01
Best overall pick
Byrne-Milliron Forest
Browns Valley Road, Corralitos • Quiet Mixed-Redwood Forest • Local Favorite For Views
A tucked-away hillside preserve with winding trails, big valley views, and a surprisingly wild feel just minutes from Corralitos.
If you want a hike that feels local and low-key, this is the spot to start. The network of trails lets you stitch together short loops or longer rambles through second-growth redwoods and sunny ridges. On clear days, the viewpoints over the Pajaro Valley and Monterey Bay make the climb feel more than worth it.
02
Classic redwood escape
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Foothills • Deep Redwood Canyon Park • Best For Long Trail Days
Miles of shaded singletrack wind through a steep redwood canyon, ideal for cool, immersive hikes just over the hill from Corralitos.
Nisene Marks is where locals go when they want to disappear into the trees for a few hours. You can keep it mellow on lower fire roads or head deeper up the canyon on narrow trails that follow the creek and old logging grades. It’s a strong pick for runners, hikers training for big climbs, and anyone who wants that classic Santa Cruz redwood feel.
03
Shadiest summer option
Mount Madonna County Park
Hecker Pass Above Watsonville • Shady Ridge-Top Forest Park • Best For Cool Summer Hikes
A high, wooded ridge with looping trails through redwoods and oaks, offering cooler temperatures and filtered views toward the valley.
Perched along Hecker Pass, Mount Madonna catches the breeze and stays noticeably cooler than the lowlands on hot days. Trails weave between redwoods, madrone, and oak, with a mix of short family-friendly loops and longer connectors that let you explore the ridge. It’s a good choice when the fog is in and you want moody forest walking instead of coastal crowds.
04
Iconic redwood stroll
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Near Felton And Scotts Valley • Iconic Old-Growth Redwood Park • Best First-Timer Pick
Easy-to-navigate trails showcase towering old-growth redwoods with options to branch onto longer loops in the surrounding hills.
If you’re introducing visitors to the area, Henry Cowell is an easy recommendation from Corralitos. The flat redwood grove loop gives a quick hit of towering trees, while side trails climb into sandhills and mixed forest for more of a workout. The layout is straightforward, the signage is clear, and you can dial the distance up or down without much planning.
05
Best coastal outing
Wilder Ranch State Park
North Coast, Santa Cruz • Coastal Bluff And Ranchland Park • Best For Ocean Views
Bluff-top paths trace the coastline above pocket coves and sea cliffs, backed by mellow ranch roads across rolling fields.
When you want a change from forest shade, Wilder Ranch delivers open-sky hiking with constant Pacific views. The coastal trails are mostly gentle, making it easy to wander between viewpoints, sea-bird perches, and wave-carved inlets. It’s an especially good pick for sunset walks or mixed groups who want big scenery without a big climb.