Santa Cruz Hiking Trails That Are Yours To Discover
As Santa Cruz is popular for its sunshine and sandy shores, it can be easy to overlook some of the other amazing attractions the area has to offer.
Whether on two feet or two wheels, hitting the trails of Santa Cruz is a great way to get your heart pumping while enjoying some of the city's stunning scenery.
Keep reading to discover some amazing hikes for any level of outdoor enthusiast, from beginner to expert, and any level in between! There’s truly a trail fit for all.
DeLaveaga Park
Featuring oak woodlands, mixed forests, redwood groves and grasslands, DeLaveaga Park is home to a network of trails and boasts an array of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.
From wildflowers to wildlife, you can look forward to laying your eyes upon some pretty magnificent views.
Easy
Redwood Lower Loop: this 1 mile loop takes you through redwood groves and is an excellent beginner trail for mountain bikers.
Enchanted Trail: this 1 mile loop is another easier hike and is also popular with mountain bikers, along with dog walkers too! In fact, you can let your furry friends off leash in the lower portion of the trail, however they must remain on leash while wandering the upper portion.
Park Way: this short 0.3 mile hike is another easy hike and would be perfect to enjoy with the little ones as this one isn’t known for its challenge.
Moderate
Branciforte Creek Trail: this 0.6 mile hike offers creek views once you reach the lower portion, however be warned that there is a steep and difficult climb to reach La Corona trail.
Brookwood Trail: a 1 mile hike, this trail is considered easy & moderate courtesy of its paved roads.
Difficult
La Corona Trail: a popular trail amongst mountain bikers, this 1 mile route features the Top of the World lookout, but in getting there you should expect some pretty steep climbs – beginners beware.
Upper Delaveaga Loop Trail: This 1.5 mile loop takes you through mixed woodlands and features some sections that are quite steep and difficult, accounting for a bit more of a challenge.
Pogonip Park
With a trail system totalling 11.5 miles, there’s plenty of hikes to discover in Pogonip! With multi-use trails, available for hikers, bikers and equestrians, there’s something for everyone. You can look forward to redwood forest, oak woodlands, and grasslands – all yours to discover!
Easy
Lower Meadow: this trail is short and sweet, sitting at 0.4 miles. It’s considered an easy trail and dogs are permitted on leash.
Prairie Trail: even shorter than the last, this trail is only 0.3 miles and dogs are also allowed on leash during this hike.
Spring Trail: to stretch your legs a bit further, check out this 1.6 mile unpaved road. Again, dogs are permitted on leash in this area.
Moderate
Brayshaw Trail: this 0.5 mile trail is considered moderate due to a steep climb, so if you’re looking for something a little easier you might want to steer clear of this hike.
Pogonip Creek Nature Trail: at 1.2 miles long, this loop has been ranked as moderate.
Difficult
Fern Trail: without a well-marked trail close to Redwood Creek, this 0.8 mile hike is a challenging one. But, at least your furry friend can keep you company! Lookout Trail: courtesy of some steep climbs, this 0.5 mile trail has been marked as difficult.
Emma McCrary Trail to U-Con Trail: one of the longer options, this 5.4 out and back trail features beautiful wildflowers and is popular among bikers and hikers alike.
While the incredible trails are just one of the things that make Santa Cruz so great, connect with Lauren Spencer, an award-winning broker with over 35 years of experience in the area to discover more!
For more information on things to do and the communities of Santa Cruz, talk to one of our expert agents today!
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