Rise & Roam Collective’s, Monarch Magic Hike
✨ Rise & Roam Collective: Monarch Magic at Natural Bridges! 🦋
🌞 The Rise & Roam Collective conquers the trails every second Saturday at 9:00 AM! We explore hidden gems all across the Bay Area, so gear up and jump into our unstoppable community of bold explorers and nature-lovers!
🦀 Get ready to recharge your soul and step into pure wild magic! We will be hiking through the park's famous Monarch Grove, which provides a winter sanctuary for thousands of Monarch butterflies. We're visiting at the absolute peak time of the year to witness this incredible spectacle! In the crisp morning air, the butterflies cluster together on eucalyptus trees, looking like fluttering leaves. Once the sunshine warms the day above 60°F, thousands of them take flight in a breathtaking golden cloud!
The Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges is a protected State Natural Preserve, safeguarding these delicate creatures and their overwintering habitat. It's proud to be the only official State Monarch Preserve in California!
🌊 Behold the blueprint for our epic adventure: 🌳
The Kickoff: Rally at the parking lot to fuel up on tasty snacks and vibe with our legendary crew!
Gear Up: Stretch out those muscles and pack your gear before we hit the trail.
Monarch Magic Hike: Soak in stunning ocean vistas on an easy 2-mile loop with just 200 ft of gentle elevation gain—perfect for all experience levels!
Museum & Visitor Center: Explore the park museum to learn cool facts about butterfly migration, and pop into the gift shop for unique local keepsakes!
Peaceful Painting Session: Gather around the picnic tables for a relaxing, creative session painting butterflies to take home as a souvenir of our day!
Monarch Trivia & Prizes: Test your knowledge with fun monarch trivia while painting—awesome butterfly-inspired prizes await the winners!
Beachside Lunch: Bring along your favorite lunch to unwind on the sandy beach while enjoying great conversations and ocean views.
Tide Pool Exploration: If tides allow, we'll set off on a second mini-hike after lunch to discover ocean creatures in the tide pools! (Or head back to see monarchs in flight!)
⌚ Synchronize your watches! Be ready to roam at 9:00 AM:
Location: Natural Bridges State Beach
Address: 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
AllTrails Link: Butterfly Loop & Moore Creek Trail Overlook
🌤️Weather and Gear
We are expecting cool weather with coastal breezes. Please dress in layers.
🥾 Adventure Kit: Lace up your favorite hiking shoes and pack a refillable water bottle, trail snacks, sun protection, and your adventurous spirit!
🥨 Bonus Provisions: Fresh spring water and extra delicious snacks will be provided!
🦴 Furry Friends: Please note that dogs are unfortunately not permitted within this preserve.
Cell service can be spotty in the park. Please download map directions in advance to ensure a smooth arrival!
📍 Meeting Place: Natural Bridges Parking Lot (36°57'06.5"N 122°03'27.5"W)
🚗 Parking: $10 vehicle day-use fee
Plan to arrive early to give yourself plenty of time to park and walk over to our meeting spot.
Free street parking is also available outside the main park entrance.
Please sign the waiver to join the fun!: Monarch Magic Waiver
I am absolutely pumped for this journey! Reach out if you have any questions. I'll see you where the wild things are! 🦉⛰️💖
Park website: Natural Bridges State Beach