Bay Nature Hike: The Stewards Return at Quiroste Valley

Join Bay Nature with environmental scientist Alberto Bonilla and archaeologist Michael Grone for a guided hike through the Quiroste Valley Cultural Preserve at Año Nuevo State Park on Saturday, June 13 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Inspired by Bay Nature’s Winter 2026 story “25 Years of Change,” this walk will explore a landscape transformed through restoration led by the Amah Mutsun Land Trust and California State Parks. We’ll begin along a ridge top meadow to visit restoration areas shaped by Indigenous stewardship, native grassland recovery, and ongoing ecological work. From there, we’ll cross to a scenic overlook for lunch before descending into the valley below. Along the way, our guides will share the ecological and cultural history of Quiroste Valley, including efforts to restore coastal prairie, remove invasive Douglas firs, and prepare for the return of cultural burning practices to the landscape.

Details

• Location: Quiroste Valley Cultural Preserve (Map: Año Nuevo State Park)
• Distance: ~2 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate; expect uneven ground and bushwacking through mixed terrain
• Parking: Additional parking and meetup details will be shared with registered attendees
• Restrooms: No bathrooms or water on site

What to bring: Water (1–2 liters), a bag lunch, snacks, sun protection, and layers. Hiking shoes required.

Weather note: Expect warm temperatures and sun exposure. Please come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, and sun protection.

Meet your guides: Alberto Bonilla is an environmental scientist with California State Parks whose work focuses on ecological restoration and land stewardship. Michael Grone is an archaeologist and tribal liason with California State Parks who studies the cultural history and Indigenous landscapes of California’s Central Coast.

Tickets: This hike is free for Bay Nature members. Registration is limited.

Additional information

• All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
• Dogs are not allowed on Bay Nature hikes
• Please note you may encounter ticks, poison oak, and other trail hazards

Photo by © Amir Aziz