Wilder Ranch State Park
Wilder Ranch State Park
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- kentgwashburnSanta Cruz, California72 contributionsSo many choices of excellent trails and viewsWe go to Wilder about 8/x per year now and have been for a decade. Total visits to Wilder must be about 150 over the years! The ocean bluff trails have very little up and down and are shared by walkers and the more courteous type of cyclists. The pounding of the waves, the cries of birds, and scattered sandy beaches where you and a chair and a book can just relax with little company most days. The old ranch roads climb through open fields away from the coast, a bit steeply here and there, but they yield stunning Monterey Bay vistas on sunny days, esp. when descending. Most cyclists courteous, but there are rude and careless exceptions to watch out for! Forest trails will take you through manzanita, chaparral, oaks, pines and redwoods depending on which one you pick. Poison oak vigilance advised, but trails are normally well maintained. The old ranch buildings have nice exhibits from the days Wilder was a working farm. Coastal walking trails suitable for the elderly and young kids, but can be muddy in winter. If you are a tourist and will be leaving your possessions in the car, do NOT park along Hwy 1 and walk in. Car burglars are sometimes active on this stretch of Hwy. Instead tourists advised to pay day use fee and park in the paved lot not far from staff housing and entry kiosk. Our most recent visit was couples, but we’ve taken parents, children, grandchildren, visitors, friends and relatives. Some beautiful sunsets, fog permitting!Visited February 2020Written March 5, 2020
- LhamlinColumbus, Ohio1,013 contributionsStunning Views of the PacificSpectacular walk along the stunning Pacific Coast. A must see! Sheer cliffs & crashing waves make this very picturesque. There are also opportunities to see seals but they weren’t out this day. A pretty good hike so not for those unable to walk. Also, the rocky open ledges can be treacherous for children so be mindful. Take a camera!Visited June 2020Traveled with friendsWritten June 8, 2020
- Pranav BalachandarFremont, California98 contributionsOld Cove Landing Trail - Cold, Windy, Serene & MuddyOld Cove Landing Trail at Wilder Ranch State Park is a 2.4mile loop trail that covers western cliffs along Santa Cruz Shores. A very peaceful & serene hike, you can spot Sea Gulls, Heron, Seals & other. There are a couple of beaches that come your way such as the Fern Grotto beach, that you can get down to, if you wish to. The trail is shared by bikers as well. The trail was muddy & puddles were formed at most parts, when we went in early March 2023, right after the rain storm. It is very windy there, so Summer would be a good time to visit this State Park. It is a loop trail, that starts at the Parking lot, then loops back to an RV trailer park kind of an area, from where you need to walk a little more distance to reach the parking lot. The Day Pass Booth was empty, so we were able to enter free of charge, but they seem to charge around $10 for entry. Having a day-use pass from other State Parks nearby can be used to waive the entry fee. Overall, a really great experience that I would definitely recommend to people.Visited March 2023Written March 3, 2023
- merb00Maui, Hawaii30 contributionsA Wonderful Day TripWe spent a morning (family of 5, young kids, + grandparents) and walked the 2.3 mile loop. All the beaches are wildlife preserves and we watched seals playing on several. After our walk we went to the Cultural Preserve of the original ranch and saw the animals, succulent forts, and awesome climbing trees.Visited March 2021Written April 1, 2021
- Michael K929 contributionsDramatic views of the California coastlineFor serious hikers, there are miles of trails rated moderate to difficult north of Hwy 1 in the park. But for scenery, the Old Cove Landing Trail which is rated easy is hard to beat. It is south of Hwy 1 in the park and hugs the coastline, providing dramatic views of the ocean. Don't miss the Fern Gully Beach which offers a nice detour along the way. It is not unusual to have fog in the morning but it usually dissipates by noon.Visited September 2020Written October 1, 2020
- woodybsafe10 contributionsBeautiful Well Maintained Trail SystemWe took the trail system above the park to get views of the bay. Really nice trail system and fantastic views. The trails to the ocean are pretty busy on weekends so go early. Probably one of the better trails close to Santa Cruz. Try this once but explore other trails in the area as well.Visited January 2020Written February 5, 2020
- jaseatonSilver Spring, Maryland2,544 contributionsSpectacular and WindsweptPre-Covid, we’ve been coming out to Santa Cruz every Xmas thru New Years to visit our kids and grandkids, and a hike along the Wilder Ranch trail has been a regular part of the experience. This year, we held off until late April when everyone could get vaccinated, so this was our first time visiting when all the plants are in flower. Great cliffs and coastal surf crashing against the rocks as always. Ditto, the seals and shore birds. Wild, windswept and bracingly beautiful!Visited April 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2021
- miniFremont, California176,137 contributionsFun Visit to Ranch Area of the Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CAWe went to Wilder Ranch State Park. We used our annual state park pass to enter the park. There are many miles of trails here. This time we just visited the ranch part of the park. There are some very pretty plants and flowers there We saw our first golden poppy of the 2020 season. We enjoyed seeing the historic ranch buildings and the animals. They also have a visitor center.Visited February 2020Written February 1, 2020
