Members Only – Open Trail Days at Rocks Ranch – 7/18

Rocks Ranch offers 2,670-aces of pristine wildland straddling San Benito and Monterey counties. Not usually open to the public, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County invites members to come hike and/or bike our private trail system and see why this land in particular has been identified as a prime location for a wildlife crossing.

Strap on your hiking shoes, load up your bikes, and bring your family and friends to explore the property for the day!

• When: Friday, July 18, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM*
• Where: Rocks Ranch, San Juan Bautista, CA 95045 (this property is currently closed to the public; the address and directions will be sent via a reminder email one week prior to the event)

*Please arrive between 10am and 11am and depart between 2pm and 3pm.

Are you a Land Trust Member?

This is a Members Only event. Become a member by making a donation of any amount to receive special invitations to Member Only events (like this walk!), monthly e-updates about conservation projects, a subscription to our bi-annual newsletter, and more! Click here to donate today.

Unsure of your membership status? Please contact Engagement Manager, Emily Repech at emily.repech@landsantacruz.org.

Important Ticket Details

• One ticket = One vehicle
• Only one ticket is allowed per member household. Please sign-up for one vehicle only. Feel free to invite enough friends and family that will fit in your car!

Event Details

• What to expect: Members will have up to 5 hours to explore the property on their own. Please drive through the gate and follow the signs. Land Trust staff will greet you at the intersection of the road, provide you with a map, direct you to parking/check-in, and help you choose your own adventure!
• Road conditions & terrain: You will be driving on roughly 2 miles of farm roads that are single lane dirt roads. Although the property is 2WD accessible, please drive slowly and be mindful of ruts, hikers, and bikers. The terrain is moderately difficult with some sections of steep uphill and downhill.
• What to bring: We recommend bringing snacks, a picnic, picnic blanket, filled reusable water bottle, a camping chair, binoculars, and hiking poles (if desired).
• What to wear: The property offers extensive grassland, oak savanna, and oak woodland. Please plan for hot and dry weather with exposed conditions. We recommend wearing good walking/hiking shoes, comfortable layers, sun protection (a hat and sunscreen), and bug spray (for flies).
• Although there is no potable water onsite, the Land Trust will have water jugs for you to refill your water bottle at check-in. There will be a few porta-potties located throughout the property.
• Please be aware of bees/yellowjacket wasps. If you are allergic, bring your prescribed epinephrine pen and/or allergy medications.
• Dogs on leash are allowed. Horses are not allowed at this time.
• The address and directions will be sent via a reminder email a one week prior to the event.

Questions?

Please contact Events Manager, Audrelina Mendiola-Arriola at events@landtrustsantacruz.org or (831) 281-0386.

About Rocks Ranch

Protecting Rocks Ranch for a wildlife crossing over HWY101 is the next critical step in establishing linkage between the Santa Cruz and Gabilan mountain ranges.

The first crossing on HW17 at Laurel Curve in the Santa Cruz Mountains was completed in December. Together, these crossings will provide safe passage for mountain lions and other wildlife whose habitats have been increasingly constrained by residential development and highway barriers. Thanks to our pioneering work at Laurel Curve, the policy and process tools are already in place to develop a second crossing at Rocks Ranch.

Learn more about the property and how protecting Rocks Ranch from intensified land use will help safeguard this critical landscape linkage and conserve important habitat for rare and endangered species here.

Photo Permissions

By attending this event, I hereby grant Land Trust of Santa Cruz County permission to use my likeness in photograph(s) in any publications or publicity materials (including but not limited to books, newsletters, videos and Web use), in perpetuity. Please email events@landtrustsantacruz.org if you have questions or concerns about photo permissions.