Top 10 Hiking And Trekking Spots In Santa Cruz, California

1. Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Hiking at Redwood Groove Loop Trail is fun and eye-opening at the same time. Why is it so? You go hiking on a 1.4-kilometer (0.9 miles) trail that’s clean, wide, and with plenty of shade. Additionally, there are numerous huge redwood trees, hence the name Redwood Groove Loop Trail. The trees add to the trail’s charm. People of all ages can take part in the hike as the trail is short. Morning hikes are most preferred as there are few people along the way. Aside from hike, outdoor activities such a bicycle riding and fishing are common on the trail.

Redwood Grove Loop Trail

Address: Felton, CA 95018, USA

2. Pogonip

Pogonip is a historic park that was once a ranch. It’s heavily endowed with a variety of plants and trees that are less likely found in other parts of the world. Trails on this site are clearly marked and well-maintained in order to make hiking easy. The path’s twists and turns challenge you to keep on going as they reveal beautiful places. Apart from hiking, you truly experience a redwood ecosystem as there are also plenty of redwood trees. At the peak, you’re also treated to stunning views of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz.

Pogonip

Address: 333 Golf Club Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Website: Pogonip

3. U-Con Trail Trailhead

Outdoor enthusiasts prefer hiking and trekking as it offers magnificent landscape views. Who wouldn’t want to go hiking in a spot where you stop to admire nature? Also, the trail is 9.2 kilometers (5.7 miles) long and in a good state of repair. What’s more, dogs on leash are permitted on the track. Other than the trees, you also come across rare wildflowers as you hike.

U-Con Trail Trailhead

Address: Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States

Website: U-Con Trail Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Wilder Ranch State Park

If you’re in search of a hiking spot with fantastic scenery, rocky cliffs, and beautiful beaches, then Wilder Ranch State Park is the place to be. It’s a beautiful spot to run, walk, and hike in Santa Cruz. To complete the loop, it’ll take you approximately two hours. Before finishing the hike, you’re treated to beautiful coastal views. Additionally, if you’re fortunate enough, you’ll spot birds and wild animals such as sea lions and coyotes. Remember to carry warm clothing as it gets chilly and windy along the coastline.

Wilder Ranch State Park

Address: 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

Website: Wilder Ranch State Park

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

5. UCSC Upper Campus Natural Reserve

UCSC is a short form of the word University of California Santa Cruz. The 10.1-kilometer (6.3 miles) loop trail is nestled on a large piece of land, complete with huts, graffiti tanks, and huge trees. Although there are some parts of the trail that are shaded, you can enjoy hiking and seeing the surrounding areas. Along the track, you’ll see numerous mushrooms, tulips, and beautiful redwoods. There are also nice spots where you can stop and take pictures.

UCSC Upper Campus Natural Reserve

Address: 7487 Red Hill Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States

Website: UCSC Upper Campus Natural Reserve

6. Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead

A two to three hours hike in Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead will exercise your muscles in a special way. With its huge thickets, you can be sure of good shading along the track. As if that’s not all, the trail is well-maintained, thus offering the much-needed space for hiking and trekking. There are also areas with short grass, where you sit to rest and cool down.

Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead

Address: Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

7. Lookout Trail Trailhead

Are you looking for a short but reasonably challenging trail in Santa Cruz? If yes, then Lookout Trail Trailhead is for you. It’s a 4.3-kilometer (2.7 miles) loop trail that’s perfect for hikers of all skill levels. Although the track is rugged and steep, it’s worth it. Wear proper hiking shoes as the clifftop is slippery and rocky. Besides that, there are benches at the top of the ridge, where you sit and enjoy a snack while taking in the magnificent views.

Lookout Trail Trailhead

Address: Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

8. Enchanted Trail Trailhead

Take a break from your daily routine and go hiking at Enchanted Trail Trailhead. The trail is 8.2 kilometers (5 miles) long and passes through a dense forest. The forest not only provides shade while hiking, but it’s also endowed with redwood trees that you can marvel at. To add to the track’s charm, it’s wider, clearer, and with better views, compared to other trails in Santa Cruz. In addition, you enjoy views of the ocean in some parts of the path.

Enchanted Trail Trailhead

Address: Santa Cruz, CA 95065, United States

Website: Enchanted Trail Trailhead

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

9. Spring Trail Trailhead

Before leaving Santa Cruz, visit Spring Trail Trailhead and challenge yourself by hiking in a nice, well-kept track. The path is 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) long and nicely marked. Most people who hike here say the trail is easy on their legs. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, this track out to offer the best experiences. As you go up and down, you come across springs with crystal clear waters and beautiful stones. Besides that, you see cows, woodpeckers, and squirrels along the way.

Spring Trail Trailhead

Address: 700 Spring Trail, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, United States

10. Powder Mill Trail

Powder Mill Trail is popular among hiking and trekking lovers in Santa Cruz. For that reason, you shouldn’t ignore this trail if you’re looking to create wonderful outdoor memories. With its endowments that include large trees, long tree roots, and wildflowers, you’ll be in for an adventure to remember for a long time. The 12.4-kilometer (7.7 miles) trail also takes pride in having a free parking area near Graham Hill Showgrounds.

Powder Mill Trail

Address: California 95060, USA

Captivating hiking and trekking spots

Among the numerous outdoor activities that are undertaken by both locals and tourists in Santa Cruz, hiking and trekking make their bodies feel stronger. You also shouldn’t be left behind as other tourists are challenging themselves. That said, check out our above list of the best hiking and trekking spots in Santa Cruz, California. Visit the sites and create memories you will cherish for a long time.