Tuesday, December 30th 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Join California State Park volunteer Sally for a guided walk through coastal scrub and sand dunes to the beach to see seaweeds and marine animals and learn about the geology of the area.

Park address is 3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402. Meet in the Hazard Reef Trailhead dirt parking lot on the right side of the road, 1.6 miles south of the main Montana de Oro State Park entrance sign. It’s the large dirt parking lot across the road from the park residencies.

There is a short but steep hike down through the canyon to the beach that includes traversing large stairs. This program is considered moderately strenuous, as there is some walking required through wet, slippery streams, through soft sand, and out on the rocky shoreline with unstable footing.

Wear sun protection and closed-toed sturdy shoes that can get wet. Dress in layers for the coast. Bring water, camera, and binoculars. 1 mile; 2.5 hours.

Thursday, January 1st 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Join CA State Park Elephant Seal Docents for a walk at the elephant seal viewing area in Hearst San Simeon State Park to welcome in the new year! Winter is a peak season for elephant seal activity; you’ll see battling bulls, protective mothers, and newborn pups all over the beach. Discover the fascinating life cycle and natural history of these marine mammals at one of only three mainland rookeries.

This walk will be approximately 1 mile long along flat terrain, including pavement, boardwalk, gravel, and dirt. Please park at the main elephant seal viewing area parking lot along Highway 1.  The large parking lot is about 5 miles north of the Hearst Castle entrance. On Apple and Google Maps, enter “Elephant Seal Vista Point”. Meet at the southern end of the parking lot, near the large wooden kiosk. We recommend that you dress in close-toe shoes and layers for the coast.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the walk. The rookery is open from dawn to dusk and self-guided options are available if walk is canceled.

Join a State Park Interpreter on an easy, 1 hour long walk on the Bluff Trail in Montana de Oro State Park. Enjoy scenic ocean views while learning about the flora and fauna that call the park home. Meet at the Bluff Trail trailhead, just south of the historic Spooner Ranch house, at 10am on January 1, 2026. Dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Cameras and binoculars are encouraged!

Join a State Park Interpreter on a boardwalk hike through coastal scrub habitat. Learn about this unique area and the animals that call it home while enjoying views of the estuary, salt marsh and Cerro Cabrillo. Meet at the Marina Peninsula Trailhead at 10am on January 1, 2026. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. Cameras and binoculars are encouraged!

Start the New Year off on the right foot and join a State Park Interpreter on a mindfulness walk through the Monterey pine forest. We will practice different mindfulness techniques while exploring the unique landscapes and ecosystems along this trail. Meet at the Campfire Center in San Simeon Creek Campground at 1:30pm on January 1, 2026. If you are not camping, it is recommended you park on San Simeon-Monterey Creek Rd. (35.599525, -121.125849) and walk 0.2 miles to the Campfire Center.  Anyone is welcome to participate in this hike, but please keep in mind this will be approximately a 3 mile walk on a trail. Any children must be accompanied by an adult and should be capable of completing the hike. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection; dress in layers for the coast and bring plenty of water. Bring binoculars or a magnifying lens if you have them. Bring a journal and a writing utensil if you have them.     Dogs are not permitted on this trail. Rain and inclement, stormy weather conditions will cancel this event.