- Ebbe5Phoenix, Arizona143 contributionsSpectacular WalkWe walked the Old Landing Cove Trail and it was just beautiful. We walked from the top of cliffs down to the water. The views of the ocean are amazing. We also saw lots of lounging CA sea lions and their pups plus geese and their goslings. So many birds flying and a whole little island of cormorants hanging out. It was an excellent walk to see a rugged CA coastline at it's best. Highly recommend this to everyone.Visited May 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten May 12, 2021
- HkbrownSanta Cruz, California20 contributionsAnniversary bike ride 6.3 mile of ocean bluffsAltho the wildflowers were gone in mid October, the agriculture was a pleasant surprise along the coastal trail. The trail becomes confusing at the railroad tracks. Ride alongside the tracks approx 1/4 mile-1/2 mile to find the path back to the coastal bluff. We questioned if we were trespassing on farmland to get back to the bluff but it is a part of the trail. Wonderful afternoon ride from the ranch to 4 mile beach and back.Visited October 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten October 16, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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merb00
Maui, HI30 contributions
Mar 2021
We spent a morning (family of 5, young kids, + grandparents) and walked the 2.3 mile loop. All the beaches are wildlife preserves and we watched seals playing on several. After our walk we went to the Cultural Preserve of the original ranch and saw the animals, succulent forts, and awesome climbing trees.
Written April 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael K
929 contributions
Sep 2020
For serious hikers, there are miles of trails rated moderate to difficult north of Hwy 1 in the park. But for scenery, the Old Cove Landing Trail which is rated easy is hard to beat. It is south of Hwy 1 in the park and hugs the coastline, providing dramatic views of the ocean. Don't miss the Fern Gully Beach which offers a nice detour along the way. It is not unusual to have fog in the morning but it usually dissipates by noon.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
woodybsafe
10 contributions
Jan 2020
We took the trail system above the park to get views of the bay. Really nice trail system and fantastic views. The trails to the ocean are pretty busy on weekends so go early. Probably one of the better trails close to Santa Cruz. Try this once but explore other trails in the area as well.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaseaton
Silver Spring, MD2,544 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Pre-Covid, we’ve been coming out to Santa Cruz every Xmas thru New Years to visit our kids and grandkids, and a hike along the Wilder Ranch trail has been a regular part of the experience. This year, we held off until late April when everyone could get vaccinated, so this was our first time visiting when all the plants are in flower. Great cliffs and coastal surf crashing against the rocks as always. Ditto, the seals and shore birds. Wild, windswept and bracingly beautiful!
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA176,137 contributions
Feb 2020
We went to Wilder Ranch State Park. We used our annual state park pass to enter the park. There are many miles of trails here.
This time we just visited the ranch part of the park. There are some very pretty plants and flowers there We saw our first golden poppy of the 2020 season.
We enjoyed seeing the historic ranch buildings and the animals. They also have a visitor center.
This time we just visited the ranch part of the park. There are some very pretty plants and flowers there We saw our first golden poppy of the 2020 season.
We enjoyed seeing the historic ranch buildings and the animals. They also have a visitor center.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ebbe5
Phoenix, AZ143 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We walked the Old Landing Cove Trail and it was just beautiful. We walked from the top of cliffs down to the water. The views of the ocean are amazing. We also saw lots of lounging CA sea lions and their pups plus geese and their goslings. So many birds flying and a whole little island of cormorants hanging out. It was an excellent walk to see a rugged CA coastline at it's best. Highly recommend this to everyone.
Written May 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hkbrown
Santa Cruz, CA20 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Altho the wildflowers were gone in mid October, the agriculture was a pleasant surprise along the coastal trail. The trail becomes confusing at the railroad tracks. Ride alongside the tracks approx 1/4 mile-1/2 mile to find the path back to the coastal bluff. We questioned if we were trespassing on farmland to get back to the bluff but it is a part of the trail. Wonderful afternoon ride from the ranch to 4 mile beach and back.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KookaburraB
Redwood Estates, CA19 contributions
Wilder Ranch has a lot to recommend it: historic ranch buildings, farm animals for the kids to see, occasional historic days with costumed guides and activities, clean rest rooms, and biking and hiking trails in the hills. The best thing about WIlder Ranch, in my opinion, is the 'hike' along the water. I put hike in quotes because the path is flat, wide and well-packed dirt so it's accessible to all ages. The walk hugs the coastline up above the water (although there is one opportunity to dip down onto a beach). It is calm, peaceful and the only walk along the water I know of in Santa Cruz that doesn't have cars nearby. It's great for birdwatching or just gazing at the ocean. I never get tired of Wilder Ranch.
