The Best Backpacking in Santa Cruz

Epicenter to Five Finger Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Aptos, California.

Sand Point Overlook Via West Ridge Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Aptos, California.

Hinkley Basin Fire Road to Santa Rosalia Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Soquel, California.

Five Finger Falls via Hinckley Basin Fire Road is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Soquel, California.

This trail and campsite is currently closed (learn more). Looking for a more authentic hiking and camping weekend, without having to drive hours away to find it? Then the Sunset Trail Camp within Big Basin Redwoods SP is your ticket. To access this site, you'll need to hike the famous Skyline-to...

Want to experience one of the bay area's most memorable backpacking trips? We've got the details to get you out on the trail.To start the trek, drop your car at the Castle Rock State Park Parking Lot, which is located ~2.5 miles south of the junctions of Highways 35 and 9 off of Highway 35. Note ...

Castle Rock Trail Camp has a different policy than other backcountry camps in the area (i.e. campsites along Skyline to the Sea). This campground is open all year and is available on a first come, first served basis. If you can, grab a spot a Frog Flat Camp. To get to the camp, park your car at t...

Mayfair Ranch Trail to Serpentine Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near San Jose, California.

Rancho Canada del Oro and Calero Park Loop s an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Twentynine Palms, California.

Located deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano S...

Black Mountain via Rogue Valley, Chamise, Black Mountain, Quarry and PG&E Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.

Black Mountain via PG&E, Quarry and Black Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.

Wildcat Canyon Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Cupertino, California.

The Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...

Please be aware that this is NOT a route for beginning cyclist. It is a very hilly route and you will be sharing the road with cars for the entire route, the shoulder is sometimes very slim. This should not scare you from doing the trip, just be aware of the risks and dangers you might be facing....

Rhus Ridge and Chamise Trail is a point-to-point trail where you may see wildflowers located near Los Altos, California