Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 423-4609 Drawing of Natural Bridges, Ca

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Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and hree arches carved by Natural Bridges education of the people of California by helping T to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological nature out of a sandstone diversity, protecting its most valued natural and State Beach cultural resources, and creating opportunities cliff inspired the naming of for high-quality outdoor recreation. Natural Bridges. Reclaimed by the sea, the inner and outer arches have fallen, leaving only California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who the central bridge. need assistance should contact the park at (831) 423-4609. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected].

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service

www.parks.ca.gov

Natural Bridges State Beach 2531 West Cliff Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 423-4609 Drawing of Natural Bridges, ca. 1870s © 2002 California State Parks (Rev. 2015) N atural Bridges State depressions in the cliff inter-related tribes spread throughout the Beach is a magnificent that grew until the rock Monterey and San Francisco Bay areas. oasis of natural beauty formed a cave, and Their descendants are collectively called located between the eventually, a bridge. the Ohlone today. edge of the ocean Of the three original In the past, the Uypin people hunted and the outer limits of arches, only the marine mammals and inland game, the city of Santa Cruz. middle one remains. fished, and harvested shellfish and a This popular 65-acre The outermost arch variety of seeds, berries, herbs, and park is known for its fell during the early bulbs. They also depended on storable wave-carved sea arch, 20th century, and the plant foods like acorns, hazel, laurel, family-friendly beach, inner arch collapsed and buckeye nuts. The Uypin people tide pools, and visiting Great blue heron at Moore Creek during a 1980 storm. practiced land-management techniques monarch butterflies. that enhanced nature’s productivity. PARK hISTORY They were also skilled in various crafts ThE “BRIDgES” Native Americans like making baskets, fiber cordage, stone Natural Bridges State Beach is named for The first people to inhabit this area were tools, and shell ornaments for trade to three naturally occurring arches that were the Uypin tribe, as recorded in the registers people in the interior. Many of today’s once part of a large cliff that jutted out of the Spanish missionaries who arrived in Ohlone people work to reestablish the into the sea. The bridges formed as wave the 1780s. The Uypin were among about fifty knowledge and traditions of their past. power eroded the mudstone, deepening

