Park information
Acreage
7,000 acres
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)
- Old Cove Landing TrailSometimes 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...
- Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Ohlone Bluff, and Old Cove Landing TrailModerate•4.6(1193)#2 - Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Ohlone Bluff, and Old Cove Landing TrailLength: 10.1 mi•Est. 3h 47mBegin 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.
- Pacific to Redwoods LoopThis 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.
- Englesman LoopThis is a beautiful, well-maintained trail, with gorgeous ocean views. The loop can be hiked in either direction, but it is recommended to go counter-clockwise for cold weather (uphill is in full sun - slight steady incline makes for a nice easy workout) and clockwise in the summer (uphill in the shaded forest, downhill in the sun).
- Old Cabin and Twin Oaks TrailModerate•4.5(614)#5 - Old Cabin and Twin Oaks TrailLength: 6.7 mi•Est. 2h 54m
- Enchanted LoopThis 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.
- Englesman, Long Meadow, Eucalyptus, Wilder Ridge LoopHard•4.4(415)#7 - Englesman, Long Meadow, Eucalyptus, Wilder Ridge LoopLength: 9.6 mi•Est. 4h 1mBegin 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.
- Wilder Ridge and Zane Gray Cutoff LoopModerate•4.4(311)#8 - Wilder Ridge and Zane Gray Cutoff LoopLength: 6.2 mi•Est. 2h 34mGreat Place to escape bay area heat. Very pleasant with partial shade and a nice breeze.
- Baldwin, Enchanted, Eucalyptus, Twin Oaks, Wilder Ridge LoopModerate•4.4(184)#9 - Baldwin, Enchanted, Eucalyptus, Twin Oaks, Wilder Ridge LoopLength: 7.7 mi•Est. 3h 23m
- Red Mailbox and Long Meadow LoopModerate•4.5(332)#10 - Red Mailbox and Long Meadow LoopLength: 4.9 mi•Est. 2h 0m
Showing results 1 - 10 of 26
Helpful reviews of trails in Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch National Park. Plenty of parking. Clean bathrooms. Fee $10. All SUN. Hiked a trail along the ocean shore to enjoy the breeze from the water and take in the sites of the beaches. Encountered Swarms of Nets from dry weeds along the trail, pesky little things. All in all, very picturesque otherwise. Trail all dirt and well packed - boots recommended.
I did this route in reverse. I started at Wilder Ranch, parking on Highway 1. I hiked up to the college, then back down past where I parked and to the sea, then back to my van on Hwy 1. I wanted the downhill on the second half. The AllTrails app was necessary for me as there are no signs on some of the trail forks. ESPECIALLY when you get close to the school. There is a very windy, tiny trail that snakes through the woods near the college and if you don't follow the GPS you will get lost. There are many MANY trail crossings here and I went the wrong way several times. I avoided this area on the way back and just stayed on Chinquapin Trail. Weather was great, trail conditions were fine most of the way. Longest hike for me...19 miles. Training for Whitney. AllTrails Plus paid for itself today as I got several "Are you off the route?" messages haha. Great day.
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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 3,548 reviews. This trail is 2.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 101 ft.
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 19.1 mi 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 10,328 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 1,860 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Wilder Ranch Singletrack Trails Loop, which will get you 1,850 ft of elevation gain.
Are there running trails available in Wilder Ranch State Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 running trails in Wilder Ranch State Park and the most popular is Old Cove Landing Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 3,548 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 3,548 community reviews.