Carmel River FREE tour with Big Sur Land Trust | August 16
2024-08-16 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike/tour of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Director of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

Distance: 3 miles
Total ascent: 130 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Dirt trail (non-technical)

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Caminata y Loteria de Observación de Aves | September 14
2024-09-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Marks Ranch, 117th Drive, Salinas, CA, 93908, United States
Únase a nosotros para una caminata entre bosques de robles y pastorales locales en busca de vida silvestre. Todos son bienvenidos.
Big Sur Land Trust se complace en celebrar la Semana de la Conservación Latina con una caminata en español para observar aves y otras vidas silvestres en Marks Ranch. Este evento es apropiado para principiantes y todos aquellos interesados ​​en aprender cómo identificar mejor nuestras aves locales. Después de nuestra caminata de observación de aves, disfrutaremos de un picnic en el jardín de la Hacienda de Marks Ranch. Se proporcionará un refrigerio para el desayuno, un almuerzo ligero y bebidas.
Ubicado junto a la autopista 68, justo al norte de Toro Park, Marks Ranch lleva el nombre de Benjamin y Nisene Marks (que dan nombre al parque estatal), y una vez fue un rancho de producción de huevos. El terreno y muchas de las características originales ahora son preservados por Big Sur Land Trust. Aprenderemos sobre las aves, la historia natural y la historia humana de esta propiedad única.
Las aves probables son las típicas de la sabana de robles, e incluyen el pájaro Carpintero Bellotero, Chara californiana, Vireo de Hutton, Colín de California y Herrerillo unicolor.
Gracias a la asociación de Big Sur Land Trust con Monterey Audubon Society, ahora utilizamos eBird para monitorear las poblaciones de aves en las reservas de Big Sur Land Trust. Esta excursión es una oportunidad para contribuir a este creciente esfuerzo y todos los participantes tendrán acceso a una lista de aves vistas durante el día.
RSVP >>

Join Waitlist: Carmel River FREE tour with Big Sur Land Trust | September 20
2024-09-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike/tour of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Director of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

Distance: 3 miles
Total ascent: 130 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Dirt trail (non-technical)

Join the waitlist >>

Salinas River Day Celebration | September 21
2024-09-21 09:00 - 15:00 | ​National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Visit three different locations along the river to learn from experts about hydrology, ecology, and alternative forms of river management.
Running 175 miles, the Salinas river is an upside-down river. There, present, supporting the whole valley, but hard to see and acknowledge by human eyes. Its existence has been suppressed by design, hidden behind fences, absorbed by sprinkles, and disconnected from its plains. This event celebrates the Salinas River and invites the community to relate with it, immersing themselves in its nature. The goal is to spend the day, from 9 am to 3 pm, in a field trip that includes three different locations along the river where participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts about hydrology, ecology, and alternative forms of river management focused on nature-based solutions and environmental justice. At the end of the field trip we will have a short workshop modeling the river in the sand to understand movements of water and sediments, and share visions and desires for the river. The event is free and transportation, snacks, and materials will be provided.
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Join Waitlist: San Jose Creek birding walk with Big Sur Land Trust and Monterey Audubon | September 22
2024-09-22 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
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).
Join the waitlist >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | October 25
2024-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3-mile round-trip hike/tour of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Director of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. Please leave four-legged friends at home. Thank you!
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

Distance: 3 miles
Total ascent: 130 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Dirt trail (non-technical)

Register >>

Let’s Go Outdoors! Williams Canyon to Rancho Cañada | November 2
2024-11-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust on a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit. We will traverse 8.5 miles (including three creek crossings) and climb over 1500 feet through Santa Lucia Conservancy land and Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry and front ranch. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 45-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Bring: A picnic lunch and plenty of water, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. There will be creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation: 1500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous. Hikers should expect creek crossings and plenty of climbing and descent along this beautiful backcountry route.

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult). Hikers must be 15+ years of age.
Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! Lunch Bench Guided Hike | November 17
2024-11-17 07:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
In celebration of National Hiking Day (Nov 17th), join Big Sur Land Trust on a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit via the Lunch Bench (closeby to Palo Corona peak) and Corona Cabin. We will traverse 13 miles (including two creek crossings) and climb over 2400 feet through Santa Lucia Conservancy land, Mitteldorf Preserve, and Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry and front ranch. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 45-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Bring: A picnic lunch and plenty of water, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. There will be creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 13 miles
Elevation: 2400 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous. Hikers should expect creek crossings and plenty of climbing and descent along this beautiful backcountry route, including a significant ascent to the Lunch Bench via Mitteldorf Preserve’s Echo Ridge trail.

