• Catch the king tide

    Turtle Back Trailhead

    If you’ve lived through a wet winter in this area, you know that the highest tides of the year, called king tides, create quite a show at China Camp. Combined with runoff from winter storms, king tides can turn the park’s bayfront wetlands and meadows into shallow lakes of brackish... Read more »

  • Birding walk: winter surprises

    Turtle Back Trailhead

    At the edge of a meadow, a male Anna’s hummingbird whizzes by, lands on a twig, and starts singing his rusty-hinge song. Towhees scuff in the dry leaves. Overhead, an osprey flaps by, a fish clutched in its talons. Even though our seasonal summertime birds have headed to warmer climes... Read more »

  • Twilight hike: secrets of the solstice

    This year, we’re seeking out the last bit of sunshine on the cusp of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Join us as we take a special walk around one of our most peaceful locations, Miwok Meadows. As one of the best places to see the park’s... Read more »

  • New Year’s sunrise hike: say hello to 2026

    Ring in the new year in a spectacular way. Join naturalist Harold Hirsch as he leads our annual New Year’s Day sunrise hike—a heart-pumping and fun way to welcome 2026. Start with an invigorating ascent to one of China Camp’s premier vista points, then, at 7:26 a.m., watch the sun... Read more »