From awe-inspiring trails through ancient redwoods to breathtaking coastal hikes, here is a selection of some of the best hikes in Santa Cruz for your next trekking adventure.
As the birthplace of mainland surfing in the US, Santa Cruz is known for being the home of surf culture, with few able to resist the allure of the beaches.
Also known as ‘Surf City’, Santa Cruz is great for a day trip, but what if you wanted to get away from the beach and venture into the mountains to discover Santa Cruz’s hidden gems and hiking trails?
For the adventurous and those happiest in the mountains and forests, stunning hiking trails near Santa Cruz await. Let’s explore the best of the best.
Epic Santa Cruz Hikes
Away from the city, these are the most magical hiking trails in Santa Cruz. Catered to a range of hikers and experience levels, this is what to expect with each trail:
Old Cove Landing Trail, Wilder Ranch State Park
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Approx. time: 1 hour
Starting point: Wilder Ranch visitors center
Finishing point: Wilder Ranch visitors center
Type: Loop
One of the easiest hikes around Santa Cruz, this heavily trafficked trail is located north in Wilder State Ranch Park. It’s accessible year-round with beautiful wildflowers and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a short one so maybe you can combine it with a visit to Capitola, one of the most unique places in California.
A basic track starting from the visitors center, hikers can follow the Cove Landing Trail along the ocean. The trail eventually turns north and loops back to the start.
Parking is $10 per car with access to bathrooms, running water, and a gift shop. Alternatively, park along Highway One and hike in. Bring a wind and waterproof jacket as it can get windy.
Wilder Ridge Trail, Wilder Ranch State Park
Distance: 7.7 miles
Difficulty level: Moderate
Approx. time: 3 hours
Starting point: Wilder Ranch park headquarters
Finishing point: Wilder Ranch park headquarters
Type: Loop
This is one of the tougher Wilder Ranch State Park hikes. North of Santa Cruz, this well-used trail is accessible year-round. Starting from the park headquarters, it takes you through the park and up onto Wilder Ridge.
The perfect photo opportunity awaits at the top, overlooking the reserve, before heading back down the ridge to the park headquarters.
The popular and narrow mountain biking trail requires single file walking, with poison oak on both sides in some areas, so be alert and careful for bikes.
Maple Falls, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty level: Moderate
Approx. time: 3 hours
Starting point: Porter family picnic area
Finishing point: Maple Falls
Type: Out and back
This is one of the best and most popular Santa Cruz mountain hikes. Its main feature is the beautiful Maple Falls waterfall, the perfect photo opportunity and chance to cool down on a hot day.
There is an $8 fee to use this trail. Starting from the Porter family picnic area, take the Loma Prieta Grade Trail on the left. After half a mile, turn right onto the Bridge Creek Trail. Follow this trail to the falls for another 3 miles.
The trail starts easy but it turns to moderate quickly. Passing through the beautiful redwood forest, steep trails, and a few river crossings, it’s well worth the journey.
Old Growth Trail, Nisene Marks State Park
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty level: Easy
Approx. time: 1 hour
Starting point: Aptos Creek Road parking lot
Finishing point: Aptos Creek Road parking lot
Type: Loop
This short but sweet trail takes you amongst some of the oldest redwoods in Santa Cruz. It begins on the Split Stuff trail, turns onto the Aptos Ranch Trail, and finally onto the Old Growth Loop Trail.
Make sure to see the Advocate tree, a massive 265ft redwood tree that was over 1,000 years old when it fell over in the 2017 winter storms.
Parking is $8 per car with bathroom facilities and picnic areas available.
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Distance: 30 miles
Difficulty level: Easy-moderate
Approx. time: 2-3 days
Starting point: Saratoga Gap Trailhead
Finishing point: Waddell beach
Type: Thru-hike
One of the bucket list hikes in Santa Cruz, this mostly downhill trail starts on the peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains, ending on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. An easy to moderate trail, it is the pinnacle of hiking in Santa Cruz.
You’ll need to book in at campsites as you can’t camp just anywhere. The trail can be impassable after winter rains and closed due to summer forest fires.
One fun and useful thing you can do before the hike is a survival course. Book for a 5-hour wilderness survival course that would give you the basic skills needed for this adventure.
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Berry Creek Falls Loop, Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty level: Difficult
Approx. time: 3.5 hours
Starting point: Civilian Conservation Corps Parking lot
Finishing point: Civilian Conservation Corps Parking lot
Type: Loop
As the most popular Big Basin waterfall hike, this is a difficult hike and suited for experienced hikers. This is because of the steep track with over 1,800 feet in elevation changes.
