01
Best overall pick
Fall Creek to Lime Kilns Trail
North Of Felton • Shady Redwood Canyon Hike • Local Favorite
A classic San Lorenzo Valley hike that follows a cold, clear creek past mossy ruins and soaring redwoods.
Starting from the Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, this trail feels surprisingly wild for being so close to Boulder Creek. Expect a rolling route with roots, small creek crossings, and a few steeper pitches as you work up toward the old lime kiln relics. Go on a summer afternoon for cool shade and the sound of water, and plan on slower hiking if recent storms have left the tread muddy.
02
Essential redwood introduction
Redwood Grove Loop – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton • Easy Old-Growth Redwood Stroll • Best For First-Time Visitors
A short, mostly flat loop that delivers classic cathedral redwoods without committing to a big hike.
Just down Highway 9 in Felton, the Redwood Grove Loop lets you wander among massive old-growth trees on a wide, well-signed trail. It is an obvious pick for families, out-of-town guests, or anybody easing into hiking, with benches and side spurs to explore if you want a bit more mileage. For a quieter experience, aim for early morning or late afternoon when the light slants through the trunks and the day-use area is less busy.
03
Most atmospheric redwood hiking
Redwood Loop and Dool Trail – Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin Off Highway 236 • Rebounding Old-Growth Redwood Park • Best For Feeling The Wild Backcountry
An evolving network of reopened trails in Californias oldest state park, mixing fire-scarred trunks with resilient new growth.
Driving west from Boulder Creek on Highway 236, Big Basin still feels like a big step into the backcountry, even as it rebuilds. The short Redwood Loop and connecting trails like Dool offer a powerful mix of towering survivors, open sky, and lush understory returning after fire. Expect limited services, changing trail access, and a more rugged feel than Henry Cowell, and always check the latest park conditions before heading out.
04
Best ridgeline adventure
Castle Rock State Park – Saratoga Gap and Ridge Loop
Skyline Boulevard • Rocky Ridgeline And Forest Loop • Best For Sweeping Views
A high-country circuit above the redwoods with sandstone outcrops, mixed forest, and big looks out toward the Pacific.
North of Boulder Creek, Castle Rock trades deep canyon shade for open ridgetops and sculpted rock. The Saratoga Gap and adjacent ridge trails undulate along the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with frequent views into the San Lorenzo Valley and out across the coastal foothills. Bring good footwear for rocky sections and be ready for more sun and wind than you get down in the creek corridors.
05
Best coastal change of pace
Wilder Ranch State Park – Coastal Trails
North Of Santa Cruz • Bluff-Top Ocean And Farmstead Walking • Best For Sea Views And Breezes
Gentle trails along the edge of the Pacific make a perfect counterpoint to Boulder Creeks forested routes.
When you are ready to trade redwoods for salt air, head down Highway 9 and out to Wilder Ranch just north of Santa Cruz. The coastal trail network here stays mostly level as it traces the bluff line, looking down on pocket coves, crashing surf, and seabirds riding the wind. It is a great choice for mixed-ability groups, sunset strolls, and shoulder-season days when inland trails feel damp or crowded.