5.0
(3)
188
runners
30
runs
Jogging in Pace Family Wilderness Park offers diverse terrain across its 79.4 acres, featuring winding trails through majestic redwood forests and tranquil meadows. The park is situated within the unique Santa Cruz sandhill ecology, characterized by Zayante sand soil, supporting rare plant and animal species. Trails often follow creeks, providing varied scenery and vistas, and connect to an extensive network including Quail Hollow Ranch County Park. This interconnected system provides a range of jogging routes for different fitness levels.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
5.0
(1)
18
runners
7.49km
01:03
160m
160m
Dive into the serene ancient redwood forest on the Lime Kiln ruins loop from Felton, a difficult 4.7-mile (7.5 km) jogging route with 535 feet (163 metres) of elevation gain,β¦
5.0
(1)
17
runners
8.96km
01:21
270m
270m
The Ridge Trail β Lime Kiln ruins loop offers a demanding yet rewarding jogging experience through Almaden Quicksilver County Park. You'll navigate a mix of wide fire roads and someβ¦

Sign up for free
8
runners
7.51km
01:05
180m
180m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
7
runners
7.11km
00:57
190m
190m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
19
runners
9.62km
01:16
220m
220m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
From this trailhead, you can access almost 20 miles of trails winding through second-growth redwood and Douglas fir forests. The trails are open for daytime use only, with parking available along Felton Empire Road, just off Highway 9.
0
0
This spacious deck provides awe-inspiring views of the woods and the Pacific Ocean. You'll discover binoculars available here to enhance your views. This spot offers a fantastic opportunity to pause and savor the surroundings.
0
0
The Lime Kiln ruins within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are still visible and are a cool site to check out when running by. If you like history, these ruins are a good excuse to take a break during your run.
0
0
This trail is a little more challenging compared to the surrounding trails due to its steeper incline. As you hike, you'll find the Eagle Creek nearby, and there's a crossing point adorned with some magnificent giant redwoods, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
0
0
While Fall Creek Trail is pretty wet and rocky, Ridge Trail is characterized by more dry and sandy soil.
0
0
The climb up to the ridge and away from the creek is scenic and relatively easy
0
0
Pace Family Wilderness Park offers a diverse network with over 25 running routes, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored these trails over 200 times.
The park is unique for its diverse landscapes, including majestic redwood forests and tranquil meadows. It's also situated within the rare Santa Cruz sandhill ecology, characterized by Zayante sand soil, which supports unique plant and animal species, offering a distinctive running experience.
Yes, Pace Family Wilderness Park provides options for all abilities. There are at least 2 easy running routes, perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed jog through the park's beautiful scenery.
You can expect a variety of terrain, from winding paths through towering redwood forests to open, lush meadows. Some trails follow creeks, offering delightful sights and sounds, while others traverse the unique Santa Cruz sandhill ecology. The park offers a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult sections.
Absolutely! Many routes offer scenic highlights. For instance, the Lime Kiln ruins β Big Ben Tree loop from Felton passes historical lime kiln ruins and the impressive Big Ben Tree. You'll also encounter majestic redwood groves and areas showcasing the rare Santa Cruz sandhill ecology.
Yes, for experienced runners seeking a challenge, Pace Family Wilderness Park has over 15 difficult routes. These often feature significant elevation changes and longer distances, such as the Redwood Grove Loop Trail β Cathedral Redwoods loop from Felton Roaring Camp, which covers over 21 km.
While the guide doesn't specifically detail 'family-friendly' routes, the park's diverse trail network includes easy options that could be suitable for families looking for a gentle run or walk. The varied landscapes, including redwoods and meadows, offer an engaging environment for all ages.
The guide does not provide specific information on dog policies. It's always recommended to check the official park regulations regarding dogs on trails before planning your run to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
While specific parking locations aren't detailed in the guide, parks of this nature typically offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the official park website or local maps for the most convenient parking options near trailheads.
Yes, many of the running routes in Pace Family Wilderness Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Running loop from Felton and the Ridge Trail β Lime Kiln ruins loop from Limestone Kilns.
Yes, the park's trails connect to the Quail Hollow Ranch County Park system, offering expanded opportunities for longer and more varied runs. Additionally, routes like the Fall Creek and Ridge Trail loop extend into Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, providing even more redwood forest experiences.
The running routes in Pace Family Wilderness Park are highly rated by the komoot community, boasting an average score of 5.0 stars from over 9 reviews. Runners often praise the park's diverse terrain, the beauty of the redwood forests, and the unique natural features encountered along the trails.


Browse the best Running Trails & Routes in other regions.