The official opening of the newest national monument on the central coast has been announced. With three trails encompassing nine miles, these 400+ acres of public land can be accessed near Santa Cruz County’s north coast. 

Cotoni-Coast Dairies are defined by three trails. The 2.5-mile beginner Hawk Trail offers coastal grassland paths and views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Visitors to the 1.6-mile Tree Trail will find narrower paths through forested areas and across larger tree roots on this intermediate loop trail. Most first-time hikers to Cotoni-Coast seek out these two trails; combined, they take an estimated two to two and a half hours to complete. Four miles of intermediate and advanced terrain define The Wildcat Trail, where the highest points in the park can be found, rivaling the views from Big Sur.  

Mountain bikes and e-bikes are permitted on all trails. Dogs on leash are allowed on the Hawk and Tree Trails. Oceanview cliffs and six forested, year-around streams flowing from the Santa Cruz Mountains into the Monterey Bay are distinctive features of this newest open space. A variety of habitats and wildlife can be found, including riparian and wetlands, coho salmon, steelhead trout, California red-legged frogs, mule deer and mountain lions. 

At one point in history, the Cotoni Tribe made their home on the coastal prairie known today as Cotoni-Coast Dairies. Today, the Bureau of Land Management collaborates with local tribes and community partners on interpretive exhibits, archaeological projects and educational and interpretive materials that provide an indigenous perspective.