Monarch Trail Hike

The Monarch Trail gets it's name from the annual migration of monarch butterflies that seek winter refuge in the towering eucalyptus trees of Natural Bridges State Park. The usual arrival of these beautiful insects is mid-October, and the population peaks all through the month of November. For protection, the butterflies clump together on branches where the lackluster underside of their wings gives the illusion of dead leaves. This strategy also helps the butterflies keep warm when the temperature drops below 60 degrees. A viewing platform has been constructed just short distance from the trailhead. A wheelchair ramp has been constructed to this platform, but the rest of Monarch Trail is not ADA-accessible. From the viewing platform, the trail turns to dirt and leads through more eucalyptus trees until it opens into a meadow of various wildflowers and Cypress trees. The trail will soon take you through a wetland sanctuary that is home to animals such as the snowy egret, California quail, and brush rabbits. Wooden walking platforms that cut through the brush and tall grasses have been constructed through most of the wetland. The trail ends when it hits the Natural Bridges Beach. From here, you can walk the beach to the parking lot, or return the way you came.