| 
   

Wilder Ranch State Park

   ( 1 ) Reviews twitter



Weather Activities Amenities Trails Fees Location

Currently:  and °
 with 


High: °
Low: °
High: °
Low: °
High: °
Low: °
High: °
Low: °
Trail Running  Hiking  Windsurfing  Programs/Exhibits  Horseback Riding  Mountain Biking  Wildlife Viewing  Tide Pooling  Whale watching 
Horse Camping 
Visitor Center  Restrooms  Parking  Picnic Area  Museums  Drinking Water  Group Picnic Area  Public Phone  Nature Trails 
Handicap Accessible  Vista Point  Programs / Exhibits  Campground 
See All 2 Trails

Old Landing Cove Trail
Distance:  0.0 mi.
Ascent:  0.00 ft.    Descent:  0.00 ft.
Ohlone Bluff Trail
Distance:  0.0 mi.
Ascent:  0.00 ft.    Descent:  0.00 ft.
See entire Fees table.

Fee Type:  Parking
Amount:  $10.00
Description:  Developed parking for 1 vehicle.
Wilder Ranch State Park

Santa Cruz,  CA  95060
View Map Write a Review Contribute a Photo

Wilder Ranch State Park Description

Wilder Ranch State Park covers approximately 7,000 acres and is located just north of Santa Cruz on the Pacific Coast Highway before you reach Davenport on the California coast of the Pacific Ocean.  Wilder has unique combination of wetlands, chaparral and grassy hills across the park as it extends from the beach up the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains.  With over 35 miles of multi-use trails there is plenty for all to do.
 
From its origins as a historic farm house the park offers an opportunity to explore the history of the farm community that co-dwelled with the ranchers in the region. The most popular recreational activities are mountain biking and hiking as well as horseback riding. The valleys, rolling hills and coastal area terraces create an unparalleled environment for bird watching, nature viewing and photography. Many of the wetlands have been restored well and have once again attracted a lot of fauna back into the forest park area. Chances to see some of the beautiful gardens, barns, Victorian homes and historic abodes are many, so make sure you do not miss out on any opportunity when you are at the Wilder Ranch State Park.
 
Activities
 
Hiking

 Wilder Ranch has a myriad of options from beach to foothills.  If you are cruising the California coast line and want to take in the many beaches Wilder has plenty to offer.  As a Harbor Seal and Sea Otter habitat there are ample opportunities to take in some of California’s fun sea life.  Stroll through the tide pools and find sea urchins, star fish, crabs and more.  In the early spring look offshore and you may catch the occasional migrating whale.
 
Inland can also be treat with great views of the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop you can explore the 30 plus miles of trails while keeping an eye out for any of the local coyotes, bobcats, deer and more.
 
Mountain Biking

Not known by a lot of mountain biker as mountain biking park.  This park offers some of the best single track for miles.  With popular trails like Old Cabin and Eucalyptus this park should be on any mountain bikers to do list.  With over thirty miles of trails there is ample opportunity to tailor a ride that will be a great day.  Wilder has a number of trails to fit any riders skill.
 
Equestrian

Whether out for a day trail or beach ride or looking for a new horse camping location Wilder Ranch is very equestrian friendly starting from ample trailer parking to its horse camping facilities.  This is a great location for the beginning camper or someone just looking for an easy trip.  One day you can experience the coast and the next day venture inland to more traditional trails riding. 
 
Wildlife Viewing

If you are look for a location where you be riding along with a bobcat playing hide and seek with you, then Wilder Ranch is your place.  That was my last experience there while riding Wilder Ridge Loop.  Also keep your out for coyotes, deer, harbor seals, sea otters and the occasional off-shore whale.

Popular Parks

Yellowstone National Park

Yosemite National Park

Zion National Park

Acadia National Park

Great Smoky Mountains

Photo of Yellowstone National ParkPhoto of Yosemite National ParkPhoto of Zion National ParkPhoto of Acadia National ParkPhoto of Great Smoky Mountains
Yellowstone National Park located in Wyoming and extends into Idaho and Montana as well is one of the National Parks Systems gems. Visited by more 10 million visitors annually to view this parks uniques wildlife and scenery... Yosemite National Park is one of the most-visited of America’s National Parks. Each year nearly four million people make their way to this 761,266 acres of preserved wilderness in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.Zion National Park is found in both Iron and Kane Counties in Utah's most southwestern corner. The park's variety of life zones and unique geography in the Great Basin, Mojave Desert and Colorado Plateau make for a diverse and unusual assortment of animal and plant life.Acadia National Park is home to Cadillac Mountain Peak, the tallest peak on the Atlantic Coast in the United States. This pink-granite summit is the first place in the country to see the sunrise. More than 47,000 acres are here with woodlands, lakes and an ocean shoreline.Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in America for a long list of reasons. The park straddles the ridge of both theBlue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, welcoming the pass of the 14 state long Appalachian Trail as well.

Learn more about Yellowstone National Park

Learn more about Yosemite National Park

Learn more about Zion National Park

Learn more about Acadia National Park

Learn more about The Great Smoky Mountains


   


Wilder Ranch State Park Community Discussions

Wilder Ranch State Park Mountain Biking Forums
Mountain Biking Forum for Wilder Ranch State Park, please join for a range of discussions, dialog and share your experiences with other users.
Wilder Ranch State Park Horseback Riding Forums
Horseback Riding Forum for Wilder Ranch State Park, please join for a range of discussions, dialog and share your experiences with other users.
Wilder Ranch State Park Programs/Exhibits Forums
Programs/Exhibits Forum for Wilder Ranch State Park, please join for a range of discussions, dialog and share your experiences with other users.
Wilder Ranch State Park Windsurfing Forums
Windsurfing Forum for Wilder Ranch State Park, please join for a range of discussions, dialog and share your experiences with other users.
Wilder Ranch State Park Hiking Forums
Hiking Forum for Wilder Ranch State Park, please join for a range of discussions, dialog and share your experiences with other users.
trailrunner Photo
trailrunner  on 06-09-2012
Who knew there was such a vast park on the coast north of Santa Cruz. I have done numerous trips to...



©2013 Traipse Media Corporation