01
Best close-to-town escape
Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
North Of Ben Lomond • Shaded Redwood Canyon Network • Local Favorite For After-Work Hikes
A maze of shady creekside trails and relic lime kilns just minutes from downtown Ben Lomond.
Start from the small parking area off Felton Empire Road and climb the Fall Creek and South Fork trails under dense redwoods and firs. The Big Ben and Lost Empire loops add steeper mileage and quieter forest if you want a real workout. Winter and early spring bring the clearest water and slipperiest rocks, so good footwear matters.
02
Best classic redwood experience
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (Main Section)
Felton / Highway 9 • Classic Family-Friendly Redwood Park • Best For First-Time Visitors
Towering old-growth redwoods, sandy river benches, and easy loops make this the classic first hike in the San Lorenzo Valley.
The flat Redwood Grove Loop is perfect for visitors who want big trees with minimal effort, while the River and Observation Deck loops add gentle climbs and broader views. Parking at the main day-use entrance off Highway 9 fills up on summer weekends, but mornings are usually calm. In hot weather, combine a hike with a dip in the San Lorenzo River at a signed access point.
03
Best mountain ridge adventure
Castle Rock State Park
Skyline Ridge Above Boulder Creek • Rocky Ridge And Sandstone Outcrops • Best For Sweeping Vistas And Scrambles
A rugged ridgetop park with sandstone outcrops, sweeping ocean glimpses, and some of the best half-day hikes in the region.
From the main lot on Skyline Boulevard, the Castle Rock and Saratoga Gap trails weave along the crest with constant viewpoints and boulder scrambles. Serious hikers can tackle sections of the longer routes toward Big Basin for more remote feeling days. Fog and wind are common, so bring layers even if Ben Lomond feels warm when you leave.
04
Best coastal bluff hike
Wilder Ranch State Park
North Of Santa Cruz • Windy Coastal Bluffs And Historic Ranchlands • Best For Ocean Views And Mellow Terrain
Coastal bluff paths, pocket beaches, and farmstead history combine for relaxed hikes with big Pacific views.
The Ohlone Bluff, Old Cove Landing, and Enchanted Loop trails are mostly gentle, making this a great choice for mixed-ability groups. Park at the main Wilder Ranch lot off Highway 1 and head west toward the ocean, where you can tailor your hike from a quick hour to a full-day out-and-back. Afternoons can be windy and exposed, so sun protection and water are more important here than in the redwoods.
05
Best all-day forest wander
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos / Soquel Backcountry • Deep, Quiet Second-Growth Redwood Forest • Best For Long Training Hikes
A deep, cool forest of second-growth redwoods with enough miles of fire road and singletrack to keep local hikers coming back all year.
From the Aptos Creek Fire Road, you can choose mellow out-and-back walks along the creek or push farther to the Old Growth loop and historic bridge sites. The park feels surprisingly remote once you pass the lower picnic areas, with long, quiet climbs that are ideal for building endurance. In winter, expect muddy sections and small stream crossings, while summer brings drier trails and thicker understory.