01
Best close-to-town loop
Glenwood Open Space Preserve
Scotts Valley – Glenwood Drive Hills • Oak And Grassland Open Space Preserve • Best For Rolling After-Work Hikes
A network of gentle loops just above town, with open views, spring wildflowers, and a low-key local feel.
Glenwood’s west and east trail systems give you a surprising mix of open meadows, small ponds, and pockets of forest within minutes of central Scotts Valley. The grades are mostly moderate, making it a great choice for stretching your legs after work or introducing newer hikers to local terrain. Parking is straightforward, but there’s little shade on the higher stretches, so an early or late-day start is more comfortable on hot days.
02
Best quick escape
Lodato Park Trail
Scotts Valley – South Of Town Center • Shaded Neighborhood Forest Loop • Best For Short, Quiet Walks
A compact loop that climbs quickly into redwoods and bay trees, ideal when you only have an hour to spare.
Tucked just off a residential street, Lodato Park feels surprisingly secluded once you’re a few minutes up the trail. The loop is short but punchy, with enough elevation gain to get your heart rate up before dropping you back at the trailhead. It’s a go-to for locals walking the dog, fitting in a pre-work hike, or sampling the area’s redwoods without committing to a full half-day in the car or on the trail.
03
Best classic redwood experience
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton – Main Park Entrance • Iconic Redwood State Park • Best For First-Time Visitors
Towering old-growth redwoods, sandy river terraces, and a dense trail network just a short drive from Scotts Valley.
The main section of Henry Cowell is where many locals bring out-of-town guests to experience true coastal redwood forest. The flat redwood grove loop is easy and accessible, while longer routes branch out toward the river and higher, sandier ridges for more of a workout. Weekends can be busy around the core grove and parking areas, so aim for early morning or a weekday visit if you prefer quieter trails.
04
Best for shaded mileage
Fall Creek Unit, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton – Fall Creek Area • Creekside Redwood Canyon Network • Best For Longer, Cool-Weather Hikes
A cooler, steeper side of Henry Cowell with narrow singletrack along a clear creek and relics of old lime kilns.
The Fall Creek Unit trades crowds for a wilder feel, with trails that hug the creek, twist through dense second-growth redwoods, and climb into quieter side canyons. It’s a favorite when temperatures rise elsewhere, since much of the route stays shaded and close to running water. Expect more roots, narrow tread, and elevation change than in the main park, and plan on a few hours if you want to explore beyond the lower creek loops.
05
Best for big views and rock features
Castle Rock State Park
Santa Cruz Mountains Ridgeline • High-Elevation Sandstone And Ridge Trails • Best For Scenic Day Hikes
Rugged ridge walks, sweeping views toward the Pacific, and sculpted sandstone outcrops a short drive up into the mountains.
Perched high on the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock feels more like a Sierra foothill hike than a coastal redwood walk. Trails wind past caves and rock formations popular with climbers before breaking out onto viewpoints that overlook deep forested valleys. The elevation keeps things cooler and breezier, but the terrain is rocky and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear and a bit more time make the outing much more enjoyable.