Wilder Ranch State Park
1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
About Us
Wilder Ranch State Park, located in Santa Cruz, California, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and diverse natural beauty of the Santa Cruz coastline. With 7,000 acres of land, the park features a variety of attractions, including an Interpretive Center and Park Store (currently closed due to flooding), guided hikes, and public programs.
Visitors can step back in time to the late 1800s and experience California's early ranching history by visiting historic buildings such as an 1897 Victorian home and a 1896 water-powered machine shop. The park also offers more than 35 miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as equestrian-only campsites for horseback riding enthusiasts.
In addition to exploring the park's historical sites and scenic trails, visitors can learn about the local wildlife, including the endangered marbled murrelet bird, through educational programs and events. The park also offers opportunities for school groups to participate in virtual and in-person programs, as well as a park-equity program called Kids2Parks, which provides transportation funding for field trips to select Title 1 schools.
Whether you're interested in history, outdoor recreation, or wildlife conservation, Wilder Ranch State Park has something for everyone to enjoy. So come visit this unique park on the Santa Cruz coastline and discover the beauty and history of this special place.
You might also consider
Hours open
Monday:
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday:
8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
You might also consider
Photos
You might also consider
You might also consider
Reviews
"Beautiful trails for all abilities, friendly docents, plenty of parking. Clean, well maintained facilities and plenty of park benches for a quiet lunch. Will probably give 5 stars when more trails open in Summer"
"Wilder Ranch State Park is one of my go to spots for couples engagement and maternity shoots. I had a stunning day walking around Wilder to find all the amazing spots for photographs. You have everything from costal cliffs, gorgeous open beaches, fern grottos, and tons of seals! Such stunning backdrops and an accessible place to get out of town and see some amazing nature."
"AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! My husband and I got here on a Saturday around 9am and the main parking lot was already pretty packed. We walked along the sea cliffs and were in awe of how beautiful this park is. The trail we were on doesn’t loop back to the parking lot so we had to backtrack which was pretty tiring, but the weather and the park views made it ok! Make sure to bring water, cash for parking, and some snacks because this can be a daily event!"
"A beautiful state park just outside Santa Cruz. The walk along the bluff (Ohlone Bluff trail) is great. A lot of people ride their bikes too, and that's a smart choice because the trail is long. There isn't a cutback to the parking lot that I saw so we doubled back halfway through our walk because we had a 6 year old with us who wouldn't have made the whole long walk. We did get to see a bunch of seals resting on a beach (inaccessible) so that was a plus. There are two other beaches on the trail with fairly easy access. No restroom on the trail other than at the parking lot and no food service at all. Take water, something to snack on, and enjoy the bluff. Parking is $10."
"This place.. Was quite something for a beachside "state park". From hiking & bike trails, to never ending bluffs sprawling with tide pools, lagoons and hodde n coves for days. We only biked a few miles as the weather knowingly shifted yet it was absolutely epic in every way. I can only imagine how pretty a sunset ride could be. All this and & So much more to explore!!"
You might also consider
People also searched for
List of local businesses, places and services in California
⭐ business help 🔍 services ☎ phones 🕒 opening times ✍️reviews 🌍 addresses, locations 📷 photos