Address: 2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Phone: +18314234609
Sunday: 8AM–8PM
Monday: 8AM–8PM
Tuesday: 8AM–8PM
Wednesday: 8AM–8PM
Thursday: 8AM–8PM
Friday: 8AM–8PM
Saturday: 8AM–8PM
Gemsofthewild
Decided to walk the trail even though it’s not the main season to see monarch butterflies. Still a beautiful trail and area, we did see butterflies just not monarchs. There were a lot of western tiger swallowtails flying around which we were delighted to see.
Eric Newell
An experience you need to have, if you’re in Santa Cruz at the right time! One of the most awe-inspiring portraits of nature (and we saw an owl, that was cool too).
K Sparrow
Such a beautiful place to visit. Especially if you have good timing. Good timing to see the visiting Monarch Butterflies. My timing this year was off. I was too early in the season and then most recently, to late. Anyhow, when the butterflies are there, they are beautiful. Remember, there is also a lot of nature here and the Twin Bridges (although deteriorating) surrounded by beach and ocean. 🌿 P.S. There is free parking on one side and pay parking on the other nearest the ocean.
John Bronner
What a sight to see! The Monarch Butterflies are so beautiful and to see this many in one place is simply amaizing! You need to add this to your bucket list for sure!
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I was there two days ago (Feb 8th) and there were hundreds of monarchs. This is the time to visit.
Yes!
Yes. They are out when it's sunny.
Yes
Just as the eucalyptus provides windblock and shelter for the Monarchs, the still water and aquatic plants provide a niche for different birds. Sometimes when one species depletes it's preferred food or begins to migrate it will move away from the area temporarily, allowing other species to move in and feed on different things, meanwhile the other biomass regenerates. At this point the cycle can continue with other species until favorable conditions or migration patterns cause the first bird species to return. This is likely why you are seeing more egrets now and may see less later. There are many transitory inhabitants to these preserves all in delicate balance! For more accurate and detailed information there are Park Interpreters who would love to tell you all about these ecosystems. Hope you enjoy your visits to the park!
There's still few on the top of the trees
Has anyone been there lately? Wondering if any butterfly's to see about now, January. Please advise
plenty around Friday
October and November best times. Doubt if they are there now
During the weekends, from mid-October through through mid-January, guided tours of the Monarch Butterfly Grove are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with peak monarchobservation occurring in late-November and early-December, according to dosants
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