Take a Hike with Richard Stockton

What’s Shakin’ on the Loma Prieta Trail in Nisene Marks

When geologist Dwight Harbaugh said he’d join in on a hiking tour up the Loma Prieta Trail, word spread as if by underground rumbling.

Take a Hike: The Watsonville Slough Trail

As we endure the shortest and darkest days of the year, sometimes Seasonal Affective Disorder can dampen the dance in a dark redwood forest.

Cross-Tie Walking to the Garden of Eden

This swimming hole is part of the San Lorenzo River, which winds through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Henry Cowell Observation Deck Loop Trail

This 5.3-mile loop trail includes a hill, sand, rocks and a 360-degree view of Monterey Bay and surrounding mountains.

Take a Hike: The Watsonville Wetlands

My stroll in the Watsonville wetlands convinced me how fundamental these damp, spongy places are to the struggling organism we call Earth.

A Privates Beach Hike at High Tide

I drive toward the ocean on 41st Avenue and pass Betty Burgers. Why did I drive past Betty Burgers? What was I thinking? Imagine...

The Monarchs Are Coming! The Monarchs Are Coming!

Not all who wander are lost.—J.R.R. Tolkien I meet Santa Cruzans who were born here and stayed, but most of us chose to migrate to...

A Santa Cruz Thing: Santa Cruz Wharf to Natural Bridges Hike

The magical feature of this Santa Cruz beach walk is seeing and feeling and hearing that point where the sea meets the land.

A Backside Slide Down Devil’s Slide

Today we want to scale the heights of Montara Mountain, above the Devil’s Slide Tunnels, looking over the Pacific Ocean.

Redwood Grove Loop in Henry Cowell State Park

In his online column Take A Hike with Richard Stockton, the author explores the redwoods with various hiking buddies—including Katherine Beiers, a former three-term mayor of Santa Cruz.

Take a Hike: New Brighton Beach State Campground Is Rising

California’s coastline is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own formation story. One such gem is New Brighton State Beach.

The Aptos High School Trail and Why You Should Get Lost

Freedom Boulevard is my road home. I have driven by Aptos High School 500 times and never gave the school a thought.

Pride Weekend’s Grand Marshalls

Big Relief

Under the Stars

Beyond the 4th Wall

Free Will Astrology

Letters

Main Place

We Have Liftoff

Don’t Turn Your Back on the Ocean