🏔️ Outdoor Adventures in Santa Cruz
From mountains to ocean - your adventure playground awaits
Top 12 Adventures
Redwood Forest Hiking
Difficulty: Easy-Hard
Time: 2-6 hours
Ancient trees, peaceful trails
Mountain Biking Soquel Forest
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Time: 2-4 hours
Flow trails, technical sections
Kayaking Elkhorn Slough
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2-3 hours
See otters, seals, birds
Rock Climbing at Pacific Edge
Difficulty: All levels
Time: 2-4 hours
Indoor climbing gym
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours
Calm harbor waters
Surfing Lessons
Difficulty: Beginner
Time: 2 hours
Learn from locals
Coastal Bike Path
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-3 hours
Flat, scenic, family-friendly
Trail Running Wilder Ranch
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1-2 hours
Bluff views, varied terrain
Ziplining Mt. Hermon
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2-3 hours
Through redwoods
Paragliding Westside
Difficulty: With instructor
Time: 30-60 min
Bird's eye views
Horseback Riding Trails
Difficulty: All levels
Time: 1-2 hours
Beach or forest rides
Scuba Diving
Difficulty: Certified
Time: Half day
Kelp forests, marine life