Please note that each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult). Hikers must be 15+ years of age.
Register >>

Let’s Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike | March 8
2025-03-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Easy
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 Parklands project — along with generous donors and funders. 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, looking for early wildflowers 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.
Bring: Snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of backcountry hiking. 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).
Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike | April 5
2025-04-05 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile guided hike 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 Parklands project — along with generous donors and funders. 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, looking for early wildflowers 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.
Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! BSLT Earth Day Guided Hike: Lunch Bench/Corona Cabin | April 22
2025-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a loop hike featuring highlights of the Lobos Corona Parklands, part of BSLT’s legacy of land conservation.
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 on a hike with Big Sur Land Trust from the Williams Canyon parking meadow through Mitteldorf Preserve and the Palo Corona Regional Park backcountry. We will traverse 8 miles and climb over 2200 feet. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 46-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Register >>

World Ocean Day 2025 | June 6
2025-06-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Glen Deven Ranch
Join us for expert-led birding on a Monterey Audubon Society field trip at Big Sur Land Trust’s Glen Deven Ranch.
Friday, June 6
8:00am – 5:00pm
Glen Deven Ranch, Carmel
This World Ocean Day, Big Sur Land Trust and the Monterey Audubon Society will come together in the beauty of Glen Deven Ranch for a day of birding and spectacular views made possible by our ocean and the conservation of coastal lands. This event is appropriate for beginning birders and all those interested in learning how to better identify our local breeding birds. The day will begin with an easy, 2.5-mile out-and-back walk along the Ridge Trail and then continue after lunch with a moderate, 4.5 mile out-and-back hike along the Canyon Trail.

Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! Carmel River FREE tour | September 19 (9am-11:30am)
2025-09-19 09:00 - 11:30 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3.5-mile round-trip hike/tour of the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Vice President of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s CR FREE project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! San Jose Creek 2-mile hike | October 24 (9am - 2pm)
2025-10-24 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile guided hike 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 Parklands project – along with generous donors and funders. 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, looking for early wildflowers 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.
Bring: Snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of backcountry hiking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Easy

Please note:

Each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult).
Transport from the meet-up location to the trailhead (approx. 10 min drive) will be by facilitated carpool.

CAUTION: 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.
Register >>

Let's Go Outdoors! Williams Canyon to Rancho Cañada | November 17 (8am - 5pm)
2025-11-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit.
Join Big Sur Land Trust on a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit. We will traverse 8.5 miles (including three creek crossings) and climb over 1500 feet through Santa Lucia Conservancy land and Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry and front ranch. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 45-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Bring: A picnic lunch and plenty of water, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. There will be creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation: 1500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous. Hikers should expect creek crossings and plenty of climbing and descent along this beautiful backcountry route.

Please note:

Each participant must be individually registered (including kids, who need to be accompanied by an adult).
Hikers must be 15+ years of age.
Transport from the meet-up location to the trailhead (approx. 20 min drive) will be by facilitated carpool.
Please leave 4-legged friends at home (dogs are not permitted on BSLT guided hikes).

CAUTION: 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.
Register >>

JOIN WAITLIST! Let's Go Outdoors! Carmel River FREE tour | March 20 (9am-11:30am)
2026-03-20 09:00 - 11:30 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Enjoy a 3.5-mile round-trip hike of the CR FREE project site, led by Big Sur Land Trust’s Vice President of Conservation, Rachel Saunders.
Big Sur Land Trust’s Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CR FREE) project is one of the most extensive and important multi-benefit flood protection and riparian habitat restoration efforts on the Central Coast. Using a nature-based green infrastructure approach, it will reclaim the southern floodplain to direct water away from developed areas north of the river.
Our hike will be a slow-paced, staff-led tour of this project site.
Please note that minors will need to be accompanied by an adult. Please leave four-legged friends at home. Thank you!
Bring: Everything you will need for a gentle walk. Closed-toed hiking shoes and layers are strongly recommended.
Walk details:

Distance: 3.5 miles
Total ascent: 130 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Dirt trail (non-technical)

Register >>

FULL! Williams Canyon to Rancho Cañada Earth Day Hike | April 22
2026-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a guided hike from the Williams Canyon parking meadow to Palo Corona Regional Park’s Rancho Cañada Unit.

We will traverse 8.5 miles (including three creek crossings) and climb over 1500 feet through Santa Lucia Conservancy land and Palo Corona Regional Park’s backcountry and front ranch. We will spend much of the day on lands not open to the public that are part of Big Sur Land Trust’s 45-year and 45,000-acre legacy of land conservation, so it will be our special pleasure to enable managed access to these conserved lands in support of our continuing land conservation efforts.
Bring: A picnic lunch and plenty of water, plus everything you need for a day of strenuous backcountry hiking. There will be creek crossings, so be prepared to get your feet wet! Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 8.5 miles
Elevation: 1500 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous. Hikers should expect creek crossings and plenty of climbing and descent along this beautiful backcountry route.

Register >>

San Jose Creek 2-mile Hike | May 23
2026-05-23 09:00 - 14:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
Join Big Sur Land Trust for a gentle 2-mile guided hike 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 Parklands project — along with generous donors and funders. 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, looking for early wildflowers 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.
Bring: Snacks to enjoy along the hike, plus everything you need for a half-day of backcountry hiking. Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes are required, and layers are recommended.

Distance: 2 miles
Elevation: 150′ total ascent
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Easy

Register >>

Carmel River FREE Tour | September 25
2026-09-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
