More than 40 feet long and weighing up to 40 tons, adult humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are formidable giants. But their immensity doesn’t hinder their athleticism.
Ten recreation options available at Castle Rock State Park, just north of Boulder Creek, from climbing to horseback riding to picnicking with a view.
Felicia Van Stolk of the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History explains how a California native-plant garden benefits wildlife in the neighborhood and beyond.
The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County acquired 14 acres of core habitat critical to the recovery of the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander.
Local students find Jefferson’s ground sloth fossil in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the first fossil evidence for this species reported in county history.
Hilltromper announces an online resource that tells you where your favorite flowers are blooming right now, and helps preserve these wonders of nature.
Traces and remains of ancient creatures—from whale-ribs to a famous mastodon tooth—frequently surface on Santa Cruz beaches and in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
A 2.5-mile bike and pedestrian path skirting the cliffs.
At the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History’s symposium in the UCSC Hay Barn, our writer made some friends and discovered some fun facts.
Leave No Trace principle number 3, ‘Dispose of Waste Properly,’ applies to human waste–even Number 1. Here is an easy guide to ethical outdoor urination.
Leave No Trace principle number 3, ‘Dispose of Waste Properly,’ applies to human waste–even Number 1. Here is an easy guide to ethical outdoor urination.
Following the devastation of the CZU Fire, you have an opportunity to join the historic process of shaping the future of the oldest State Park in California.
Romantic getaways on Monterey Bay, from Natural Bridges to West Cliff Drive to the Santa Cruz Wharf to Venus Spirits, plus some of the world’s best chocolate.
Editor's note: The next king tide in the Santa Cruz area takes place on Friday, Feb. 9. Tide pool viewing will be extra-good from Wednesday through the weekend.
This week's significant rainstorm caused flash flooding and damage to Wilder Ranch State Park. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks seeks support for recovery efforts.
The Fall Creek Unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers a little-known opportunity to experience the wondrous power of flowing water.
Rain is good. Eroded trails aren't. Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship trail director Drew Perkins explains how to be a force for good and not evil when mountain biking after rain.
Learning the names, habitats and behaviors of local fungi in the Santa Cruz Mountains makes this writer want to know more.
Hilltrompers, we have good news: you don’t have to schlep to Napa or Sonoma to enjoy a day brimming with rural landscapes and local wines. Instead, for a day trip escape cruise over the hill to the vineyards of Cupertino.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Located above Seabright Beach, the Museum highlights the region’s diverse plant, animal, and human communities from the shoreline of Monterey Bay to the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
