Protected Areas in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County contains a wide variety of protected lands, including state parks, open space preserves, and state beaches. These areas safeguard ecosystems ranging from old-growth redwood forests to coastal prairies. This page specifically aggregates routes and information for 5 open space preserves, including Pogonip Open Space Preserve and Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve.

The primary activities are hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The region's preserves offer over 400 routes across varied terrain. Specific guides are available for Hiking in Santa Cruz County and MTB Trails in Santa Cruz County.

Yes, many preserves offer trails suitable for families and beginners. For example, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park features the flat, 0.8-mile (1.3 km) Redwood Grove Loop Trail. Pogonip Open Space Preserve also has a network of trails with varying difficulty, including gentler paths through meadows and forests.

Pogonip Open Space Preserve offers over 100 routes for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking across 640 acres. Its trails wind through redwood groves, open meadows, and oak woodlands. The preserve is also a designated area for off-leash dog walking on certain trails.

Glenwood Open Space Preserve features over 70 routes across 170 acres of diverse landscapes. The trails are suitable for hiking and mountain biking, passing through redwood groves and grasslands. The terrain includes a mix of shaded forest paths and open, rolling hills.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is well-known for its 30 miles (48 km) of trails open to mountain bikers. Additionally, Pogonip Open Space Preserve and Wilder Ranch State Park offer extensive networks of trails designated for mountain biking, with options for various skill levels.

Several parks are famous for their redwood groves. Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest state park, protecting large stands of old-growth redwoods. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is known for its accessible 40-acre grove of ancient coast redwoods, while The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park showcases a regenerating second-growth redwood forest.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is in a phased reopening following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire. Some areas and trails have reopened for limited day-use access, but many parts of the park remain closed for recovery and rebuilding. It is essential to check the official California State Parks website for the most current access status and reservation requirements before planning a visit.

Dog policies vary by park. While most state parks and state beaches have restrictions, some areas are more accommodating. Pogonip Open Space Preserve, managed by the City of Santa Cruz, allows dogs and has designated trails where they can be off-leash under voice control. Always check the specific regulations for each park before visiting with a pet.

Natural Bridges State Beach is famous for its natural rock arch formation on the coast. The park is also a significant overwintering site for thousands of Monarch butterflies, typically from October through February. Its tide pools are part of a State Marine Reserve, protecting a rich diversity of intertidal life.

The trails at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve cross a mix of ecosystems. Hikers and cyclists will find routes through forests, grasslands, and oak woodlands. The preserve is situated along a ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering scenic views from its higher elevations.