Discovering Connections at Ishxenta State Park: A Focus on Birding

Discovering Connections at Ishxenta State Park:

A Focus on Birding in the San Jose Creek Natural Preserve

Birders (and everyone else) are welcome on this California State Parks

Discovering Connections – A Focus on Birding hike along the vibrant San Jose Creek within Ishxenta State Park. This program is designed for participants ages 10 and up. Coast chaparral, Monterey Pine Forest, and riparian habitats create an exceptional birding experience at this location on significant Indigenous ancestral lands! This easy-paced, two-mile round-trip hike affords multiple opportunities for observation of plants, wildlife, and BIRDS. Expect to see hummingbirds, raptors, warblers, sparrows and quail.

Check out past bird sightings on eBird here:

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L9077959

California State Park interpreters will lead participants along a designated trail with terrain that is mostly flat with some moderate incline along the way. The trail surface is hardpacked but uneven, winding through both sunny and shaded areas. There are no benches or other seating along the way.

Potential hazards include poison oak and ticks. Participants are encouraged to wear long pants, bring hats, water, and their own binoculars. There are a few sets of binoculars available to borrow if you do not have your own.

Location: Ishxenta State Park - San Jose Creek Natural Preserve

Leaders: California State Park Staff Interpreters: Violet Smith and Amanda Preece

Meet: Marathon Flats Parking, adjacent to the Crossroads Safeway parking lot (Check-in with State Park Staff required); Vanpool to Ishxenta State Park.

Tickets: Cancellation not permitted within 7 days of event. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. Tickets are transferable.

Rain or severe weather cancels

Questions? Please contact State Park Staff:

MontereyDistrict.Tribal@parks.ca.gov