California State Parks Backpacking Adventures

California State Parks Backpacking Adventures We offer naturalist-led backpacking trips in the Santa Cruz Mountains, sharing with you the natural

Looking for your New Year’s resolution?Want to find new ways to connect with nature?Do you want to learn more about your...
12/05/2025

Looking for your New Year’s resolution?
Want to find new ways to connect with nature?
Do you want to learn more about your local parklands while meeting new people?

Well then, look no further than California State Parks Backpacking Adventures (also known as CASPBA)! Regardless of your experience level, our backcountry naturalists are ready to lead you through the majesty of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Are you ready??? Registration for California State Parks Backpacking Adventures opens on New Year’s Day at 9:00am! Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov/backpacking

We can’t wait for you to join the adventure 😎

Image: five women laughing around the circle at one of our scenic Santa Cruz Mountains State Park trail camps.

Hi, I'm Molly (she/her) and I will be leading the Adventure Among the Ancients with CASPBA this summer! I recently joine...
05/19/2023

Hi, I'm Molly (she/her) and I will be leading the Adventure Among the Ancients with CASPBA this summer! I recently joined the Santa Cruz District of California State Parks in 2022 but have worked all over the Pacific Northwest doing environmental education. I went on my first backpacking trip in college and have enjoyed it ever since (though it seems the steep hills don't get any easier...). I'm an avid birder (aka bird nerd) and will always bring my binoculars on backcountry trips, despite the extra weight! When I'm not outside, I love all forms of crafting (mostly knitting and sewing), playing cards and board games, and trying to keep my house plants alive. I can't wait to explore the Santa Cruz mountains with you all!
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Molly will be leading the Adventure Among the Ancients trip, July 28-30 2023. Sign up now at www.parks.ca.gov/backpacking or check out our linktr.ee in bio to sign up for trips with us this summer!
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Image: State Parks Interpreter Molly smiling as she sits on the redwood forest floor.
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Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join California State Parks for RIDGES TO REDWOODS - a breathtaking 24-mi...
05/16/2023

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join California State Parks for RIDGES TO REDWOODS - a breathtaking 24-mile guided backpacking expedition from Thursday July 6 to Sunday July 9, 2023. πŸ•οΈπŸŒ²

There's truly no better way to explore the famous panoramas of the Skyline area of the Santa Mountains than the Ridges to Redwoods trip with CASPBA. This adventure will take you through treasured park lands including Castle Rock State Park, Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve, Long Ridge Open Space Preserve, and Portola Redwoods State Park, in that order! πŸŒ…πŸŒ³

Spaces are limited, so don't wait! Sign up now for Ridges to Redwoods and discover the beauty of California's state parks in a whole new way. πŸŽ’πŸŒ„

05/13/2023

Marika grew up semi feral amongst the sand dunes and eucalyptus groves of Half Moon Bay. Having developed an early love of the natural world, she worked as an environmental educator for outdoor schools throughout Northern CA.

Before joining the Interpretive staff at Wilder Ranch, she worked as a professional outdoor guide.

Marika finds joy in the minutiae of the forest floor and bushwhacking through the huckleberry bushes.

πŸ‘‹ Meet John! John is a new member of the CASPBA guides team for all your backpacking adventures this summer!John is a pa...
05/04/2023

πŸ‘‹ Meet John! John is a new member of the CASPBA guides team for all your backpacking adventures this summer!

John is a passionate naturalist and backpacking enthusiast originally from Southern California. John joined the State Park team in 2022, coming from a background in Geography focusing on resource management in parks. He has completed multiple long-distance sections of the PCT and countless backpacking trips to the Sierras and beyond.

John has a positive attitude and excitement for working with California State Parks. He has a passion to share the wonders of the Santa Cruz mountains with fellow visitors. John is an interpretive Park Aide at Pigeon Point Lighthouse where he engages with the public about the fascinating maritime stories of the Santa Cruz Coastline.

His favorite place to backpack is Big Flat along the Lost Coast with surfboards and friends!!

Image Description: John enjoying seal adventure day this year at Ano Nuevo State Park.


