The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking nature trails in California, and a new program called Trails Rx is making it easier than ever to explore them while promoting health and wellness. Initiated by the Sempervirens Fund land trust, this program offers detailed guides for five different trails in the region. Each guide includes suggestions for activities that will help you stay fit and healthy while enjoying the beauty of nature.
The Trails Rx program features some of the most popular hikes in the area, including the Six Bridges Trail in Butano State Park, Atkinson Bluff Trail in Año Nuevo State Park, and trails in Big Basin, Castle Rock, and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Parks farther south. These trails offer stunning views of redwood forests, rolling hills, and wildlife habitats that are sure to take your breath away.
But Trails Rx is more than just a way to get exercise; it’s also a way to connect with nature and improve your overall well-being. Each trail guide includes prompts designed to bring attention to the wellness features of your hike. For example, the Atkinson Bluff Trail guide suggests taking 5-10 minutes to observe your surroundings in silence, focusing on looking up high, down low, at objects up close, and observing the surroundings in the distance. The guides also provide information about research studies that have shown how spending time outdoors can reduce blood pressure and depression while boosting immunity.
In addition to providing guidance on where to go and what to do on each trail, Trails Rx also offers maps and detailed information about parking arrangements at each destination. This makes it easy for you to plan your trip ahead of time so you can make the most of your experience on these beautiful nature trails. So why not give Trails Rx a try? You may be surprised at how much healthier you feel after spending a few hours exploring one of California’s natural wonders!
