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Wilder Ranch State Park
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1401 Coast Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-0505
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-0505
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
40 reviews for Wilder Ranch State Park
This is one of Santa Cruz's best places to hang out. It's outside of the city limits! :-D
LOL, but Wilder's best feature are it's old farm structures and animals. There are lots of great old antiques to be seen here ranging from tractors to horse drawn plows. There are cows, horses, chickens, cats, goats, and sheep on the property. The other attraction is the trail that loops around the steep cliffs near the ocean. It's a very pleasant walk either way.
The view is gorgeous. I was just sorry that the hike wasn't longer. The cliffs, sharp eroding drops, hundreds of pelicans, pigeons, ..., seals, caves, ... made me wish I brought my camera.
The hike we went on must've been like a few miles. The ground is either a little rocky or sandy. Easily acceptable for running. I did see people on mountain bikes and I'd only recommend that if you were cruising and just wanted the scenery. Biking there is not strenuous and I'd rather run the trail.
Parking is $8! But you can park outside and it isn't a long walk at all. There are clean restrooms near the parking lot but no hand washing sinks.
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Fantastic place. Just a short drive up Hwy 1, you go about 5 minutes out of Santa Cruz and there are signs pointing you there. Just park along the road, which can get kind of crowded depending on when you're there, but it's certainly worth saving the ridiculous $8 parking fee they charge you in the park.
Bring some bikes, it is a fantastic biking trail, or be sure to have a couple of hours to spend just walking along. Take the whole loop, when I went I ended up crossing a few rail road tracks but it's pretty hard to get lost.
Make sure you go during low tide, the views of the cliffs are magnificent and I got to see a lot of the sea lions lounging around. The overgrown sea cave/water spring is pretty neat but there was a couple smoking in there when I went, and read up on the place on google, turns out there is a bit more history to it than meets the eye. Beautiful picture spot, most definitely, and not as crowded as I thought it would be.
Wilder is a great place to mountain bike. It has both jeep trails and single track. It connects to town via a paved bicycle path. It connects to the woods up above UCSC (for more MTBing fun). It has nice views from the cliffs (wilder ridge) and the eucalyptus grove. I've been MTBing there since 1997 and the loop town-up through Wilder-down through UCSC is still a favorite today.
The reviewers who write that this place is flat have got to be joking. Or they don't realize that the part of the Ranch on the ocean side of HW 1 is only a small portion of the whole park. The other 90% climbs to 1150 ft where the main trail crosses Empire Grade road.
I can't believe I haven't written a review about this place!
Wilder ranch is by far my favorite place to mountain bike!
1) It has bathrooms
2) It has a little bit of everything- fire roads to single track to technical trails. LOVE IT
3) Well kept trails with beautiful views of the ocean
I actually took the day off on my birthday (back in March) so I can have my birthday mountain bike ride here. :)
Can't wait to go back.
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Magical. Truly awe-inspiring. My jaw felt heavy, my heart beat more deeply, and my lungs felt like they would lift me into the sky. As beautiful as it was, the wind, the sea, the sun all reminded me constantly of their absolute power over my miniscule desires.
4 mile is a great beach and has a fascinating setup for surfing. On a day as windy as it was, the surfing there is usually good due to the natural wind protection and the manner in which the reefs break the waves. It was not as good as expected but there were still a few stubborn old timers that were willing to give it a go. I saw otters doing well, R rated things, sea lions, and plenty of other sea life. The birds were having a blast coming around the bend into the full blast of the wind, seeming to hover like hummingbirds for a few moments until they dipped and rose to the rocks to make another run. I was convinced they were surfing the air in much the same way the people below were riding the water.
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In 7th grade, my friend Sarah had quite the reputation. She had a beautiful, curvy figure, and having developed early, she willingly used this to increase her popularity, and let all the boys have a feel.
Then there was Holly. Pretty and just as busty as Sarah, if not more so, she was holding off on letting anyone see or feel the goods. Until at least 8th grade. She had morals, okay?
