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Santa Cruz Hiking Trails
Best hikes and trail fitness guide for coastal bluffs, redwoods, and mountain trails
Santa Cruz County offers hikes from flat coastal paths to demanding mountain ascents. Whether you want an easy walk along West Cliff or a full-day trek to Berry Creek Falls, this guide covers distance, difficulty, elevation, and what each trail demands from your body.
Wilder Ranch Ohlone Bluff Trail
3.5 miles round tripEasyMinimal elevation
Notable: Coastal bluffs, ocean views, historic ranch buildings
Low cardiovascular demand, gentle walking. Good for recovery days or beginners.
Fall Creek Unit (Henry Cowell)
5-6 milesModerateVariable, gradual climbs elevation
Notable: Redwood forest, lime kilns, shaded single track along creek
Sustained leg endurance, moderate ankle stability on uneven terrain.
Pogonip Fern Trail Loop
3 milesModerateRolling elevation
Notable: Ferns, redwoods, meadows, connects to UCSC trails
Leg strength for short climbs, stability on tree roots and loose dirt.
UCSC Campus to Pogonip Connector
Varies, 2-5 miles typicalModerateRolling to steep sections elevation
Notable: Single track through forest, fire roads, university land
Hill endurance, technical footing. Popular with trail runners.
West Cliff Drive Walk
3 milesEasyFlat elevation
Notable: Paved coastal path, surf breaks, Natural Bridges, harbor views
Low impact. Ideal for pace work, recovery walks, or warm-ups.
Forest of Nisene Marks
5-15+ miles depending on routeModerate to hardSignificant in upper canyon elevation
Notable: Deep redwood canyon, Loma Prieta epicenter, historic logging roads
Strong legs, cardiovascular endurance, knee stability for descents.
Big Basin Redwoods (Berry Creek Falls)
10+ milesChallengingSteep climbs and descents elevation
Notable: Waterfall hike, old-growth redwoods, iconic Santa Cruz Mountains
Full leg strength, knee control, sustained cardio. Plan for a long day.
DeLaveaga Park
2-4 miles typical loopsModerateVaried, some steep sections elevation
Notable: Varied terrain, disc golf area, oak woodland and forest
Leg strength, agility for uneven trails. Popular local training ground.
Training for Hiking at Mavericks
Steep trails, rocky footing, and long descents demand specific fitness. Mavericks trainers build leg strength for climbs, cardiovascular endurance for sustained effort, and knee stability for downhill control. Whether you are preparing for Big Basin or building a base for local day hikes, structured training helps you stay injury-free and enjoy the trail longer.
Leg Strength
Squats, step-ups, lunges for uphill power
Cardiovascular Base
Sustained effort conditioning for long days
Knee Stability
Control on descents and uneven terrain
Find a Coach for Your Trail Goals
Work with a Mavericks trainer who understands hiking fitness and prepares you for Santa Cruz terrain.
Browse Trainer Directory