The last remaining natural bridge Euro-American Settlers development. Both local residents and TIDE POOLS — LIFE ON ThE EDgE Spanish colonists eventually took over visitors can find respite on the beach or Twice each day, the tide uncovers the park’s the Ohlone people’s traditional lands. hiking among a dozen natural habitats. rocky shore, where sea stars, hermit crabs, When the Ohlone were brought into the urchins, kelp, and many more species live mission system, their population was nearly hABITATS AND WILDLIFE among the pools and crevices. This area decimated by European diseases to which Egrets, herons, and other residential and is also a state marine reserve; its sea life they had no resistance. migratory birds traveling along the Pacific receives extra protection as residents of the By 1834 this area was governed by newly Flyway rely on Natural Bridges for safe Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. independent Mexican authorities, who used shelter or an inviting meal. Animals and plants living in tide pools coastal land for cattle grazing. After the The Moore Creek Wetlands Natural survive by adapting to rapid changes in Mexican-American War ended in 1848, Alta Preserve provides an important habitat temperature, water salinity, pounding surf, California was ceded to the United States; for a variety of birds, invertebrates, fish, California became a state in 1850. and amphibians. The preserve has both and human activity. They also adapt to Over the years, this land supported saltwater and freshwater marshes. specific areas of the rocky intertidal zone. a dairy farm, a hotel, a brussels sprouts Please leave all plants and animals attached farm, housing for workers at the Antonelli to the rocks. Prying or pulling them off may Mill Pond, a South Seas movie set, and harm or kill them. an unfinished housing development. The State of California purchased the RECREATIONAL ACTIvITIES land in 1933. Until the 1970s, open space Day use — Natural Bridges State Beach is a surrounded the park, now enclosed by haven for the outdoor enthusiast. • view wildlife: The beach is an excellent vantage point for v iewing the remaining natural bridge, as well as shore birds, migrating whales, seals, and sea otters. • Relax: The sheltered pocket beach between two headlands is also ideal for relaxing and playing in the sand, enjoying the sun, and watching the waves. • Fly or surf: Frequent afternoon winds take flying kites to soaring Left: Guided walk on heights and windsurfers for the Monarch Trail. an exhilarating sail on the Above: Carefully bay. Large winter swells are examining life in the popular with experienced tide pools. Right: Giant green sea anemone. surfers and boogie boarders. • Run or bike October, welcome the monarch butterflies NEARBY STATE PARKS on the park’s back to Natural Bridges. Music, food, games, • Wilder Ranch State Park main road. guided walks, and activities explore the 1788 Coast Rd., Santa Cruz 95060 • Hike: Trails wonder and science of monarch butterflies. (831) 423-9703 offer hikers The Migration Festival • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park a chance to From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second 101 North Big Trees Park Rd., Felton 95018 stroll through Saturday in February, learn about the (831) 335-4598 the Monarch journeys of the many animals that migrate • New Brighton State Beach Butterfly Natural to and through Natural Bridges and the 1500-1598 Park Ave., Capitola 95010 Preserve and surrounding area. Educational booths, (831) 464-6329 the Moore Creek guided walks, entertainment, games, and • Seacliff State Beach Wetlands more make for a day of fun and discovery. 721-729 State Park Dr., Aptos 95003 Natural Preserve. In addition to these activities, organized (831) 685-6442 • Picnics and groups of ten or more may schedule guided • Lighthouse Field State Beach sunsets: The walks on weekends by calling the park. West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 95060 picnic area has School group walks are offered on weekdays Snowy egret (831) 429-2850 numerous tables by appointment. and barbecue stoves. Sunsets over the bay make DIRECTIONS: a spectacular ending to a fun-filled day. Docent Training Classes Volunteer docents lead guided walks, host Hwy. 1 North turns into Mission Street EDUCATIONAL ACTIvITIES the visitor center, help with park restoration, when traveling through the westside Santa guided Walks and assist with special events. Contact the Cruz business district. Turn left onto Swift Natural Bridges docents offer guided visitor center to apply for the next docent Street and follow it to the ocean. Turn right tide pool walks, butterfly walks, and training class. on West Cliff Drive, which ends at the park. habitat hikes. Monarch Butterfly Tours At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekends during fall and winter, meet at the visitor center to discover more about the monarch’s miraculous life cycle. Exploring Tide Pools Docents lead tide pool explorations year round during low tides.

SPECIAL EvENTS Welcome Back Monarchs Day From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Sunday in Cormorants and brown pelicans PLEASE REMEMBER • Except for service animals, dogs are • Natural Bridges State Beach is open allowed only in the parking lots and year round from 8 a.m. to sunset. picnic areas, but not on the beach and • Surf Safety — Enter tide pools only trails. All dogs must be on a six-foot- during periods of low tide. Often there maximum leash and under human is no lifeguard on duty, and the surf control at all times. Please do not leave can be unpredictable. Hazardous rip your dog in a vehicle. currents and large waves can appear • Stay on designated trails to protect out of nowhere and sweep people out plants, to prevent erosion, and to avoid to sea. poison oak and stinging nettles. The beach and tide pools can be • Bicycles are permitted only on extremely dangerous. Do not run on paved roads. the wet rocks of the intertidal area, and • Fires and glass containers are not never turn your back to the waves. allowed on the beach. Accessible boardwalk in monarch grove Check with the lifeguard or at the • Alcoholic beverages are only allowed entrance station or visitor center in the park with a previously issued ACCESSIBLE FEATURES before entering the ocean and the tide special-event permit. Submit permit applications at least 30 days before the • Parking, the picnic area, and the boardwalk into pool areas. event date. the monarch grove are accessible. • No Collecting — Do not disturb tide • Do not smoke, ride bikes, roller skate, • The accessible visitor center has exhibits, pool residents or the butterfly clusters skateboard, or speak loudly in the interactive and interpretive displays, and videos in any way. The park’s plants, animals, monarch butterfly grove. (some with large-print formats and scripts). and all natural and cultural features • Restrooms are accessible. are protected by law. • An accessible beach viewing platform adjoins the overflow parking lot and entrance kiosk. • A beach wheelchair may be checked out at the visitor center. Accessibility is continually improving. For the latest updates, visit the website at http://access.parks.ca.gov.

