Which trail? Canyon Meadow Staging Area’s Stream Trail in Redwood Regional in Oakland (I've traveled them all and this is by far the most stroller friendly and easiest to maneuver with little ones)
When: I always plan this trip for December/early Jan, they will be there before and after, but this seems to be the time you'll catch the largest quantities.
Cost: Free for now (pay for parking April-October)
Parking: There are several lots to park. If the one closest to the trail head is full, the next closest one isn’t far away and there’s a paved walking trail that runs from one lot to the next.
Bob/Stroller Friendly: Getting all the way to the ladybugs with the Bob isn’t likely if it rained a few days ago and the water has settled into sticky, gooey mud. However, if it's been a little while since the last rain OR it just rained, you'll be okay. You can take the Bob pretty easily to the “trail's end” location most of the way to the ladybugs and then buggy lock it to the bike post for the last bit of the hike too.
Trail: Mostly flat! Hills come toward the end.
Where are the lady bugs? Most years we find them across the bridge at "Trail's end", up a small hill and they are just past a sign on the left (sign pictured below). This year, we found them past the sign and on the right side ALMOST to the trailhead that heads up the hill. You’ll also see them crossing the trail, so watch out for little ladybugs on the ground!
How many ladybugs did we see? “Buckets full” was the term I heard on the trail. It’s accurate.
What did we do while walking to the trail? Searched for mushroom varieties and compared them (one impressive one pictured below)!
Something to Note: There’s a nice open field, lots of picnic tables and benches off the trail and even a small play structure! Pack a lunch, enjoy the trails!
For more information about ladybug magic, please visit: http://www.ladybughotel.com/index.html
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