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Hiking & Trails

Discover scenic trails through redwood forests, coastal paths, and mountain vistas

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Hiking & Trail Activities

Explore Hiking & Trails

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AΓ±o Nuevo Point Trail

πŸ“ Pescadero

πŸ’²$⏱️2.5-3 hours including wildlife viewing
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Arana Gulch Tarplant Trail

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1 hour
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Arana Gulch Trail

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️45 minutes - 1 hour (1.5 miles)
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Big Basin Berry Creek Falls Trail

πŸ“ Boulder Creek

πŸ’²$⏱️5-7 hours (10.5 miles)
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Braille Trail (Soquel Demo)

πŸ“ Aptos

πŸ’²Free⏱️15-20 min descent after 2+ hour climb
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Corral Trail (Soquel Demo)

πŸ“ Aptos

πŸ’²Free⏱️15-20 minutes descent
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DeLaveaga "Top of the World" via La Corona Trail

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-2 hours (2-3 miles round trip)
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DeLaveaga "Top of the World" Viewpoint

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-2 hours round trip hike
DeLaveaga Park

DeLaveaga Park

πŸ“ CA 95065

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-3 hours
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DeLaveaga Trails Network

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-2 hours for various loops
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Emma McCrary Trail (EMT)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️45 minutes - 1 hour
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Eucalyptus Loop Trail (UCSC/Empire Grade)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1.5-2 hours (3 miles)
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Fall Creek Trail to Lime Kilns

πŸ“ north of Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️2 hours (3 miles round trip)
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Fern Grotto at Wilder Ranch

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️2-3 hours
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Flow Trail (Soquel Demo Forest)

πŸ“ Aptos

πŸ’²Free⏱️All day ride: 2-3 hours climbing, 30-45 min descending Flow Trail, repeat
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Henry Cowell Connector Trails

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️1-2 hours
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

πŸ“ CA 95018

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-3 hours
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Loch Lomond Reservoir

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️3-5 hours
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Loch Lomond Trail

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️1-2 hours
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Loma Prieta Grade Trail (Forest of Nisene Marks)

πŸ“ Aptos

πŸ’²$⏱️4-6 hours (7.8-15+ miles depending on route)
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Mailboxes Trail (UCSC area)

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²Free⏱️30-45 minutes
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Moore Creek Preserve Trails

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-2 hours
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Mount Madonna Bayview Loop

πŸ“ Watsonville

πŸ’²$⏱️2-3 hours (5 miles)
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Natural Bridges Monarch Grove & Beach Trail

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️1 hour (0.5 miles plus beach time)
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Neary Lagoon Loop Trail

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️45 minutes (0.7 miles)
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Observation Deck Trail (Henry Cowell)

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️2 hours (3 miles round trip)
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Ohlone Bluff Trail (Wilder Ranch)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️1-1.5 hours (2 miles)
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Old Cove Landing Trail (Coastal - Wilder)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️30-45 minutes
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Old Cove Landing Trail (Wilder Ranch)

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²$⏱️1.5-2 hours (2.3 miles round trip, more if extended)
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Old Growth Loop Trail (Forest of Nisene Marks)

πŸ“ Aptos

πŸ’²$⏱️1.5-2 hours (2.2 miles)
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Pipeline Road to Eagle Creek Trail Loop (Henry Cowell)

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️2-3 hours (5 miles)
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Pogonip Limekilns & Rock Garden

πŸ“ Santa Cruz

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-2 hours
Pogonip Open Space

Pogonip Open Space

πŸ“ CA 95060

πŸ’²Free⏱️1-3 hours
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Redwood Grove Loop Trail (Henry Cowell)

πŸ“ Felton

πŸ’²$⏱️30-60 minutes (0.8 miles)
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Ridge Trail (Soquel Demo)

πŸ“ Aptos

πŸ’²Free⏱️30-45 minutes

Hiking Tips

πŸ‘Ÿ Proper Footwear

Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction for Santa Cruz's varied terrain.

πŸ’§ Stay Hydrated

Bring plenty of water, especially on longer trails. There are limited water sources on most trails.

πŸ—ΊοΈ Trail Maps

Download offline maps or bring a physical map. Cell service can be spotty in remote areas.

🌀️ Check Weather

Weather can change quickly in the mountains. Dress in layers and be prepared for fog.