Then my friend Sherri. She was flat, attractive and willing to try to steal any attention away from Sarah, so she also got around. One boy from our class called her flat and easy. And by 7th grade small town standards, she was.
I was simply flat. Not easy. 'Cause I was still scared of boys.
Wilder Ranch State Park is most like my friend Sherri. Flat, easy, but so beautiful that you don't mind sharing it with others.
This is a picturesque spot, right off Hwy 1. The main hike is short (2 miles round trip) and leads you to the water and along the coastline. You can continue on past the point where most people turn around and head all the way to 4 Mile Beach, making it a 10.5 mile round trip. Along the way, you can watch waves hitting the cliffs, see harbor seals offshore resting on rocks, and you walk by Brussels sprout fields (12% of our nation's production of Brussels sprouts are grown in this state park). There are some beautiful cliffs, and if you are adventurous, and willing to get off the beaten path, you can see some beautiful areas close up. You are discouraged from going down to Wilder Beach, which is a nature preserve secondary to the flocks of snowy plovers that are seen there. Definitely a beautiful, flat, easy hike.
For hikes more like Sarah, head to Point Reyes.
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An abandoned beach is good for so many things: picnicking with the family; exploring caves and tide pools with the kiddies; nude sunbathing with your lover; building a massive sandcastle with nobody around to kick it over and doing questionable substances inside of it. The Wilder Ranch State Park provides opportuniy for all of these things. Just hike off the PCH, spelunk down some treacherous cliffs, and you can find a secluded oceanside seat for you and whomever. Go during the week and chances are very likely you won't run into another soul. That's my kinda vacation.
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Loved it here! Everything I cld ask for in a short day trip. It was beautiful. peaceful, and very scenic. The beaches were beautiful! It was clear, clean, and actually blue, hard to find around here, since most of the beaches I have been to have dirty a** water. Looking forward to another trip back in the near future.
This is a beautiful place to go hiking along the coast. It's an easy walk, even for little kids (though the cliffs can make the parent of a roaming child a bit nervous).
The views are stunning. It can get really foggy here, even if it's sunny in Santa Cruz.
You can bring a picnic and make a day of it. There are some farm animals to look at. When we were there, a volunteer was baking delicious lemon muffins and oatmeal pumpkin nut cookies in a wood-burning oven in an historic farm house.
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So, say you're a little tired and under the weather, and say you've come all the way down here, well, for a concert, but also for some quality lazy beach lounging. And you see a sign that says "state beach!" So you put on your cute but afunctional beach shoes and prepare for ultimate secluded lounging and salivate over the beers* nestled between your beach towels in your big oversized bag.
Sign should have said "state beach...in 1 mile."
I was so cranky by the time I got there. But as soon as I sat on the blanket and cuddeld up to my human wind blocker, the texture of the soft warm sand, the taste of fine pale ale, the sound of the crashing waves and the smell of the seals pooping on a nearby rock took me out of my pansy self-involvement and into a place of deep relaxation. Cave beach was just exactly as I pictured it and exactly what I needed. Thanks, beach.
The hike back, of course, was just dandy.
*Just, you know, hypothetically, since I believe alcohol consumption is frowned upon in the state-owned wilderness.
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I have driven down the coast countless times. It's always a stunning view. This park gives you the up close and personal version of it, but on foot.
Wilder Ranch State Park is almost all flat unless you go down to the beach (next time, I promise!). It's a rarity to see unobstructed views of the ocean in such long stretches without hearing the roar of the highway. The only roar we heard was the ocean, and it was beautiful (kicking myself for not bringing a camera from the car!).
The walk was easy on the broad path that ran along the cliffs. It looks like you could journey for a long way. The map provided at the ranger station house was very strange and didn't really provide much detail on the paths that could be chosen. Luckily, my girl had been before.
