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Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

Routes

Running trails & routes

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

Moderate

2.5

(11)

runners

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

01:32

13.0km

110m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wilder Ranch State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

15 m

Wilder Ranch Bike Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Great paved dedicated bike trail several yards away from busy Highway 1, from Santa Cruz to Wilder Ranch State Park.

Tip by

3.02 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Nature Reserve

3.07 km

Wilder Beach

Highlight • Beach

Protected as a natural preserve, the wide sandy beach is undeveloped and wild.

Tip by

3.17 km

Wide and wild beach preserve closed to the public. Park info at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549
Good gravel and dirt trails lead out to and along the cliffs. Several coves to the west are open to public access, the most popular being Four Mile beach at the west end of the park. Look for the sea lions down on the beach.

Tip by

3.46 km

View of Sea Caves at Old Cove Landing

Highlight • Cave

The Old Cove Landing Trail is littered with views, and this spot is one worth noting. There is a cool view of some sea caves below the trail, beaten by waves and accompanied by sandy beaches.

Tip by

5.31 km

Railroad gravel road and Old Cove Landing Trail

Highlight • Trail

An alternative to the busy Hwy 1 is to stay along the abandoned railway line. It is fairly decent smooth at the beginning, but then gets a bit courser gravel further west. But if it should get too rough there are several short bailout connections back to the highway.

Tip by

6.19 km

Sand Point Beach Overlook

Highlight • Beach

Sandy beach cove protected by tall cliffs

Tip by

6.43 km

Needle Rock, Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Needle Rock lies within the Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve, a protected area that conserves and restore wildlife and habitats in the ocean. Nearby are also great surfing spots. So why don't you make a break and enjoy the fantastic view of the ocean, the rock and the surfers.

Tip by

6.52 km

Needle Rock

Highlight • Natural Monument

This cool rock spire eroded out of the coastal bluffs by the Pacific Ocean waves is best visible along the Ohlone Bluffs Trail in Wilder Ranch State Park. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549
The Marine Reserve is adjacent to the Park, essentially protecting the waters beyond the beach line.

Tip by

13.0 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.6 km

939 m

356 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.78 km

3.95 km

272 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Wednesday 22 July

24°C

15°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

Wilder Ranch Bike Path

Wilder Beach