Wilder Ranch State Park

Category: Nature preserve in Santa Cruz, California

Address: 1401 Coast Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Phone: +18314239703

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–8:30PM

Monday: 8AM–8:30PM

Tuesday: 8AM–8:30PM

Wednesday: 8AM–8:30PM

Thursday: 8AM–8:30PM

Friday: 8AM–8:30PM

Saturday: 8AM–8:30PM

Reviews

Tina Nguyen

Aug 21, 2022

I hiked this park on 8/14/2022. It costs $10 for parking, it has clean bathroom at the trailhead, and some picnic tables. It was an easy hike, very flat, with amazing views of the coastline from up high, and the coastal trail was stunning with cliffs, edges, and a big waves crashing, I loved the sounds of it , I saw plenty of pelicans, seals, gulls, geese. 99.9% of the trail is exposing to the sun, so it could be hot in summer days, and the trail surface is dirt, sand, and rocks. Don’t forget to check out a little cave, it is dynamic photo opportunity. I’m absolutely in love with it, I will come back.

Jessica Janniere

Aug 3, 2022

This park was the perfect place to lead a group hike to close out our 2.5 day Leadership Retreat held in Santa Cruz. It has clear trails that are easy to moderate. The trail that my group and I explored led us to incredible scenic views. So relaxing and refreshing! Upon entry into the park there are clean bathrooms and picnic tables. Parking is available as well. Overall, the Old Cove Landing Trail is great for hikers that are looking for something more relaxing/ easy and scenic then challenging and strenuous. Please note- we did not complete the entire loop due to time constraints. But this was my experience up to the edge by the ocean. There are more challenging trails in the park. This park is definitely recommended. As a New Yorker who was visiting the area, it made me love California even more.

Priya R

Apr 25, 2022

A beautiful coastal area to explore. We planned to hike to Fern grotto beach via old cove landing trail but kids got tired after a mile and we turned back. But this trail was very interesting. Spotted bunnies, tons of ladybugs and wildflowers. Parking is $10. The coastal views left us in awe. A must visit.

Xochitl C.

Apr 9, 2022

This place is good to walk beside the ocean and see all the unimaginable landscape. Is like a oil painting!!! And you can smell the salt and feel better. The parking price is $10 usd per day but you always can choose to buy an annual pass and is wonderful!!!

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Questions & Answers

Can you fly drones?

Nohemi Kawasaki | Aug 29, 2020
Wilder Ranch State Park | Aug 29, 2021

Drones are not allowed at Wilder Ranch State Park or the Coast Dairies Beaches up the coast.

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Can this be ebikes as well?

Scoot Feet | Aug 29, 2020
Kyle | Aug 29, 2020

Definitely, all bikes welcome :)

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Is there picnic tables available?

Claro Manzano | Aug 29, 2021
Annette Clonts | Aug 29, 2021

Yes a great place to see

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Can I fish on the beach ?

eric allen | Aug 29, 2020
Dave Brian | Aug 29, 2020

No, it is a marine protected area within the Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve.

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Are horses allowed?

jose marta | Aug 30, 2019
mike latta | Aug 30, 2019

On certain trails, yes

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What is the nearest place from Wilder Ranch to rent a bike ?

Sumit Saraogi | Aug 29, 2021
Luiz Marques | Aug 29, 2021

Mission street.

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How high are the cliffs along the beach?

Judith Burdick | Aug 29, 2021
Kim Johnston | Aug 29, 2021

High enough to bring you eye level with cruising seabirds such as pelicans!

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is there any place to fish

Nazario Tenorio | Aug 29, 2020
Gary A. Fernandes | Aug 29, 2020

Laguna Beach would be better to fish at

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Is there camping ??

Chavo Del ocho | Aug 30, 2019
Thomas Adams | Aug 30, 2019

There is no camping. Try New Brighton State Park or Half Moon Bay State Park.

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Dog friendly wilder ranch

Cynthia Rose | Aug 30, 2019
A Miya | Aug 30, 2019

I've never seen dogs there and another person posted previously that their site says dogs are not allowed. Only service animals.

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Are dogs allowed

Ellen Miller | Aug 30, 2018
Tim Tran | Aug 30, 2018

From the park website, DOGS are not allowed at Wilder Ranch (except for service animals).

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What crop is growing there?

Lanell Dapello | Aug 30, 2018
Wilder Ranch State Park | Aug 29, 2021

The largest percentage of the crops are brussel sprouts and some of the other plots in seasonal rotation are pumpkins. The crop along the entry road is rosemary. The small plot of crops near the historical farm house and visitor's center vary a lot by season.

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