There were dozens of cars in the parking lot, but few people on the trails. Mountain bikers were respectful of not only us, but also preserving the nature. The bathrooms were clean and simple, not drop toilets (thanks to my tax dollars and the $6 parking fee!).
This has been added to my mental list of stunning and easy hikes. I will return. I might even bring a bike. Very windy day, awesome.
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If you really just need to get away for a day, this is the best place in Santa Cruz to do it. Grab some walking shoes and a jacket (if it's fall) and hit the trails.
The scenery here is amazing and the cold ocean breeze will make you pissed you've been breathing air other than it. You can pack up a picnic and sit on the beach for a spell. The path is pretty easy so you won't have to do too much work to get there.
Beautiful!!
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Returned to Wilder Ranch this weekend, but parked in the lot since we were concerned the parents couldn't climb up the hill.
The lot costs $6 for day use. I would recommend pulling over prior to the main lot sign to the left and doing the hike over the hill at that price.
We saw pelicans resting on the rock down near the water this time. And a seal (or seat otter) poking its head out of the water!
Love this spot.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2008
Ease of Parking: Great
Amenities: Great
Letting me forget I live in Si Valley: Great
Forget the Santa… Read more »
Look, up on the coast!
It's a ranch, it's a farm, it's a State Park!
Holy freakin' cow!
Anyway, this is probably one of the best "all-around" parks in the Santa Cruz area. I say this for a number of reasons.
1. For the historic preservation buffs, you'll find a wide range of old farm equipment, maintained gardens, chicken coops, ranch buildings, and a docent's office to give you some detailed history of the park. Niiice. Also, I couldn't help but wonder if hobos ever wander here and break into the old homes! I mean, if I were a hobo, this would be prime living, right? Veggie garden, chicken coop, shelter, running water, ocean views? Can't beat that with a frickin' stick!
2. Trails. Man, there are some great trails. Biking, walking, hiking, etc. There are lots of splits, so I suggest that you either A: be a boy/girl-scout (gotta be PC folks), B: bring a map, or C: be Chuck Norris. Either way, with one of these options, you'll have no problem navigating the many roads and trails here. Some are pretty steep, but there are also plenty of low elevation "easy" trails for people who want a leisurely experience.
3. Bluffs. Have you ever seen the Princess Bride? No wait. That's not a question. You HAVE seen it. Anyway if you make it out to the edge, it kind of looks like the stage where the sword fight scene between Indigo and Wesley takes place, including the CLIFFS OF INSANITY at the edge. Sweet. Also, watch out for GOUSes, aka Gulls of Unusual Size. They might eat you whole and barf up "you-bits " to feed their young.
Evidently there's some room for horsing around at Wilder Ranch, but seeing as I haven't ridden a horse since I was about 10, I'm not really able to speak to that. Parking can also be tricky here, but I don't have any advice. Why not just be a dirty hippy and hitch a ride out to the ranch?
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Okay it is pretty hard NOT to like this place. The only way you could not like it is if you were a person who hates physical exertion with allergies, a fear of heights, flowers, the ocean and can't stand it when nice people say hello to you which makes me wonder why the hell you even went there in the first place you masochistic poop? Actually, if you hate all of the above and yet are a masochistic then you probably love it there. In which case, everyone likes Wilder Ranch. Good. I'm glad we've had this influential, rational and entirely necessary conversation.
Anyway, Wilder is a great place for a nice walk or a good bike ride. The tail leads along the cliffs that stretch out to the end of the world....or at least, to Monterey if you're pointed in that direction (what is it with me today?). Next time it's sunny, take the kids, or your partner or a friend and head out there for a nice time together. Just watch out of the masochists scoping out Cannery Row.
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Sun 3/2/08 was a gorgeous day and my friends and I went to Wilder Ranch SP. It was great fun! It's about an 1hr drive from Fmt. We left Fmt around 8am and got to Wilder Ranch SP by 9:15am. There is FREE parking on Hwy 1 outside the park, otherwise it's $6 for day parking inside the park.
