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Book a Protea Walking Tour Now!

Looking for a different adventure?

Soak in the breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez Valley as you soar over fields of protea flower at speeds up to 50+ mph on our 3 epic ziplines

Spend up to 2 hours exploring 80 elements on 2 levels in an old growth oak forest. Choose between 4 different routes, ranging in difficulty.

Hike with a friend to the top of the mountain, then side-by-side, fly down 3 different dual ziplines, each one faster than the last!

See what our guests have to say:

Larry Rankin

I found the team members to be pleasant, professional, safety minded, and thorough. I am recommending the adventure to all my friends, family, and people I meet.

Yolly Liu

instructors were super friendly. felt extremely safe and had a ton of fun. beautiful views, and when i went in march the orange protea were in bloom. i heard that different varieties of protea bloom through different seasons so you can see different colored blooms depending on when you go. would go back again.

seth souza

Protea Walking Tour was beautiful - the flowers and the surrounding mountains. Privileged to see a bobcat and a fox with a long bushy tail. Our guide was fun and informative, the hummer ride up to the top was equally as fun - side note we also did the zipline tour which was a blast.

Louise Henle

I had a blast! The crew from the base camp, the Humvee driver, to the gentlemen that made sure we were safe and understood the rules were so energetic and made it fun for this first timer. I will be back! Go, you will enjoy it.

Cindy Postel

We celebrated our 35th anniversary sailing through the trees overlooking Santa Ynez valley. Great staff, very fun day.

Unveil the Magic of Protea Flowers on Our Guided Walking Tours

Are you ready to embark on a botanical adventure like no other? Join us for an unforgettable journey through the enchanting world of protea flowers on our Protea Flower Walking Tours.

What to Expect:

Tour Duration: Approximately 2 hours, Hike Distance: 1 to 4 miles (group-dependent) Convenient Transportation: Meet our expert guides at basecamp and ride up to the protea flower fields in our rugged 4×4 vehicles.

Discover the Diversity:

Our protea flower fields are a stunning showcase of nature’s artistry. Here, you’ll encounter the vibrant beauty of leucadendron, banksia, and leucaspermum protea flowers in their full glory. With a total of 15 different varieties, each one has a unique story to tell.

Fall Marvels:

The autumn season brings a burst of life to our leucadendrons and banksias. As the leaves start to change, these protea varieties showcase their vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking display that will leave you in awe.

Protea Education & History

In the sun-drenched hills of California, the story of Protea cultivation unfolds as a tale of botanical fascination, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of beauty. The journey of Proteas to the Golden State is a testament to human ingenuity, environmental adaptability, and a shared passion for these extraordinary blooms.

The cultivation of Proteas faced initial challenges, with growers grappling to understand the specific needs of these remarkable plants. However, the perseverance of the horticultural community and the innate adaptability of Proteas gradually transformed California into a thriving hub for Protea cultivation.

One of the breakthrough moments in the history of Protea cultivation in California occurred in the 1970s when advancements in agricultural practices and a deeper understanding of the plants' requirements led to successful commercial production. As news of these triumphs spread, more growers embraced the challenge of cultivating Proteas, expanding their efforts across the state's diverse microclimates.

The Protea's ability to flourish in California's arid regions, where other crops faced water shortages, added to its allure. As water conservation became a crucial consideration in agriculture, the low-water needs of Proteas positioned them as an environmentally sustainable choice for California's growers.

Over the decades, Protea cultivation evolved into a specialized niche, with California becoming a global leader in the production of Protea flowers and foliage. The state's diverse geography, encompassing coastal areas, mountain ranges, and inland valleys, provided an ideal canvas for cultivating an array of Protea species.

The history of Protea cultivation in California is not just a narrative of agricultural innovation; it is a story of how the pursuit of botanical excellence can transform landscapes and redefine what is possible. As the legacy of those early enthusiasts continues, California remains a testament to the harmonious coexistence of human determination and the enduring allure of nature's wonders.

Discover the Origns

Unearth the captivating history of Protea plants, hailing from the diverse landscapes of South Africa and Australia. These unique blooms have adorned the continents for eons, thriving in the challenging terrains that make them a symbol of resilience and adaptability.

Survivors Of Arid Lands

Proteas, the epitome of resilience, thrive where other crops struggle. Their ability to endure in arid environments and low-water conditions makes them truly remarkable. As we walk through the landscapes where Proteas reign supreme, you'll witness firsthand their tenacity and the ecological importance of these incredible plants.