Written January 8, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
awsm
california35 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
If you're into hiking and enjoying nature, this is the place for you. Don't be a tightwad by parking along Highway 1. Instead, pay the minimal entrance fee and help out the State Parks. It's worth it.
Written August 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichelleManteca_CA
Manteca, CA127 contributions
Jul 2017
We had a beautiful walk. We stopped at the restrooms by the parking lot. They were clean, but if you want to wash your hands, go in the handicapped bathroom. There are no sinks in the non handicapped restrooms.
We took the trail to the Old Cove Landing Trail to the coast. You do need to be careful of the poison oak along the trail. We looked up pictures of it on the internet before our hike so we knew what to watch for and stay away from. It is on the sides of the trail. It is an easy hike and our grandson loved it. At the cliffs (which are around 50 ft tall, guessing here) we noticed they were wet on top. If you hang around for a while, a big wave will come in and splash all the way up there. What a rush! The coastline is beautiful, lots of photo opportunities! Watch for the sea lions out on the flat rocks. They look up if they hear you talking. The trail makes a loop. Toward the end of the walk you come across a farm, follow the curving road past the farmhouse, watch for the parking lot across from the dirt road with the farnmers field on the left and brush on the right. We weren't real sure if we were going the right way, the signs kind of stopped, but we got back to the car just fine and felt the walk was well worth it.
Be sure and bring a bottle of water and the map you get when you pay for parking. $10 per car. There was only one bench to take a rest on, I am sure more benches at scenic areas would be well used. The only improvement I can think of. Well worth the visit!!
We took the trail to the Old Cove Landing Trail to the coast. You do need to be careful of the poison oak along the trail. We looked up pictures of it on the internet before our hike so we knew what to watch for and stay away from. It is on the sides of the trail. It is an easy hike and our grandson loved it. At the cliffs (which are around 50 ft tall, guessing here) we noticed they were wet on top. If you hang around for a while, a big wave will come in and splash all the way up there. What a rush! The coastline is beautiful, lots of photo opportunities! Watch for the sea lions out on the flat rocks. They look up if they hear you talking. The trail makes a loop. Toward the end of the walk you come across a farm, follow the curving road past the farmhouse, watch for the parking lot across from the dirt road with the farnmers field on the left and brush on the right. We weren't real sure if we were going the right way, the signs kind of stopped, but we got back to the car just fine and felt the walk was well worth it.
Be sure and bring a bottle of water and the map you get when you pay for parking. $10 per car. There was only one bench to take a rest on, I am sure more benches at scenic areas would be well used. The only improvement I can think of. Well worth the visit!!
Written July 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
can you fish there?
Alan F
Los Gatos, CA236 contributions
No, there's no fishing at this park.
How much does it cost to get in? Or do u just pay for parking??
Valerie H
Burbank, CA39 contributions
parking is 10 dollars and it is important to arrive before 10am, preferably by 9 on weekends as the park is very popular and the parking is limited to one lot. People do ride horses on the trail but I am not sure of how to rent. You are not able to park overnight at the wilder ranch lot.
Julie K
Baird, TX2 contributions
My husband and I read somewhere that you can rent horses to ride along the beach. I would like any information you might have on horseback riding.
JeriLG
Santa Cruz, CA1,478 contributions
There is no where in Santa Cruz that does this directly. Half Moon Bay has a place but it gets windy there. Here is an organization that brings horses to you. Check out SeaHorse Equestrian for horses that are brought to you.
Can we park overnight at this location?
pamelamR4732JY
Santa Cruz, CA39 contributions
Wilder State Park is day use only. There is a camp for equestrians which is part of Wilder located just a bit north on the Eastern side of the hiway. It is for horse campers only. You can get information on the State Park website. There is a very nice campground as part of Henry Cowell State Park which is between Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz. Only a few miles from the beach. Very good hiking trails and some mt biking trails.
Me and my husband are on a van , can we park overnight here?
Travelers951
Santa Cruz, CA11 contributions
Sorry this is a delayed answer...I was traveling myself! Without Internet. No, this would not be a place to park a van overnight.
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Claim your listingWilder Ranch State Park (Santa Cruz) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilder Ranch State Park
- Hotels near Wilder Ranch State Park:
- (3.25 mi) Sea & Sand Inn
- (3.39 mi) Beach Street Inn and Suites
- (3.28 mi) Dream Inn Santa Cruz
- (3.25 mi) West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn
- (2.08 mi) Mission Inn
- Restaurants near Wilder Ranch State Park:
- (3.35 mi) Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
- (3.76 mi) Marianne's Ice Cream
- (4.27 mi) Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
- (2.02 mi) West End Tap & Kitchen
- (3.38 mi) Laili Restaurant
Wilder Ranch State Park Information
| Excellent Reviews | 185 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 71 |
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