Bathrooms available -flushed toilets even. 2 sinks on the Left-hand side, no soap.
We did the Wilder Ridge & Zane Grey Trails which is 6 mi RT w/ a 500-ft climb and coastal overlooks. Zane Grey cutoff does lots of going down, then back up, for a while. Lots of bikes on the trail but they all seem friendly and will call out or ring a bell to get hikers to move over.
We had lunch at the Cultural Preserve where there were some picnic tables out in the sun..no shade. Pit toilet available. There's a small Interpretative Center and Park Store to check out..hrs 10a-4p. At the store they had a bunch of Tide Tables FREE. That was sweet. And luck would have it we showed up at low tide..awesome!
So we then took off for Old Landing Cove Trail a 2.5 mi hike that's easy with great views of the Pacific Ocean. Get a Old Cove Landing Trail nature guide..it's kinda neat. Couldn't find #7 Harbor Seals--they were hiding from us. You gotta check out Fern Grotto #8 it's pretty neat. Lots of ferns on the ceilings and fresh water dripping down.
Then we did an extra 1/4 mi to see Sand Plant Beach and since it was low tide got to see mussels and anemones on the giant rocks. Neat.
On the way back a couple was on Wilder Beach (Private & protected) that nobody supposed to be on..and they were Naked. Everyone on the trail could see them down below. No shame I tell you. They're supposed to walk to Three Mile Beach or Four Mile Beach to be naked. Oh well.
Overall, recommended to check out.
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If you haven't been here you definitely have to go! It is great for hiking and even better for biking! The museum are interesting with the old barn filled with tractors is really cool! Looking in the horse stalls you feel like you just stepped back in time. The garden is quite lovely too. I am amazed that this is all still here for us to enjoy. Bring plenty of water for your hike as the trails can be quite steep and not for the faint of heart, but the views from the top my goodness! you just don't get to see views like that from the roadsides.
Another treasure along our beautiful coast line!
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5-10 minute drive from downtown Santa Cruz, this place really rocks.
I was out there early this morning doing the coastal loop, it was gorgeous except for the haze. Wild animals, easy hike, enchanting waves, salty but clean smell, and spectacular views.
Stop by Brasil Cafe on your way back to Santa Cruz as a treat for yourself!!
The hike is easy so you won't break a sweat unless you run the entire time. Word has it that the Cove trial is around 3 miles, but I didn't have time to finish it just because my bf and I were unsure about where the end of the trail is and whether or not we'll get back to our parking lot.
There's a secret cove there if you keep hiking (but you're not allowed to go down). I enjoyed the hike, being at one with nature is always nice. I just wish I finished the entire trial so I could see what was on the other side.
There is a $6 parking fee if you park in their parking lot... however, I would suggest you just park on the side of Highway 1 (there's enough cars there so you know what I'm talking about) and just walk up the hill a bit. I've never biked here, but I would say that this would also be a nice place to bike as well.
This place is a perfect spot to hike after a visit to the BigFoot Museum. It's broken up into several trails so that you can determine the level of difficulty. Obviously we chose the longest route hence it turned into over a 14 mile JOURNEY!! We survived but must say the walk through the mountain portion was a joy but the main reward was reaching the beach and overlooking the great view on a beautiful day. It must have been a half of a percent of what it was like to discover the coast hundreds of years ago after traveling so far. okay that may be much but you get my drift. It's not a brutal demanding hike but great for distance and view. One caution is WARNING: watch out for ticks. We had a scare scaling a mountain side but other than that no different than hiking anywhere else.
BTW: check out my photos to see some of the hikes settings.
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I'm a self classified intermediate mountain biker - and this place is great for me. I tend to get there early (well, 8:30am - not that early really), park in the official lot (and pay the fee) and head up into the hills.
