Community Nature Hike - Natural Bridges State Beach - Monarch Butterfly & Tidepool Hike
November 1, 2025 @ 11:00AM — 3:00PM Pacific Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Natural Bridges State Beach: 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Get Directions
Wings of Wonder: Monarchs by the Sea
Join Saved By Nature along with California State Parks on a guided hike at Natural Bridges State Beach. We'll observe the gorgeous monarch butterflies before strolling down to the beach and exploring the tide pools! The orange and black Monarch Butterfly, also known scientifically as Danaus plexippus, migrates every year to Monarch grove, a natural preserve at Natural Bridges State Beach. The tide pools for this location are located to the north of the main beach. This area has many small deep pools that are several feet wide and deep, a wide variety of marine life can easily be seen once we get there.
Distance: 2.0 mi. (Please note: The tidepool portion of the hike follows a single-track trail and may be slippery in spots. It may not be suitable for some seniors or those with mobility concerns. We encourage you to consider this before registering.)
Elevation Gain: 125 ft.
Type: Out and Back
Items to bring:
- Layers + comfortable clothing (check the weather before leaving)
- Snacks (we’ll have extra in case you forget)
- Water Bottle
- Lunch
- Hat and/or sunscreen
- Camera
Schedule of Events
11:00 AM – Arrival & Welcome
11:15 AM – Monarch Presentation at Visitor Center
12:15 PM – Guided Walk through Monarch Preserve
1:30 PM – Picnic Lunch & Connection Time
2:00 PM – Tidepool Exploration
3:00 PM – Closing & Departure
Parking: Natural Bridges Visitor Center - 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Bathrooms: Yes, there are bathrooms at the parking lot.
Hike Map: -- HIKE MAP HERE
Park Map: -- link
This program is brought to you by Saved By Nature in collaboration with California State Parks and powered by REI.