Fall & Winter Outdoor Ideas 2020

Hiking in fall in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Photo by Mike Kahn

Fall and winter hikes offer a whole new way to experience nature. The crisp coolness in the air smells fresh, the leaves are changing color and starting to fall, and squirrels are gathering nuts for the winter ahead. Our seasons may be subtle here in the Bay Area but there is no denying it – fall is here and winter is around the corner. The wonderful thing about the Santa Cruz Mountains is that even throughout the fall and winter there are abundant opportunities to get out and enjoy our local forests.

Bigleaf maple leaves changing color. Photo by Mike Kahn

Whether you want to get out to explore the changing colors of oaks and maples, watch banana slugs and salamanders move across the damp earth, listen to the low roar of a gushing waterfall, or even camp overnight, here are some ideas for fall and winter outdoor opportunities.

Don’t forget to visit the California State Parks COVID resources website to plan how you can recreate responsibly!

Fall Leaves

The trails in Castle Rock State Park near Skyline Boulevard have many opportunities to see oaks and maples changing colors. Visit this Castle Rock Park Hikes page and scroll down to the Skyline, Saratoga Gap Loop hike.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is another great place to experience leaves changing colors, as well as beautiful redwoods. Visit this Henry Cowell Hiking page and scroll down the Meadow-River Loop for a hike that includes many deciduous trees including sycamores and box elders.

Waterfall in Castle Rock State Park. Photo by Andrei Stanescu

Waterfalls

Be prepared to check out these waterfall hikes in the Bay Area once the winter rains get going:

• Castle Rock Falls at Castle Rock State Park is along the Saratoga Gap Trail
• Maple Falls at Forest of Nisene Marks

Camping & Backpacking

Fall camping in the redwoods. Photo by Ann Blanchard

Portola Redwoods State Park’s campground is open through October, and some of the backpacking camps may be available with reduced service in Castle Rock and Portola.

Elephant Seals

Fall and winter is an exciting time to visit the coast at Ano Nuevo State Park to see the elephant seals. From September through November you can see the fall juvenile haul out, and from mid-December through March you can view breeding season.

Thank you for protecting and visiting wonderful places in the Santa Cruz Mountains.