Join Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon Society for a gentle 2-mile birding walk along the San Jose Creek Trail.

Every step of this hike was made possible through our partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, California State Parks, and Point Lobos Foundation as collaborative members of the Lobos Corona Parkland project — along with generous donors and funders.

Big Sur Land Trust is thrilled to host a Monterey Audubon Society field trip along San Jose Creek Trail, as we explore and enjoy this piece of conserved land together.

Shuttles will transport hikers from Palo Corona Regional Park (Rancho Cañada) to the Ishxenta State Park San Jose Creek trailhead, which is only accessible through guided hikes. From there, we will meander up the gentle incline along San Jose Creek, birding along the way. After crossing over San Jose Creek’s three magnificent redwood bridges, we will arrive at the meadow that will be our turnaround point. This hike is a beautiful reminder that collaboration can bring beautiful change and that our actions are stronger when taken together. We are grateful to our partners and to our donors for each step forward that we take together.

• Distance: 2 miles
• Elevation: 150′ total ascent
• Difficulty: Easy. We will be walking on a backcountry dirt road, on which we may encounter small rocks and sticks.
• Pace: Easy
• Participant limit: 12
• Facilities: Restrooms are available at the meet-up location and at the trailhead.
• Cell service: There is limited to no cell service at this location. Please plan accordingly.

Bring snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of birding and walking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Please note: While the trails we will be on are well-tended, this area is known to have extremely high tick densities. Please take extra precautions when preparing for this hike (wear light-colored clothes, wear pants that can be tucked into socks, bring and use tick repellent, etc.) and be sure to do a thorough tick-check following your day with us.

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult).

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