The Santa Cruz area offers a rich array of natural beauty and an endless supply of gorgeous hiking trails. From coastal trails to forest treks, some of the best hikes in Santa Cruz County are waterfall hikes!
We are highlighting some of the best places in Santa Cruz County to explore the great outdoors! From miles of sand to comb on the beaches of south county to zip lining through the resilient redwoods, you’ll love getting some fresh air with these outdoor explorations. Check out our picks for the Best Opt Outside
By Garrick Ramirez
The newly opened trails at Glenwood Open Space Preserve offer the latest reason to get outside in Santa Cruz County. Situated in Scotts Valley, the preserve recently unveiled five miles of trails, marking the culmination of an 18-year effort. Managed by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, the 166-acre property brims with diverse habitats such as redwood groves, lush wetlands, and evergreen forests. Plus, there are more trails on the way! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this scenic new preserve.
With an enviable Mediterranean climate and a natural splendor the stretches from the redwoods to the bay, Santa Cruz is a remarkable place to pitch a tent. Whether you’re a dyed-in-the-flannel-wool outdoorsy type or won’t bed down without a mattress, there’s a campsite that’s right for you. KOA Santa CruzMinutes from Manresa State Beach, this
It’s a gorgeous Saturday morning and you’re craving a vigorous mountaintop trek, but the kiddos only want to stroll a virtual landscape of pixelated zombies. Sound familiar? We’ve got the solution: easy, scenic hikes with fun surprises and engaging activities that your kids will love. With quality time outdoors and away from the screens, these five outings are your new weekend ace in the hole.