10 Best Hikes and Trails in Wilder Ranch State Park | AllTrails

California#12 of 95 state parks

Best Trails in Wilder Ranch State Park

10,298 Reviews
Want to find the best trails in Wilder Ranch State Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 26 great trails for hiking, birding, and walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from fellow nature lovers. Ready for your next walk or bike ride? Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Wilder Ranch State Park that are ideal for the whole family. Looking for a more challenging hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 26 to 567 meters in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Wilder Ranch State Park.
Description

Situated just west of Santa Cruz along the coast, Wilder Ranch State Park boasts miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The coastal trails offer incredible views of the California coastline. The park has a very mild climate, but layered clothing is advised.

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Map of trails in Wilder Ranch State Park, California
Park information
Area
2,833 hectares
Park hours
Monday
8:00 am - dusk
Tuesday
8:00 am - dusk
Wednesday
8:00 am - dusk
Thursday
8:00 am - dusk
Friday
8:00 am - dusk
Saturday
8:00 am - dusk
Sunday
8:00 am - dusk
Contact
831-423-9703
Helpful links

Top trails (26)

  1. Old Cove Landing Trail
    Easy4.7(3535)
    #1 - Old Cove Landing Trail
    Length: 3.9 kmEst. 47m
    Sometimes all you need is an easy stroll by the ocean to refresh your spirits. This track along the Pacific Ocean north of Santa Cruz is one of the best places in California to do just that. You'll see gulls, geese, pelicans, and other waterfowl, and you might hear the distant bark of passing sea lions. You might even spot passing whales on their annual migrations if your timing's right. Another bonus: touring the grounds of a farm replete with antique cars, farm machinery, and other remnants...
  2. Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Ohlone Bluff, and Old Cove Landing Trail
    Moderate4.6(1192)
    #2 - Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Ohlone Bluff, and Old Cove Landing Trail
    Length: 16.3 kmEst. 3h 47m
    Begin from a large lot off Coast Road. If traveling counterclockwise you will head into the foothills first. From here you will have nice views looking back towards the ocean. After crossing Cabrillo Highway for the second time you will arrive at the coast. Follow the coastline south back towards the start point.
  3. Pacific to Redwoods Loop
    Hard4.6(671)
    #3 - Pacific to Redwoods Loop
    Length: 19.2 kmEst. 4h 43m
    This route takes you to some stunning views of the ocean and the cliffs towering above the Pacific. It is a good idea to use caution along the edge of the cliffs, and dress in layers. It can be chilly near the ocean, but warm inland. The park is very popular on weekends; if visiting on the weekends it is a good idea to get here early.
  4. Englesman Loop Trail
    Moderate4.6(840)
    #4 - Englesman Loop Trail
    Length: 7.2 kmEst. 1h 50m
  5. Old Cabin and Twin Oaks Trail
    Moderate4.5(613)
    #5 - Old Cabin and Twin Oaks Trail
    Length: 10.8 kmEst. 2h 54m
  6. Enchanted Loop
    Moderate4.5(388)
    #6 - Enchanted Loop
    Length: 8.5 kmEst. 2h 29m
    This is a nice loop through a wooded area. The trails are not well-marked, so downloading offline can be helpful on this route. This trail is shared by hikers and mountain bikers. Keep your eyes out for others out there enjoying the trail. Hikers have the right of way but should be aware of mountain bikers riding around blind corners or downhill.
  7. Englesman, Long Meadow, Eucalyptus, Wilder Ridge Loop
    Hard4.4(415)
    #7 - Englesman, Long Meadow, Eucalyptus, Wilder Ridge Loop
    Length: 15.4 kmEst. 4h 1m
    Begin by hiking through the WIlder Dairy Cultural Preserve and travel through a tunnel beneath Highway 1. After this you will follow the Engelsman Loop Trail and Long Meadow Trail uphill. The Chinquapin, Eucalyptus, and Wilder Ridge Trails head back downhill. There are some shaded areas, but the loop mostly travels through open areas with good views.
  8. Wilder Ridge and Zane Gray Cutoff Loop
    Moderate4.3(311)
    #8 - Wilder Ridge and Zane Gray Cutoff Loop
    Length: 10.0 kmEst. 2h 34m
    Great Place to escape bay area heat. Very pleasant with partial shade and a nice breeze.
  9. Baldwin, Enchanted, Eucalyptus, Twin Oaks, Wilder Ridge Loop
    Moderate4.4(184)
    #9 - Baldwin, Enchanted, Eucalyptus, Twin Oaks, Wilder Ridge Loop
    Length: 12.4 kmEst. 3h 23m
  10. Red Mailbox and Long Meadow Loop
    Moderate4.5(331)
    #10 - Red Mailbox and Long Meadow Loop
    Length: 7.9 kmEst. 2h 0m
Showing results 1 - 10 of 26

Frequently asked trail questions about Wilder Ranch State Park

Where is the best place to hike in Wilder Ranch State Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Wilder Ranch State Park is Old Cove Landing Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 3,535 reviews. This trail is 3.9 km long with an elevation gain of 31 m.

What is the longest trail in Wilder Ranch State Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Wilder Ranch State Park is UCSC to the Sea. This trail is estimated to be 30.7 km long.

How many trails are in Wilder Ranch State Park?

There are 26 trails in Wilder Ranch State Park. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 10,298 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Wilder Ranch State Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Wilder Ranch State Park has you covered. UCSC to the Sea boasts the most elevation gain with 567 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Wilder Ranch Singletrack Trails Loop, which will get you 564 m of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Wilder Ranch State Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 running trails in Wilder Ranch State Park and the most popular is Old Cove Landing Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,535 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Wilder Ranch State Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 20 biking trails in Wilder Ranch State Park and the most popular is Old Cove Landing Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,535 community reviews.