01
Best big-adventure loop
Soquel Demonstration State Forest
Soquel Hills Above Town • Steep Redwood Singletrack And Fire-Road Loops • Best For Strong Hikers And Riders
A rugged, high-elevation playground of shaded ravines and ridge climbs that feels surprisingly wild for being so close to Soquel.
If you like your hikes with serious elevation gain, Soquel Demo’s network of fire roads and singletrack delivers long, leg-burning climbs and sweeping ridge views. Expect to share the trails with mountain bikers and to be out for several hours if you commit to a full loop. Start early, pack extra water, and treat it like a backcountry outing even though you’re just up the hill from town.
02
Most peaceful forest loop
Land of Medicine Buddha Loop
Forested Canyon Off Prescott Road • Quiet Monastery-Adjacent Redwood Forest • Peaceful Escape For Mindful Miles
A meditative redwood loop with soft tread, gentle grades, and plenty of spots to slow down and listen to the forest.
Tucked into the Soquel hills, this beloved loop winds past prayer flags, small shrines, and a lush creek before climbing into deeper redwoods. The grade is steady rather than steep, making it a satisfying workout that still feels accessible to most regular walkers. Go early, keep voices low near the retreat buildings, and always check for current access rules posted at the entrance.
03
Best all-day redwood escape
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Aptos Canyon Just South Of Soquel • Expansive Redwood Canyon With Creekside Trails • Best For Long Shaded Rambles
Miles of cool, shaded trails along Aptos Creek lead deep into second-growth redwoods and toward destinations like Maple Falls.
From the lower fire road to narrow singletrack like the West Ridge and old railroad grades, Nisene Marks is where locals go when they want to disappear into the woods for hours. You can keep it easy with a flat out-and-back along the creek or push farther to waterfalls and higher viewpoints. Summer weekends get busy at the main entrance, so weekday mornings or shoulder seasons are ideal.
04
Classic redwood showstopper
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Felton, North Of Soquel Over The Hill • Old-Growth Redwood Groves And Sandy Ridgetop Trails • Iconic Santa Cruz Mountains Sampler
A mix of flat boardwalk beneath towering old-growth and longer loops that climb to sun-baked ridges with big valley views.
Start with the short Redwood Grove loop to walk among some of the tallest trees in the county, then link trails like Pipeline, Eagle Creek, or Ridge for more distance and changing terrain. The park offers a rare combination of towering forest, open chaparral, and easy-to-follow signage, so it works well for mixed groups. Parking fills quickly near the grove on weekends, so consider the less-used trailheads if you prefer quiet.
05
Best coastal bluff hike
Wilder Ranch State Park
North Coast Just Past Santa Cruz • Oceanfront Ranchland And Cliffside Trails • Top Pick For Coastal Scenery
Wide, mostly level trails trace the edge of the cliffs above pocket beaches and sea caves, with nonstop Pacific views.
When the fog lifts, Wilder’s Ohlone Bluff and Old Cove Landing trails deliver some of the best ocean vistas within a short drive of Soquel. The routes are generally gentle and exposed, making them great for casual walkers, families, and sunset missions—just bring layers for the wind. Watch for nesting seabirds and stay back from cliff edges, especially after winter storms.