Visit This California Regional Park To Get Up Close And Personal With Thousands Of Ladybugs

Winter may not be the season typically associated with bugs and insects, but if you're in the Bay Area, you don't have to go far to find thousands of ladybugs during the cold-weather months. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, located just a 15-minute drive east of the city of Oakland, becomes a natural habitat for the red spotted beetles every year — and we don't just mean a few random ladybugs here and there. You can spot massive packs of the insects huddled together on fences, bushes, rocks, and other surfaces throughout the park.

Once the temperatures dip, many Bay Area ladybugs make their way to Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, where they stay until the end of winter. There, they congregate with other ladybugs, a behavior that is thought to protect them from predators. Forming groups may also help the critters save energy and locate mates once spring arrives.

@jennlerner

So glad I got to see the ladybugs a couple weeks back 🐞🐞 The ladybugs tend to be "near the junction of the Stream and Prince Trails." (Source: East Bay Regional Park District). When I went, they weren't at the big ladybug informational sign, but about a min walking from that spot, on the other side of the trail from the sign. Check the East Bay Regional Park District website for any possible alerts or trail/entrance closures before you go. Not sure if there are still lots of ladybugs around, but always worth it to check out and you get to see some beautiful redwoods regardless 🌲💚 . . . . #RedwoodRegionalPark #Ladybugs #VisitCalifornia #BayAreaHiker #BayAreaHiking #BayAreaNature #EastBayRegionalParks

♬ Somewhere only we know cover – Sofía

To see the magnificent hordes of ladybugs for yourself, visit the park between November and February. There are multiple hiking trails in the area, but Stream Trail is one of the most popular spots to look for ladybugs. Conditions can be cold and humid under the park's thick trees, so pack your winter hiking backpack with gloves, hand warmers, and other cozy necessities.

Come winter, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is best known for its ladybugs, but that's not all there is to see at the California green space. First, the towering redwood trees the park is named after create a stunning and peaceful backdrop during a day of hiking and outdoor exploring. It's surprisingly easy to forget you're just minutes from the city when wandering through the densely packed tree trunks.

You'll also encounter a variety of wildlife in the area, including salamanders, which are relatively easy to spot in the Old Church area. Nearby and elsewhere in the park, you'll find picnic tables for enjoying a packed lunch or steamy beverage. Note, however, that fires and barbecues are strictly prohibited. If you visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, be sure to stop by the Chabot Space and Science Center, located within Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Though the site isn't free, it offers engaging science exhibits, a planetarium, telescopes, a theater, and other amenities appealing to all ages. With sights and activities like these, it's no wonder Oakland is considered one of the best cities for outdoor enthusiasts in the country.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is open every day from 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. during the ladybug season. However, make sure to time your visit wisely to avoid getting stuck in the woods as the winter sun sets. Arrive early, especially if you want to have the ladybugs all to yourself without the crowds.

There are multiple parking lots to choose from, but for the easiest access to the ladybugs, head to the Canyon Meadows Staging Area and follow the Stream Trail from there. Parking is free from November through March. Be aware that the park has spotty cell service, so save any maps or other information to your phone before you arrive.

Though ladybugs might seem harmless, they're one of many critters you might be better off avoiding. In other words, look but don't touch. The only time when it's permissible to handle ladybugs is if you find a lone beetle that appears at risk of being squished on the hiking trail. Otherwise, the ladybugs shouldn't be picked up or removed from the park.