This park is supported in part through a nonprofit organization. For more information, contact: Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks 144 School Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Moore Creek Wetlands Natural Preserve (831) 429-1840 • www.thatsmypark.org MONARCh BUTTERFLY NATURAL PRESERvE C A C A N A N A D A D A r r e e v v Seattle i Seattle i R R Olympia WASHINGT Spokane Olympia WASHINGT Spokane R R ON 90 ON 90 15 Portland O ri Portland Col ou Col ver umbia Missoula iss uRmi bia Salem C M MONTANASalem Helena NORTH DAKOT Eugene Butte Eugene 94 Butte 84 K 84 OREGON Bismarck

P OREGON P G IDAHO Y Billings IDAHO 5

A Boise R Boise

C Clustering E SOUTH DAKOT

I Pierre monarchs I Rapid City Pocatello A Pocatello F WYOMING F

M Casper T I

I 80 80 C 25 C O Natural Bridges is home to one of the largest monarch Reno Salt Lake City CheyenneReno NEBRASKA U NEVADA San Francisco Carson City San Francisco Carson City 80 butterfly over-wintering sites in California. Each fall, the Sacramento Provo Sacramento Omaha Fort Collins Oakland OaklandN migratory butterflies arrive on the coast from across the NEVADA UTAH UT Natural San Jose Natural San Jose Denver western United States to seek sanctuary from the winter’s Bridges SB CALIFORNIA 70Bridges SB CALIFORNIAT cold. They roost in the monarch preserve from October to Fresno A COLORADOFresno Topeka O O

Pueblo P KANS mid-February, with the greatest numbers from November 5 15 I 5 15 C Las Vegas C Las Vegas Ar ka Bakersfield er Bakersfield L er n Riv N Riv to mid-December. E E

A The monarchs cluster in rings of trees, intertwining their A Los Angeles 40 A Los AngelesS 40 San Bernardino Flagstaff San Bernardino Flagstaff I legs to avoid being dislodged from their companions N ARIZONA N Santa Fe ARIZONAOKLAH do do a Amarilloa 10 r Albuquerque 10 r N o o by the wind and rain. With their tan undersides, the San Diego l l o San Diego o C C

NEW MEXICO S clusters resemble clumps of dead leaves. When the air Phoenix 27 Phoenix M M Red E 25 E Lubbock temperature rises above 55 degrees, the butterflies burst X Roswell X I Tucson Tucson from their clusters, floating through the trees and into the Fall Migration C Spring Migration I C Fort Worth O O 20 El Paso surrounding area in search of flower nectar and dew. South North TEXAS In January and February, the monarchs begin a R 10 R daring 1,500 mile migration —a journey that spans five A C T I C O A C T I C O generations —as they spread out across the western generation returns to California, where their great-great United States. Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed grandparents originated. Monarch lifespans vary from plants inland —from the Bay Area to the eastern two weeks to nine months. Those that migrate to the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountain foothills. Each coast in autumn live longer; the last generation at generation hatches and travels further inland, where Natural Bridges live as long as nine months and another generation fans out even further. The final begin the cycle once more.

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Natural to 1 Legend Delaware Ave Preserve Natural Bridges Delaware Ave Swanton Blvd State Beach Paved Road Unpaved Road

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West Dr iff 20 min. Dr Cl P Cliff Natural Bridge West NATURAL BRIDGES (Please stay off) STATE MARINE RESERVE Pacific Ocean