🌲 When you're out on the trail, it's important to pack the right gear and food to keep you fueled up and energized. Here...
05/03/2023

🌲 When you're out on the trail, it's important to pack the right gear and food to keep you fueled up and energized. Here are some tips on what to pack and how to pack it for your next backpacking trip with California State Parks Backpacking Adventures.

πŸ₯ͺ Food: Choose foods that are lightweight, non-perishable, and high in protein and carbohydrates. Dehydrated meals work great for easy dinners. Bringing nuts, jerky, dried fruits, energy bars, and instant oatmeal are all great options.

Some of our favorites:
Tortillas are a great carbohydrate source, lightweight, and versatile. They can be used to wrap sandwiches or spreads to make a tasty burrito.
Trail mix is a classic snack that provides a quick energy boost. Customize your own mix by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
Instant oatmeal is a quick and easy breakfast option. It's also a great way to add some texture to your morning coffee or tea.

What's your favorite backpacking food?

πŸŽ’ Packing: When packing your backpack, start by placing heavier items (like your sleeping bag and stove) at the bottom, closest to your back. This will help distribute the weight evenly and keep your center of gravity low. Next, pack your clothes and other gear around these items. Finally, use the top of your pack for snacks, a map, sunscreen, and other items you may need to access quickly.

🌞 With the right food and gear, you'll be all set for an unforgettable backpacking adventure with CASPBA!! Happy trails! 🏞️

Image Description: CASPBA guides, members enjoying some early morning yoga poses around their campground. They are trying to find some inner peace and mental clarity before they begin organizing and packing their backpacks for the day ahead.

Attention all adventurers and artists! πŸŒ²πŸŽ¨πŸ•οΈ TODAY is the last day to submit your entries for the Big Basin Art About - a...
04/28/2023

Attention all adventurers and artists! πŸŒ²πŸŽ¨πŸ•οΈ

TODAY is the last day to submit your entries for the Big Basin Art About - an incredible opportunity to explore Big Basin Redwoods State Park, backpack overnight, and create art inspired by the impacts of the CZU fire. 🌟

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the stunning redwood forest and create art that captures the resilience of nature in the face of adversity. 🌲🎨 Submit your entry now at www. parks.ca.gov/backpacking and join us for an unforgettable adventure! πŸ•οΈ

Parks California Mountain Parks Foundation Portola and Castle Rock Foundation Sempervirens Fund Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks CA State Parks

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join California State Parks for Ridges to Redwoods - a breathtaking 24-mi...
04/27/2023

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Join California State Parks for Ridges to Redwoods - a breathtaking 24-mile backpacking trip from Thursday July 6 to Sunday July 9, 2023. πŸ•οΈπŸŒ²

Starting in Castle Rock State Park, this 2-night, 3-day trip takes you through oak woodland ridgelines and dips into towering ancient redwoods. Experience incredible views of bay, mountain and valley as you trek from panoramic Castle Rock State Park, along the backbone of the Santa Cruz Mountains and down into the serene forests of Portola Redwoods State Park. πŸŒ…πŸŒ³

Our experienced guides will lead you on this unforgettable journey, sharing their knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the area. You'll have the opportunity to connect with nature, challenge yourself physically, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🌿🏞️

Spaces are limited, so don't wait! Sign up now for Ridges to Redwoods at www.parks.ca.gov/backpacking and discover the beauty of California's state parks in a whole new way. πŸŽ’πŸŒ„

Image: A group of backpackers silhouetted by the shadow of a beautiful oak tree on a California State Parks Backpacking Adventure trip led by State Park interpreters.

Parks California Mountain Parks Foundation Portola and Castle Rock Foundation Sempervirens Fund Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks CA State Parks

04/14/2023

Calling All Artists! We're hosting an overnight camping experience in Big Basin for local artists, and we want you to apply now! We're offering stipends of up to $2500 for participants to create original works of art, to be exhibited to raise public awareness of our ongoing restoration efforts at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Go to https://sites.google.com/ports-ca.us/bigbasinartabout/home for more information and apply today!
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Parks California Mountain Parks Foundation Sempervirens Fund CA State Parks

Address

303 North Big Trees Park Road
Felton, CA
95018

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18313351743

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