🥾 Best Hiking Trails in Santa Cruz
Explore redwood forests, coastal bluffs, and mountain peaks
Santa Cruz offers incredible hiking diversity - from towering redwood groves to dramatic coastal cliffs, rushing waterfalls to panoramic mountain views. Whether you're looking for an easy family stroll or a challenging summit climb, you'll find it here.
Top 15 Hiking Trails
1. Berry Creek Falls Loop
Distance:10.5 mi
Difficulty:Hard
Highlights:Waterfall, redwoods
2. West Cliff Drive
Distance:3 mi
Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:Ocean views, flat path
3. Pogonip Loop
Distance:5 mi
Difficulty:Moderate
Highlights:Meadows, creek views
4. Henry Cowell Redwoods - Rincon Trail
Distance:4.8 mi
Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:Ancient redwoods
5. Fall Creek Trail
Distance:6 mi
Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:Creek, abandoned limekilns
6. Eagle Creek Trail
Distance:8 mi
Difficulty:Moderate
Highlights:Forest, solitude
7. Soquel Demonstration Forest
Distance:Varies
Difficulty:Easy-Mod
Highlights:Mountain biking too
8. Wilder Ranch Trails
Distance:3-10 mi
Difficulty:Easy-Mod
Highlights:Coastal bluffs, wildlife
9. Nisene Marks - Aptos Creek
Distance:8 mi
Difficulty:Moderate
Highlights:Old growth, waterfalls
10. Castle Rock State Park
Distance:5 mi
Difficulty:Moderate
Highlights:Rock formations, views
11. Big Basin Ridge Trail
Distance:11 mi
Difficulty:Hard
Highlights:Epic views, challenging
12. Moore Creek Preserve
Distance:3 mi
Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:Family-friendly, wildlife
13. Quail Hollow Ranch
Distance:2 mi
Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:Rare sandhills habitat
14. Land of Medicine Buddha
Distance:1.5 mi
Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:Peace garden, statues
15. Summit Rock Loop
Distance:2 mi
Difficulty:Easy
Highlights:Quick summit views
Hiking Tips for Santa Cruz
🌲 Redwood Trails
Cool and shady year-round. Bring layers as it can be 10-15° cooler than the coast.
🌊 Coastal Trails
Expect wind and fog in summer mornings. Afternoon sun is common.
⛰️ Mountain Trails
Start early for cooler temps. Bring 2x the water you think you need.
🦁 Wildlife
Mountain lions present but rare. Make noise, hike in groups, keep dogs leashed.