01
Best coastal wildlife hike
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
North Of Watsonville Toward Moss Landing • Coastal Wetland Preserve With Mellow Loops • Best For Bird‑Watchers And Gentle Rambles
Boardwalks and easy dirt paths wind past tidal channels where sea otters, shorebirds, and harbor seals are everyday sightings.
If you want a low‑elevation hike that still feels wild, the loops at Elkhorn Slough are hard to beat. Short connectors let you piece together anything from a quick 30‑minute stroll to a few hours of walking through oaks, marsh, and open viewpoints. It’s a great choice when coastal fog rolls in, or when you’re hiking with mixed abilities and want plenty of benches and pull‑outs.
02
Best redwood canyon adventure
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos, Up From Soquel Drive • Steep, Shaded Redwood Canyon Network • Shadiest Summer Escape
Old logging roads and singletrack climb deep into a cool redwood gorge, with options that range from creekside strolls to all‑day climbs.
From Interlaken, Nisene Marks is the quickest way into true Santa Cruz Mountains terrain. Many locals start on the gentle fire road along Aptos Creek, then branch off onto trails like Old Growth Loop or Vienna Woods for more elevation and solitude. Expect limited services once you leave the parking area, but excellent shade, lush ferns, and that classic cathedral‑redwood feel almost immediately.
03
Most classic redwoods walk
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton, Along Highway 9 • Mixed Redwood And River Canyon Trails • Most Convenient Half‑Day Outing
A flat redwood grove loop pairs easily with hillier trails and river access, making it a flexible choice for varied groups.
Henry Cowell is where many locals bring out‑of‑town visitors for that first towering‑redwood experience. The main grove loop is short, wide, and interpretive, while side trails like Pipeline Road and Eagle Creek add mileage and elevation if you want more of a workout. With nearby services in Felton and multiple picnic spots, it works well as a relaxed half‑day anchored by a memorable hike.
04
Top coastal bluff hike
Wilder Ranch State Park
North Of Santa Cruz On The Coast • Blufftop Coastal And Ranchland Trails • Best Ocean‑View Mileage
Miles of mostly level paths trace the edge of the cliffs, with constant Pacific views, sea caves, and crashing surf below.
The Ohlone Bluff and neighboring trails at Wilder Ranch offer some of the easiest big‑payoff hiking near Interlaken. You can wander out‑and‑back along the coast, watching pelicans skim the waves and surfers work the breaks, or loop inland through rolling ranchland for a bit more elevation. Wind can be strong and sun exposure is real, so locals pack layers and aim for mornings or late afternoons when the light is at its best.
05
Best bigger-mileage training ground
Fort Ord National Monument
Hills Above Marina And Seaside • Open Oak Woodland And Chaparral Network • Wide‑Open Training Ground
A sprawling grid of former military roads and singletrack lets you dial in long, rolling hikes with broad views toward Monterey Bay.
Fort Ord is the spot locals use when they want a leg‑stretching hike without technical terrain. Trailheads off Reservation Road and Gigling Road quickly connect you to loops of almost any length, from quick evening circuits to long conditioning walks. Expect exposed hillsides, spring wildflowers, and enough junctions that a map or app is handy the first few times you explore.