Train rides, hikes, biking, stargazing, and snowshoeing
Majestic redwood forests are fantastic places to experience the magic of the holiday season, creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. There’s something for everyone, from wheelchair-accessible train rides to challenging backcountry snow adventures, even activities for your dogs. Here are activities from the towering coast redwood forests to the snowy giant sequoia groves.
Holiday Tree Walk and Steam Train Ride
Various times. Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2023
Felton (near Santa Cruz)
$29.95-$44.95 per person
Dogs allowed
Ride the wheelchair-accessible Redwood Forest Steam Train over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad, and the forest. Sip hot drinks while greeting Santa Claus.
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway Hike and Bike Day
Monthly on first Saturdays through June 1, 2024
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County
Free of charge
Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway runs for 10 miles past thousands of acres of stunning, old-growth redwoods. Hike and Bike Day on the parkway is a chance to experience the redwoods’ majesty at a slower pace. The paved parkway closes to vehicle traffic so visitors can hike, bike, skate, and walk dogs. Parking for this special day is located on the south end of the parkway near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
Ladybugs in the redwoods hike
10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9, 2023
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
Free of charge
Join East Bay Regional Park District at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area for a 3-mile hike to seek thousands of hibernating ladybugs among the redwoods. In the fall, the convergent lady beetles from the Bay Area lowlands fly with the prevailing winds to the east, settling down in the East Bay hills to hibernate. In Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, thousands of the cute, red, black-spotted ladybugs can often be found huddling in eye-catching groups from about late October to mid-February.
98th Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 10, 2023
Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park (east of Fresno)
$125 per person
Reservations: 559-875-4575 or sangerchamber@gmail.com
Join Sanger District Chamber of Commerce on chartered buses for a quarter-mile trek to the General Grant Tree, an ancient giant sequoia officially dedicated as the Nation’s Christmas Tree on April 28, 1926, by the United States Department of the Interior. The event includes a two-course brunch with bottomless mimosas at School House Restaurant & Tavern. The bus is not accessible to wheelchairs.
Snowshoeing, stargazing, backcountry skiing
Sequoia Parks Conservancy offers amazing winter adventures in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (east of Fresno), including stargazing in one of the state’s darkest areas, tours of the Giant Forest and its famous, towering giant sequoias, and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing to a cozy cabin. Prices vary.
Christmas Tree Skunk Train
Various times through Dec. 31, 2023
Willits, Mendocino County
$59.95-$94.95 per person; $10.95 per dog
Board the wheelchair-accessible Skunk Train through the coast redwoods for seasonal treats and decor on a journey to Mr. Skunk’s Giant Christmas Tree, a decorated redwood along the line, which also serves as the workshop for Santa Mr. Skunk.
Guided walks among ancient redwoods
2 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 2, 2023, through May 2024
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Humboldt County
Free of charge
Join a park guide starting at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center for one-hour family friendly and educational walks through the mind-blowing ancient coast redwoods of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Noon, Saturdays and Sundays in December 2023
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz
Free of charge
Join park staff members for a two-hour, 1-mile walk among the spectacular ancient trees of Redwood Grove, which draws travelers from around the world. Reserve your spot.
