01
Best overall pick
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton – Highway 9 Entrance • Classic Redwood State Park With Varied Loops • Go-To Choice For First-Time Visitors
A quintessential Felton hike with old-growth redwoods, river access, and loops for every energy level.
If you only have time for one hike near Felton, make it Henry Cowell. Start with the flat Redwood Grove Loop to wander among enormous old-growth trees, then branch out to the Observation Deck or river trails if you want more mileage. The trail network is well-signed, the parking is straightforward, and it’s close enough to town that you can be back for coffee or dinner without a long drive.
02
Local’s hidden favorite
Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell
North Felton – Felton Empire Road • Shady Creek Canyon With Historic Ruins • Best For Quiet Forest Time
A cooler, quieter side of Henry Cowell with mossy creekside trails and old lime kiln ruins tucked in the forest.
The Fall Creek Unit feels wilder and more intimate than the main park, with narrow paths that trace the creek under dense second-growth redwoods and firs. Hikes here often follow soft, rooty singletrack, crossing wooden bridges and passing the crumbling remains of the historic lime works. It’s a great pick on warm days, but expect more elevation changes and fewer amenities than the main entrance.
03
Classic backcountry outing
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Boulder Creek Area, North Of Felton • Expansive Redwood Wilderness With Longer Routes • Best All-Day Adventure
A storied redwood park offering longer, more rugged hikes through recovering forest and deep canyons.
Big Basin has long been the region’s big backcountry draw, with routes that feel far more remote than the mileage from Felton suggests. While fire recovery has changed parts of the landscape, trails that are open still deliver towering trees, canyon views, and a real sense of being out in the woods for the day. Check the park’s current map and conditions, then build a loop that matches how many hours you actually want to be on your feet.
04
Best coastal scenery
Wilder Ranch State Park
Santa Cruz Coast – West Of Town • Blufftop Coastal Park With Historic Ranch Core • Best For Ocean Views And Breezes
A network of mellow cliffside trails overlooking sea arches, coves, and steady Pacific surf.
When you want big views instead of big trees, head to Wilder Ranch just up the coast from Santa Cruz. The coastal trails are mostly flat, making it easy to wander for miles as you watch for sea birds, harbor seals, and seasonal wildflowers along the bluffs. Start from the historic ranch complex, then follow any of the signed coastal routes until you’re ready to turn the scenery around and head back.
05
Best close-to-town escape
Pogonip Open Space
Santa Cruz – Above The Ucsc Campus • City-Edge Open Space With Forest, Meadows, And Vistas • Best For A Quick, Flexible Hike
A convenient patchwork of trails where you can slip from redwood shade to open meadow in a single loop.
Pogonip is a local standby when you want to hike without committing to a full day. Trails wander through mixed forest, past hidden meadows and old ranch structures, with occasional viewpoints toward Monterey Bay. Loops can be stitched together to suit a short leg-stretcher or a longer outing, and the proximity to Santa Cruz makes it easy to pair a hike with a stop downtown or at the beach.