01
Closest to home
Lompico Headwaters
Above Lompico • Quiet Watershed Canyon • Closest Wild-Feeling Escape
A tucked-away canyon with shaded creekside paths that feel surprisingly remote for being so close to Lompico.
The headwaters above Lompico offer a short but satisfying taste of the Santa Cruz Mountains without a long drive. Expect narrow, sometimes steep tracks under second-growth redwoods, with ferns and moss softening the canyon walls. It’s a great option when you want to get into the woods quickly and don’t mind a more informal, lightly signed route.
02
Best redwood ravine
Fall Creek Unit – Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
North Felton • Shaded Redwood Ravine • Best For Mossy, Creekside Miles
A beloved network of singletrack following a cold, clear creek through dense second-growth redwoods and relics of old lime kilns.
From Lompico, Fall Creek is the go-to spot when you want to walk for hours in the shade. Trails wind up and down the ravine, with log crossings, soft duff underfoot, and historic lime kiln ruins tucked into the hillside. It’s hilly but never dramatic, making it ideal for strong beginners through experienced hikers who enjoy exploring a web of intersecting paths.
03
Classic redwood experience
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Main Section
Near Felton And Highway 9 • Classic Old-Growth Redwood Park • Iconic First-Time Visit
A mix of flat redwood grove loops and airy ridge trails that deliver the quintessential Santa Cruz Mountains hiking experience.
When friends visit and want to see big trees, locals steer them to the main section of Henry Cowell. The easy Redwood Grove loop is perfect for a slow wander among towering old-growth, while nearby trails climb toward sandy ridges with views over the San Lorenzo Valley. It’s busier than the smaller local spots, but the variety of short and longer options makes it an easy crowd-pleaser.
04
Best lake views
Loch Lomond Recreation Area
Above Zayante And Lompico • Reservoir-Side Forest Loop • Best Lake-And-Woods Combo
Rolling trails trace the forested shoreline of a quiet drinking-water reservoir with occasional big views across the water.
Loch Lomond feels like a small mountain lake town folded into the Santa Cruz Mountains. The main trail system offers a mix of gentle lakeside sections and short climbs up and down the wooded slopes, with benches and viewpoints that make easy turnaround spots. It’s a good choice for hikers who like a bit of elevation change without anything too technical, and who enjoy pairing a walk with a picnic by the water.
05
Best half-day outing
Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Santa Cruz Mountains Near Los Gatos • Historic Ranch And Redwood Preserve • Scenic Half-Day Excursion
A network of rehabilitated ranch roads and trails weaving through redwoods, open slopes, and old estate remnants high above the valley.
A bit farther from Lompico, Bear Creek Redwoods rewards the extra drive with big trees and a sense of history. Trails climb steadily from the parking area, linking shady forest sections with more open viewpoints and passing old stonework from the property’s ranch and school days. It’s best when you have a few hours and want a more expansive loop than the tight canyons closer to home.