Wilder Ranch Hike

Wilder Ranch State Park comprises 7,000 acres in Santa Cruz. From Santa Cruz, go north on Highway 1 and turn left about a mile past Western Dr. The park has 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. There is an interpretive center and park store. There is a fee for day use. If your camping at New Brighton which is nearby, the entrance fee is waived. Wilder is apparently very popular with mountain bikers, but on our visit we came to hike. We parked in the main lot past the entrance and took Old Cove Landing Trail towards the ocean. The trail travels along the top of the bluff following the coastline. The views of the ocean and the cliffs were amazing. The trail goes about 1.7 miles. You can then continue on the Ohlone Bluff trail all the way to 4 mile beach.

Related Links
Wilder Ranch Website
Santa Cruz State Parks