This loop is used year-round with heavy traffic but the struggle will be worth the stunning views of the falls and abundance of greenery that surrounds you.
Unfortunately, this area was extensively damaged by wildfires in 2020 and the current status on when it will be fixed and safe to use is unknown. This Santa Cruz hike is one for the hopefully near future.
Sequoia Trail, Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Distance: 4.2 miles
Difficulty level: Moderate
Approx. time: 1.5 hours
Starting point: Civilian Conservation Corps Center
Finishing point: Civilian Conservation Corps Center
Type: Loop
The Sequoia Trail in Big Basin is a heavily trafficked route near Boulder Creek. A prime example of nature in the Big Basin park, and, besides being one of the best hikes in Northern California, it’s perfect for beginners with it being mostly flat.
Close to a waterfall, take the stairs to get the perfect view from the viewpoint. Day use costs $10 with the trail starting at the Civilian Conservation Corps Center, follow the Sequoia Trail from the parking lot.
This trail is currently closed due to the wildfires of 2020 that severely damaged the area. Check the California State Parks website for status updates before setting off.
Saratoga Gap Trail, Castle Rock State Park
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty level: Moderate
Approx. time: 4.5 hours
Starting point: Castle Rock Park Main Entrance
Finishing point: Castle Rock Park Main Entrance
Type: Loop
This Santa Cruz trail suits those seeking an awe-inspiring experience from climbing rocks to crossing rivers and stunning views of Rock Falls, in one of the best state parks in California.
Parking at the Castle Rock park main entrance, a $10 per car rate, you can follow the Saratoga Gap Trail; it merges onto the Saratoga Toll Road Trail.
This merges onto the Skyline-to-the-Sea trail, keep going straight until the Skyline Trail. This trail will take you back to the start.
Essentials for hiking in Santa Cruz
Before you hit the hiking trails in Santa Cruz, here are some basic items that will help you make your hikes safer and more enjoyable.
Water – Don’t set off on your hike without packing plenty of water. A hydration pack is a very convenient way to carry up to 2 litres. Alternatively, you can take a refillable bottle like Grayl Geopress Water Purifier, which has a powerful filtration system that filters out bacteria, viruses, and other particles such as chemicals and microplastics.
Backpack – A backpack is a must for your hikes so you can keep everything you need in one place. This Osprey Hikelite 26 hiking backpack has a hydration compartment and is perfect for both short and long hikes.
Hiking shoes – Make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Besides making the hike more comfortable, wearing hiking shoes or boots like these Scarpa hiking boots, will offer you support when walking over uneven terrain.
Extra pair of socks – Bringing an extra pair of hiking socks is useful just in case you find yourself with wet feet after crossing a stream. It’ll make all the difference being able to complete your hike with dry feet. My favourite brand of hiking socks is Smartwool.
Sun protection gear – When hiking, particularly in trails where there is little or no shade, make sure you protect yourself from the sun with a hat, and with a sun shirt. Sunscreen is also essential no matter the weather, and this one from Thinksport is non-greasy and chemical free. And of course, don’t forget your poralized sunglasses for maximum protection!
Trekking poles – On challenging treks or thru-hikes, trekking poles will save your knees going down, and will help you get up those mountains and hills on strenuous hikes in Santa Cruz. I have been using lightweight Leki trekking poles for many years and I could not recommend them enough.
Headlamp – Some of these hikes offer great sunset or sunrise views, which would mean that you may need to walk some of it in the dark. Bring a lightweight headlamp like this Petzl headlamp with you to light up your way.
First aid kit – It’s always good to be prepared for any eventuality, especially if you are planning to go into the wilderness or up a mountain, so pack an easy-to-carry first aid kit.
Compass – I have a terrible sense of direction, so if I accidentally veer off the path, I know I can find my way back even if I don’t have phone service, thanks to my little compass. I always carry one with me just in case.
Santa Cruz Hiking: What Next?
Santa Cruz is a beautiful area that goes under the radar when it comes to its stunning hiking trails and mountains to explore. Why not take this time to step away from the coast and explore what lies further inland?
And to continue your journey discovering the Golden State, why not also explore some of the hikes in Southern California, go on an iconic California road trip, or try and delve into the history of the Gold Rush in Gold Country?
Have you done any of the best hikes in Santa Cruz?
Share the highlights of your journey in the comments below