There are plenty of different trails you can take, but my fave is a loop that takes in Engelsmans Loop, Wild Boar Trail, Eucalyptus Loop, Enchanted Loop (attack from the ocean side so the technical stuff is downhill), Ridge Loop and Zane Grey Loop and back to the start for a 12 mile ride that doesn't involve that much climbing, but does take in spectacular vistas and some fun technical stuff.
There are plenty of other rides here for people who both want less and want more - all with the great views.
Given how popular this place is, you typically get to see a surprising amount of wildlife (coyotes, bob cats and hawks being typical sightings), probably helped by me being there early in the morning.
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Incredible scenery on both sides of the highway, great for swimming, biking, running and so on. Incredible spot. Parking is expensive.
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i need to heed my own words...
i was not properly hydrated and i was pushing myself too hard. 4 miles into the ride and i'm about to yack and pass out. should have taken a longer break... felt weak and technical riding skills is suffering. 1 mile later i ate it bad!!! crashed in a patch of POISON OAK and THORNY VINES!!! that's the worst. i don't mind crashing hard on a trail, just not in poison oak! i had no tools nor 1st aid kit - oh well.
the damage:
bike computer smashed beyond recognition
i should probably get a new helmet
chain twisted beyond belief
small scratch on forehead
shoulder, elbow and knee burns like a mofo (left side)
both wrists are bruised
large knot above my right ankle
the not damaged:
my specialized fsr xc is a champ
music tube is a champ (played continuous before, during, and after crash)
never fails, i have a nasty crash every year. which means more scars on my skinny body - hotness!
good thing i was on a familiar trail...
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/15/2008
wilder ranch is a great park. there's a little bit of everything here. hiking, biking and… Read more »
It is what it is. A beautiful spot along the central california coast, great for a walk in the sea breeze.
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Wilder Ranch certainly has a unique topography. Unlike many of the parks in the Santa Cruz area, it is not a dense forest, but nor is it quite like the rolling oak hills of the South Bay. Instead, it is comprised of almost savannah-like plateaus peppered with steep, tree-filled ravines. Check out my pics and you'll see what I mean.
The expansive setting and wide trails make it far more popular with mountain bikers than hikers, and in fact I don't think we saw another foot hiker for our whole trip. Nevertheless it is an undoubtedly beautiful and quite large park where you can hike in as far as you want--though be sure to bring a map as the trails can be confusing.
Another bonus is the historical Wilder Ranch homestead itself, located very near the parking area. There is an interpretive center here that is worth a stop for museum addicts. Finally, there is a coastal trail you can take, though I haven't personally tried it.
At a mere 5 minutes from Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch is yet another reason why I envy the people who live down here.
If you're looking for an easy hike with beautiful ocean views, Wilder Ranch is the place for you. If you stick to the wide path that runs along the cliffs on the ocean side of the park, you're in for a lovely and easy hike, with no up- or downhill parts unless you decide to hike down to any of the several beaches along the trail. Even on this beautiful sunny October Sunday none of the beaches were very crowded, making them ideal for picnics or hanging out by the water. There's even a big fern covered cave on one of them.
Lots of cyclists here, so take care to share the trail. There wasn't much in the way of wildlife, though a mole did poke its head out from its hole to peer at us.
Wilder Ranch is particularly lovely this time of year, with pumpkins in full orange bloom on nearby fields.
$6 parking fee, and clean bathrooms by the parking lot.
For trail runs, you've got two options: head up to the hills or stick to the coast. If you go along the coast, you need to cross the beach at one point to keep on the trail. You'll be running on the bluff, above the sea and there's usually birds flying above the water but they're at the same height as you. After a few miles there aren't many people on the trail, so use caution if you are running alone.
If you head up towards the hills, make sure you have plenty of water and a map - the trails can be confusing. If you're going to listen to music, try to stick to the side or keep the volume low enough that you can hear if there are bikers coming. The inland side is a really popular mountain biking spot, so share the love!
On the weekends, they have some family-friendly events at the old farmhouse area - nature walks and that kind of thing. It seems like it would be a great place to let the kids off the leash!
