which give the butterflies the perfect protection for them in the winter months. Since this is a preserve, it is asked not to grab or hold butterflies and to stay quiet to help continue making them feel safe. The end of the Monarch season is around mid-February. It is the perfect, family friendly location.
There is one main trail, but you can customize the length of your walk/hike depending on what you would like to do.
The trail leads to a beautiful sandy beach. You will see a huge, beautiful rock arch to your left of the beach. The water is refreshingly cool. Watching the sunset over the water, pulls out the orange colors of the arch rock making the scene bright and peaceful.
This is the perfect location to see shore birds, migrating whales, and playing otters offshore. As you continue to walk around the beach, you will come across tide pools where you can get a glimpse of sea life. The low tide allows visitors to see star fish and other sea animals. It is a great location for families to explore and enjoy their time together.
Important Information: There is a $10 vehicle day-use fee. The water is shallow enough for children to play safely, but it is necessary for parents to supervise their children because there aren't lifeguards on duty. Bikes are permitted on the paved roads around the park and beach. Dogs are also permitted on paved roads and in the park but not on the beach.
More Information
Monarch Butterfly Magic at Natural Bridges - Visit Santa Cruz County
In Santa Cruz, we like to celebrate all creatures great and small, especially those of the migrating variety.
https://www.santacruz.org/blog/monarch-butterfly-magic-at-natural-bridges-state-beach/Natural Bridges State Park / Monarch Butterfly Trail - Hiking near Santa Cruz, California - Free Are
Natural Bridges State Park / Monarch Butterfly Trail near Santa Cruz, CA — walk through a Monarch butterfly grove mid-Oct to mid-Feb
https://www.freearenas.com/natural-bridges-state-park-near-santa-cruz-california.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Santa Cruz, California
- Head north on Chestnut St toward Rincon St (118 ft)
- Slight left onto Chestnut St Ext (0.2 mi)
- Turn left onto CA-1 N/Mission StContinue to follow CA-1 NPass by Burger King (on the left in 1.2 mi)(1.5 mi)
- Turn left onto Swift StPass by 7-Eleven (on the left)(0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto Delaware Ave (0.4 mi)
- Turn left onto Swanton Blvd (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto W Cliff Dr (0.4 mi)
- Turn right (151 ft)
Take Swift St. south from Highway 1, or follow West Cliff Dr. west along the in-town bluffs until it ends at Natural Bridges.
jamiegarrard
5/31/18 11:14 am
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