Sanborn County Park
on3,688 acres of beautiful, lush redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Wide range of recreational options, including hiking, picnicking and RV and tent camping.
Mount Madonna County Park
onSprawling second-growth redwood forest in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Overlooks Santa Clara Valley to the east, Monterey Bay, to the west. Horseback riding, hiking, and walk-in and drive-in camping.
Byrne-Milliron Forest
onA working forest that includes 1,000-year-old, 250-foot tall Great White Redwood. Owned and operated by Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.
Soquel Demonstration State Forest
onNear Santa Cruz, mountain biking on challenging single-track trails. Links to Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.
Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
onThe Forest of Nisene Marks, only 5 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, is wild and expansive. The property was clearcut in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. But it’s recovering nicely-and offers hikers and mountain bikers a chance to explore 30 miles of trails that rise from near sea level to 2,600 feet.
Castle Rock State Park
onAt the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State Park is just minutes from Silicon Valley. Yet it’s a perfect place to unwind from the wired world.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
onNestled in the deep folds of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin is the oldest state park in California. It includes more than 18,000 acres of redwood forest, including the largest ancient stand south of San Francisco. About 10 percent of the park won protection with the help of Save the Redwoods League.
Wilder Ranch State Park
onJust north of Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch State Park offers rich coastal habitats and layer upon layer of history. Some 10,000 years ago, the Ohlones used the site as a seasonal village.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
onJust 5 miles from Santa Cruz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers sunlit meadows, lush stream canyons, pine and oak forests and quiet walks through ancient redwoods. Some 30 miles of hiking trails wind through four different plant communities. The classic stroll is the 0.8-mile Redwood Grove Loop, which winds through coast redwoods up to 285 feet tall and 1,800 years old.
