Williams Canyon to Rancho Cañada Earth Day Hike | April 22
2026-04-22 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

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SOLD OUT! Race for Open Space 2026 | May 9
2026-05-09 | Palo Corona Regional Park, 4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA, 93923, United States
SOLD OUT! While the race itself is sold out, you can still spend a meaningful day at Palo Corona Regional Park by volunteering at this year’s Race for Open Space. Volunteer opportunities >>

Each spring, people of all ages and fitness levels join Big Sur Land Trust’s Race for Open Space—our largest annual community event. In 2025, over 300 runners, hikers, and walkers joined us to raise funds for the lands we all love in Monterey County.
This year, the event will continue to offer multiple courses to experience conserved lands that are not usually open to the public. Whether you want to go deep into the backcountry, take it easier along shorter courses, run solo, walk with a group, or just cheer on your family and friends, the Race for Open Space has something for you!

SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to South Bank Trail 1-mile Fun Run
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona Front Ranch Lollipop 5K
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to Whisler Wilson Out-and-Back 12K
SOLD OUT! Palo Corona to Williams Canyon Out-and-Back 25K
SOLD OUT! Lunch Bench Lollipop 35K+

Thanks to our continued partners at Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, Inside Trail, and Alvarado Street Brewery.
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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

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Big Sur Land Trust Volunteer Orientation | June 4
2026-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Through this orientation, you will become more familiar with Big Sur Land Trust’s mission, history, programs, organizational structure, and volunteer opportunities so that you are more fully informed about the organization you hope to so generously support through volunteering. This will also be your chance to interact with staff members and ask questions.
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Carmel River FREE Tour | September 25
2026-09-23 09:00 - 12:00 | 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)

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