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Local · Hiking trailsLocal / Hiking
From bluff walks to redwood days.
Santa Cruz County offers hikes from flat coastal paths to demanding mountain ascents. Whether you want an easy walk along West Cliff or a full-day trek to Berry Creek Falls, this guide covers distance, difficulty, elevation, and what each trail demands from your body.
8 trailsCoastal, forest, and canyon routes.
Every levelFlat bluff to full-day climb.
County-wideFrom West Cliff to Big Basin.
Redwoods
Aptos forest
Coastal bluffsThe trails
Eight hikes, flat to full-day.
Distance, elevation, and difficulty are approximate. Seasonal closures and storm damage occur. Check park resources before heading out.
Wilder Ranch Ohlone Bluff Trail
3.5 miles round tripEasyMinimal elevationNotable. Coastal bluffs, ocean views, historic ranch buildings
Low cardiovascular demand, gentle walking. Good for recovery days or beginners.
Fall Creek Unit (Henry Cowell)
5 to 6 milesModerateVariable, gradual climbs elevationNotable. Redwood forest, lime kilns, shaded single track along creek
Sustained leg endurance, moderate ankle stability on uneven terrain.
Pogonip Fern Trail Loop
3 milesModerateRolling elevationNotable. Ferns, redwoods, meadows, connects to UCSC trails
Leg strength for short climbs, stability on tree roots and loose dirt.
UCSC Campus to Pogonip Connector
Varies, 2 to 5 miles typicalModerateRolling to steep sections elevationNotable. Single track through forest, fire roads, university land
Hill endurance, technical footing. Popular with trail runners.
West Cliff Drive Walk
3 milesEasyFlat elevationNotable. Paved coastal path, surf breaks, Natural Bridges, harbor views
Low impact. Ideal for pace work, recovery walks, or warm-ups.
Forest of Nisene Marks
5 to 15+ miles depending on routeModerate to hardSignificant in upper canyon elevationNotable. Deep redwood canyon, Loma Prieta epicenter, historic logging roads
Strong legs, cardiovascular endurance, knee stability for descents.
Big Basin Redwoods (Berry Creek Falls)
10+ milesChallengingSteep climbs and descents elevationNotable. Waterfall hike, old-growth redwoods, iconic Santa Cruz Mountains
Full leg strength, knee control, sustained cardio. Plan for a long day.
DeLaveaga Park
2 to 4 miles typical loopsModerateVaried, some steep sections elevationNotable. Varied terrain, disc golf area, oak woodland and forest
Leg strength, agility for uneven trails. Popular local training ground.
Training for trails
Up the climb, down the descent.
Steep trails, rocky footing, and long descents demand specific fitness. The studio builds leg strength for climbs, cardiovascular endurance for sustained effort, and knee stability for downhill control.
- 01Leg strength.Squats, step-ups, lunges for uphill power.
- 02Cardiovascular base.Sustained effort conditioning for long days.
- 03Knee stability.Control on descents and uneven terrain.
Trail-ready
Build a base that holds the descent.
Work with a Mavericks Fitness coach who understands trail fitness. Prep for Wilder, Henry Cowell, or a full-day run to Berry Creek.