Located in Northern California, the Santa Cruz Mountains are a popular hiking destination with a variety of trails to explore. With its beautiful redwood forests, stunning vistas, and diverse ecosystems, there is no shortage of hiking options for adventurers of all levels. Here are some of the best hiking trails in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Hiking in Big Basin Redwoods State Park

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is the oldest state park in California and is known for its towering redwood trees, which can reach over 300 feet tall. The park has over 80 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes with steep inclines. Some of the park’s most popular hiking trails include:

1. Redwood Loop Trail: This easy, 0.6-mile trail takes hikers through a grove of towering redwood trees.

2. Berry Creek Falls Trail: This moderate, 10.6-mile round-trip hike features three stunning waterfalls and takes hikers through old-growth redwood forests.

3. Skyline to the Sea Trail: This challenging, 29.5-mile trail starts at the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains and descends all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Hiking in Castle Rock State Park

Castle Rock State Park is another popular hiking destination in the Santa Cruz Mountains known for its unique rock formations, including Castle Rock and Goat Rock. The park has over 34 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the park’s most popular hiking trails include:

1. Castle Rock Trail: This moderate, 5.5-mile round-trip hike takes hikers to the top of Castle Rock, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Silicon Valley.

2. Goat Rock Overlook Trail: This easy, 1.5-mile round-trip hike takes hikers to the top of Goat Rock, where they can enjoy views of Castle Rock and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

3. Saratoga Gap Trail: This moderate, 5.8-mile round-trip hike takes hikers through redwood forests and oak woodlands and offers stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Hiking in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a 4,650-acre park located near Felton, California, and is known for its old-growth coast redwood trees. The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the park’s most popular hiking trails include:

1. Redwood Grove Loop Trail: This easy, 0.8-mile loop takes hikers through a grove of old-growth redwoods.

2. Observation Deck Trail: This moderate, 1.3-mile round-trip hike takes hikers to an observation deck with views of the San Lorenzo River and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

3. Fall Creek Trail: This challenging, 11.2-mile round-trip hike takes hikers through redwood forests, oak woodlands, and past several waterfalls.

Hiking in Pescadero Creek County Park

Pescadero Creek County Park is a 6,000-acre park located in San Mateo County, California, and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including redwood forests, chaparral, and grasslands. The park has over 37 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. Some of the park’s most popular hiking trails include:

1. Coyote Ridge Trail: This moderate, 5.8-mile round-trip hike takes hikers to the top of a ridge with views of the ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

2. Fall Creek Trail: This moderate, 6.6-mile round-trip hike takes hikers through redwood forests and past several waterfalls.

3. Butano Ridge Trail: This challenging, 12.8-mile round-trip hike takes hikers to the top of Butano Ridge, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Conclusion

The Santa Cruz Mountains offer some of the best hiking trails in Northern California. From old-growth redwood forests to stunning ocean views, there is a trail for every type of hiker. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, the Santa Cruz Mountains will not disappoint.