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The Best Hiking in Santa Cruz

Looking for the best hiking in Santa Cruz? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Santa Cruz. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near Santa Cruz

  • Santa Cruz, California

    Fern Trail, Spring Trail and Lookout Trail Loop

    4.79 mi / 922 ft gain
    Fern Trail, Spring Trail and Lookout Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Lookout Loop Trail

    2.64 mi / 551 ft gain
    Lookout Loop Trail is a loop trail that is moderately difficult located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    West Cliff Drive

    4.03 mi / 226 ft gain
    West Cliff Drive is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Pogonip Creek Nature Loop

    1.6 mi / 194 ft gain
    Pogonip Creek Nature Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Emma McCrary Trail to U-Con Trail

    5.54 mi / 791 ft gain
    Emma McCrary Trail to U-Con Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop

    0.66 mi / 30 ft gain
    Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field Loop

    4.82 mi / 190 ft gain
    Natural Bridges to Lighthouse Field Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Upper Delaveaga Loop

    4.0
    1.62 mi / 128 ft gain
    Upper Delaveaga Loop is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to see wildlife located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    UCSC to the Sea

    19.15 mi / 1808 ft gain
    UCSC to the Sea is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Diversion Dam Trail

    2.36 mi / 548 ft gain
    Diversion Dam Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Englesman Loop Trail to Wild Boar Trail

    4.46 mi / 669 ft gain
    Englesman Loop Trail to Wild Boar Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • 1401 Coast Road, California

    Englesman Loop Trail

    4.38 mi / 548 ft gain
    Englesman Loop Trail is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Hike the Rincon Fire Trail

    5.0
    1 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. The trail can be a simple one of a mile out and back or up to 5 miles depending on your preference. The elevation will change by about...
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Cowboy Loop Trail

    2.11 mi / 230 ft gain
    Cowboy Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • 1401 Coast Road, California

    Wilder Ranch Singletrack Trails Loop

    13.74 mi / 1637 ft gain
    Wilder Ranch Singletrack Trails Loop is a loop trail that takes you through a nice forest located near Santa Cruz, California.
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  • Santa Cruz, California

    Seaside Ride Along Old Cove Landing

    5.0
    The Old Cove Landing Trail at Wilder Ranch is the perfect destination for a relaxing bike ride. The 3 mile loop starts at Wilder Ranch Visitor Center/Park Store, takes you past their Brussels sprout fields and on to a coastline trail. From the Visitor Center parking lot look for and follow signs ...
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