01
Best classic redwood hike
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – Graham Hill Trails
Across The River From Paradise Park Along Graham Hill Road • Shady Redwood And Mixed-Forest Loops • Best Classic Redwood Immersion
A close-to-home network of soft, shady trails that drop quickly into redwood canyons and climb back to drier ridges.
The Graham Hill entrance to Henry Cowell is the easiest big-hike access point from Paradise Park, with loops you can tailor from under an hour to most of a morning. Expect a mix of old roadbeds and narrower singletrack, plus a few short but steep pulls as you move between creek bottoms and ridgeline pines. It’s a dependable choice when you want the full redwood feel without a long drive.
02
Best in-town escape
Pogonip Open Space Preserve – Pogonip Loop
Santa Cruz Foothills Just South Of Paradise Park • Meadow-And-Forest Hillside Preserve • Best In-Town Nature Fix
Rolling singletrack links shaded creek draws, open meadows, and UCSC-adjacent forest with easy access from town.
Pogonip feels surprisingly wild given how close it is to downtown Santa Cruz and Highway 1. The main loop samples a bit of everything: ferny ravines, grassy clearings with bay views, and quieter forest stretches above the noise of town. Start early on warm days—there are exposed sections—and keep an eye on junctions, as the web of trails can be confusing on a first visit.
03
Best coastal-and-forest combo
Wilder Ranch State Park – Enchanted Loop
North Coast Just West Of Santa Cruz • Coastal Terrace And Canyon Trails • Best Coastal Views Near Paradise Park
The Enchanted Loop strings together creekside redwoods, quiet canyons, and big ocean vistas in a single moderate outing.
From Paradise Park, Wilder is an easy drive that rewards you with both inland shade and open Pacific views. The Enchanted Loop tucks into cool, mossy forest before climbing out to wide benches where you can see farmland, cliffs, and the ocean in one sweep. Fog and wind can change the feel fast, so pack a layer even on seemingly warm days.
04
Most convenient after-work loop
DeLaveaga Park – Upper DeLaveaga Loop
East Santa Cruz Hills • Oak And Mixed-Forest City Park Trails • Best Quick Workout Close To Town
Short, punchy climbs and twists through oak woodland make this loop ideal when you only have an hour to spare.
DeLaveaga’s upper trails wind above the golf course and disc-golf areas, giving you a surprisingly woodsy feel right inside the city grid. The loop stacks a few solid climbs and descents, so you can get your heart rate up without committing to a half-day. Expect some shared use with runners, dog walkers, and mountain bikers, especially near popular trailheads.
05
Best quiet canyon ramble
Eagle Creek Trail
Forest Corridor North Of Paradise Park • Narrow Creekside Canyon Trail • Best For A Peaceful Half-Day Outing
Following a cool, shaded creek upstream, this trail feels surprisingly remote given its short drive from Paradise Park.
Eagle Creek is a good pick when you want to trade big views for the sound of water and birds under deep shade. The grade stays fairly gentle, but the path can be narrow, with roots, rocks, and occasional blowdowns that keep you watching your footing. Go after winter rains or in spring for the best flow and greenery, and expect limited services at the trailhead.