There’s no denying that Southern California’s vast outdoor space is a valued commodity, especially in recent years, as a place people can explore, learn and relax in nature.
State Parks Week kicks off on Wednesday, June 12, offering special activities and opportunities for people to get out to their favorite places, whether they be the ocean or one of the region’s lakes, nearby deserts or forests, or some of the many hiking trails or campgrounds available in the parks system.
The initiative kicked off three years ago, in 2022, modeled after National Parks Week. There are more than 100 State Parks hosting in-person or virtual events.
Each year, more than 70 million people visit State Parks locations; California’s system is smaller only to the National Parks collection.
There are 280 parks, including the newest just added earlier this month, Dos Rios, located about eight miles west of Modesto in the Central Valley.
In total, there’s 1.4 million acres in the state system with more than 280 miles of California coastline, 625 miles of lake and river frontage, nearly 15,000 campsites and 3,000 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, according to State Parks.
It also includes 3,195 historic buildings and more than 11,000 known prehistoric and historic archaeological sites.
Several local events showcasing the system’s offerings are planned in upcoming days, with a focus on “exploring new experiences” to start things off on June 12.
A tidepool exploration will happen from 9 a.m. to noon on June 12 at Crystal Cove State Park and from 10 a.m. to noon to explore the Marine Protected Area, and further south there will be an “Art in the Park” program at the San Clemente Historic Cottage.
Chino Hills State Park will host a mountain biking tour from 8:15 to 10 a.m.; the guided bike ride will go from the Discovery Center to Four Corners. The ride is 11.8 miles with a 1,179-foot elevation gain. The address for parking is 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea.
A group…
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