Hike To Natural Bridges State Beach Then Play With Butterflies At The Monarch Grove In Northern California
By Lysa Allman-Baldwin|Published January 25, 2023
×
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Author
For over 25 years Lysa Allman-Baldwin has fed her wanderlust for “everything the world has to offer” by passionately writing travel and feature articles for numerous global print and online publications. A Digital Nomad, Lysa is also a professional speaker, workshop facilitator, and author.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to move en masse with thousands of others just like you? Well, that is exactly what you’ll experience at the Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges in Northern California. Every year from late fall into spring, close to 10,000 majestic Monarch Butterflies make their annual trek from the Rocky Mountain valley regions to this natural sanctuary for their winter habitat. Join in as we hike along and play with these delicate, beautiful creatures while also enjoying their awe-inspiring lifecycle.
The Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges is located at 2531 W Cliff Dr. in Santa Cruz. It is part of the Natural Bridges State Beach Recreational Area.
The area overall encompasses a park and beach and is brimming with scores of divergent wildlife. From seals to otters, shore crabs, sea stars, whales, shore birds, and more, you can enjoy them in their natural habitats.
The hike along the Natural Bridges Monarch Trail is very leisurely, passing over wooden walkways and through marsh, wetland, grassy, and treed areas.
It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or longer, meandering along and enjoying all that nature has to offer in this area of the beautiful California coast.
The Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges holds the distinction as the only State Monarch Preserve in the State of California. Depending on the year (and perhaps affected somewhat by Climate Change) you could see anywhere from 6,000 to over 10,000 butterflies flocking to the area.
The butterflies are very fragile and should not be touched or otherwise disturbed by humans, pets, or loud noises. If accidentally touched, they are not harmful to you. However, their natural defense against other predators comes from the toxin in the Milkwood plants that they feast on.
Although the Monarchs are here for several months, the best time to catch them (with your eyes only!) in all their colorful splendor is from late October through November.
In addition to the natural foliage, the butterflies are attracted to strategically planted flowers and such by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
You'll find "pull-off" signage areas along the way that provide insightful and educational information about their migration patterns and lifecycles.
A hike here is fun and so relaxing whether you’re by yourself, with friends, or trekking along with the family.
Experiencing the annual migration is an incredible experience and one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. A visit to the Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges makes it easy.
Have you ever been to Monarch Grove at Natural Bridges? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also learn more about Natural Bridges State Beach on their Facebook page.
