Want to connect to the living, breathing world of plants, other animals, water, and fresh air, and disconnect from the world of digital technology? Head out on this moderately-paced exploration without your phone or other digital devices and get immersed in several different habitats with Interpretive Specialist Katie Renz and Docent Naturalists Chris MacIntosh and Melissa Hero. You’ll practice closely observing natural phenomena in lieu of taking photos, deeply listening to birdsong, and staying attentive to signs of animals, all while hiking with folks who also do not want to stare at a screen. Your mostly out-and-back route will include the Grasshopper Loop and Harrington Creek trails, as well as the newly opened Lonely Forest Trail. There will be one brief steep section, but most of the hike has a gentle or moderate grade. Bring a lunch and something to write with/on if you want to take notes or sketch. It’ll be just like hiking before 1994!
Meet at the Sears Ranch Road Parking Area off Highway 84 in La Honda. From Highway 280, exit Sand Hill Road and head west. Turn right onto Portola Road; make a sharp left onto CA-84 West. Turn right onto Sears Ranch Road (13.6 miles). From Highway 1, take CA-84 East/La Honda Road/San Gregorio Road and turn left on Sears Ranch Road (9.2 miles).