This is my favorite place to go mountain biking....5 miles up to the top and it is the best cardio!! I love all the trails and it is hardly crowded, ever. I've seen tons of wild life up there...such as; deers, rabbits, squirrels, tons of different types of birds, coyotes, bob cats...thank goodness no mountain lions....but I know they're there...watching! If you ride to the top, you can cross Empire Grade over to UCSC and ride on to some awesome trails.
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Wilder Ranch State Park has a lot to offer for the outdoor enthusiast.
Runners, mountain bikers, walkers, nature lovers, horseback riders, bird watchers, unicyclists (I'm not making this shit up), beach goers, picnic-ers, seal lovers, air lovers, and sun lovers all love to come here. Heck, even heart-broken-bluff-leaping suicide squads would agree that there are few places in the world as beautiful and as accessible.
You stay east of Hwy 1 and you're headed up the trails into the Santa Cruz mountains. Take it far enough and you'll run into the UCSC campus. There are multiple ways of getting to the top or around the side or through the canyon. Runners, look out for mountain bikers. If you're wearing your mp3 player (which I do), be especially careful. If you can't hear them when they scream "die, scum!" that's your own ass. (He may have said "on your left!", but Godsmack distorts that shit up). Mountain bikers, watch out for runners. Most of them are batshit crazy and will knife you if you get close enough. Some carry poison blades. I'm just saying.
Stay west of Hwy 1 and you'll find the 5 miles round trip trail that follows the bluffs. Totally different gig, but equally incredible. If you love waves, ocean views and beer you'll find 2 out of 3 of those here. Not bad.
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Hiking around here is super easy and running ain't so bad, either. I almost got clobbered by a couple cute mountain bikers but damn, they missed me. I'll have to go back with a bike next time.
Bring a camera to this one. This place is breathtaking. Easy hiking and biking. Nothing too strenuous that I have seen. Beautiful fields that lead up to the coast with small rolling hills right off of Highway 1. Sometimes can be foggy, but it's still gorgeous.
This is always a fun ride. The trails can be looped in many combinations and there's a variety of sections for every rider. I've only had to make room for horses a few times. Other than that, the trails are pretty clear. Make sure you pack some treats and a camera. The good thing is that you're not too far away from food once you're done.
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Time stands still when I go. I
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On a hiking date we went on a chill path for about three hours or so.. how do you get the pond!! Stupid wire fences... depending on the route you go, you can also get a stellar view of the recycling plant. Loved the variation of forest and rocky trails. Anyways after walking around on trails and jumping out of the way of bicyclists....we headed down to that beach area you aren't supposed to go on SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. It was beautiful-- if you can get passed the steep slope and passed the massive vines of poison oak there are some killer caves to check out. Afterwards you can also go chill with the chickens and check out some old school farming equipment, as well as their garden. I agree with Edward B. time does stand still before I knew it five hours or so had gone by....
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On a beautiful spring day, this state park boasts some of the most bucolic and expansive views on the northern California coast line. The trails rise gradually and are appropriate for beginning mountain bikers as well as trail runners who want to put in a solid three to seven mile work out. End your day with a drink in Santa Cruz while basking in the joys of daylight savings time.
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Incredibly beautiful trails, with amazing views from hills to the ocean. Great place for a day hike and picnic. The trails are popular with both hikers and cyclists, so please be aware and make way for one another.
Some of the mountain bike trails are my favorite coastal rides. The views of the Ocean are enough, but add the technical challenges and the beauty and you are set.
Beautiful ocean cliff trails lead to soft beaches mostly devoid of people on weekdays.
I have heard that there are some of the best trails in California here, and riding them frequently I can believe it. The difficulty level is very mixed from straight down hill from the top of UCSC's north campus to Wilder Ranch, to some pretty rugged terrain up and over valleys. A ride can last from an hour to 4 depending on the routes you take. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth a trek up.
