Natural Bridges Monarch Trail — Attraction in Santa Cruz

Love this area, especially when there are a lot of Monarch butterflies. Unfortunately, this year was not great for Monarchs (only 9000 or so in the whole state of California during winter migration) and there were only a few when we went yesterday. Most have migrated away and are usually completely gone by the end of February. If you don't see any, there are still a lot at Lighthouse Field State Beach (but probably won't be there for long since it's spring migration time). They start mating when it gets warmer and then take off to lay eggs on milkweed in the spring.

The gift shop here is especially nice (lots of butterfly merch) and I love the garden they plant each year for the butterflies and other wildlife. It's especially pretty when the Monarchs come back in October for migration. They have a Monarch festival in October to welcome them back and then another festival (migration festival) in February. Both festivals have food and lots of information booths about Monarchs and other local wildlife.

Hope next year is better for the Monarchs. Looking forward to seeing them here...

Keys to seeing more flying Monarch butterflies:

-sunny Winter weather above 60 degrees fahrenheit (some time in October to January is when they are here primarily, though you may find some still in February - check recent reviews though some don't look up enough and leave seeing "only a few").

-look up! Especially in spots where you can see larger openings to the sky between the trees and you can see many flying back and forth (as recently as 12/23/20, though numbers are getting lower and lower every year - look up Xerxes Society for ways you can help).

-find their roosts where they clump together in the trees among the Eucalyptus leaves (if trouble finding them, look up where others are looking intently in one fixed spot. May see typical orange color depending on sun and angle or may look more brown, sometimes golden.) Nice video angle includes the flying Monarchs in patches of sky with a roost in one corner with Monarchs warming up their wings and flying into and out...

The Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary just behind the beach is like a ghostly cathedral of eucalyptus and pine trees with their aromas mixed in with the cool ocean scents. Except for the cries of delight from school children, the sanctuary was a place where adults would speak in hushed tones, if at all. Really, really magical. They say the best time to visit is late fall/winter, Thanksgiving being an "ideal" time of year. In mid October, there were about 2,000 butterflies in residence. The wooden walkway lasts for about a slow 5 minute walk. However, there is a continuation of a trail on the dirt that winds around and eventually ends up back at the main road. Possibly an additional 10-15 minutes walk. But really.. going to the end of the board walk was a perfect stopping point. Highly recommended. The beach is about a 3 star, but add the preserve and definitely 4 stars. Especially for an early morning visit. *Note: Park is open from 8am to sunset. Go early for...