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Wilder Beach Natural Preserve in Santa Cruz | Map and Routes

Beach · Wetland

5 (114 ratings)

Discover the natural beauty of Wilder Beach Natural Preserve in Scotts Valley, a stunning 58.4-acre park that offers an idyllic setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its diverse landscape ...

Discover the natural beauty of Wilder Beach Natural Preserve in Scotts Valley, a stunning 58.4-acre park that offers an idyllic setting for walking and hiking enthusiasts. With its diverse landscape and well-maintained trails, this preserve provides an ideal environment for outdoor activity. The park features the picturesque Old Cove Landing Trail, a 2.3-mile route that showcases the breathtaking natural surroundings and provides an invigorating walking experience. Whether you are seeking a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Wilder Beach Natural Preserve has something for everyone. As you explore the diverse terrain of Wilder Beach Natural Preserve, you will encounter a variety of scenic viewpoints and natural habitats. The park's trails offer a delightful combination of coastal vistas, lush woodlands, and tranquil meadows, creating a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. With its well-marked routes and well-maintained paths, this preserve provides a safe and enjoyable environment for walkers and hikers of all skill levels. Whether you are embarking on a solo adventure or enjoying a day out with family and friends, the preserve's natural beauty and diverse trails will leave a lasting impression. For those seeking to discover more about the park's trails and routes, the Pacer Pedometer app offers valuable information on the park's walking and hiking opportunities. Whether you are looking for trail maps, distance measurements, or estimated times for various routes, the app provides essential details to enhance your outdoor experience. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive park information, Pacer Pedometer is a valuable tool for walkers and hikers eager to explore the natural wonders of Wilder Beach Natural Preserve in Scotts Valley.

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Walking and Hiking in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve in Scotts Valley offers an exceptional opportunity for walking and hiking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With its stunning ocean view viewpoint, the park provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as walking and hiking. The diverse terrain and picturesque landscapes ...

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve in Scotts Valley offers an exceptional opportunity for walking and hiking enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. With its stunning ocean view viewpoint, the park provides an ideal setting for outdoor activities such as walking and hiking. The diverse terrain and picturesque landscapes make it a haven for those seeking an active and adventurous escape. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Wilder Beach Natural Preserve has something to suit every walker and hiker's needs. The park's amenities, including the mesmerizing ocean view viewpoint, further enhance the experience, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Other Info about Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Hours8AM-8:30PM
Phone(831) 423-9703
Websitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilder_Ranch_State_Park

Things to See in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Viewpoint

Ocean View

Best Walking Routes in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

#1 - Old Cove Landing Trail
2
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 39m

Old Cove Landing Trail is a 2.3 mile (5,000-step) route located near Santa Cruz, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 55.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Wilder Beach Natural Preserve Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Edward
26
Edward
20
Aubrey
6
4
5
5brandonpflug77
5
6madecorte
4
7stevenguiney
3
8Chai
3
9HalfHand 529
3
10Wandee
2
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve
Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve
Natural Bridges State Park
Sergeant Derby Park
University Terrace Park
Moore Creek Open Space
Garfield Park
Cliff Drive Open Space
Bethany Curve Greenbelt

FAQs About Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Where is the best place to walk in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

The best place to walk in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve is along the Old Cove Landing Trail. It's a 2.3-mile trail with a rating of 4.0 based on 1 review. The Pacer community has provided this route information and rating.

How many routes are in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve has one main route, the Old Cove Landing Trail, which is 2.3 miles long. The Pacer community has provided this route information and rating.

Which is the longest route in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

The longest route in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve is the Old Cove Landing Trail, which spans 2.3 miles. The Pacer community has provided this route information and rating.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve offers several amenities for walkers and hikers, including well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and restroom facilities at various points throughout the park.

How accessible is Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve is accessible for walkers and hikers of all levels. The trails are well-marked and offer a range of difficulty levels, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

What kind of sports can I do in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

In addition to walking and hiking, visitors to Wilder Beach Natural Preserve can also enjoy activities such as birdwatching, nature photography, and potentially beach activities, depending on the specific park regulations and conditions.

What is the best season to walk in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

The best season to walk in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve is typically in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Walkers and hikers should prepare for warm temperatures in the summer and rain in the winter.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve?

In Wilder Beach Natural Preserve, you might encounter wildlife such as deer, coyotes, various bird species, and possibly marine life along the coast. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and respect the natural habitat of these animals.

Last updated: Dec 5, 2025

Parks Near Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve
Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve
Natural Bridges State Park
Sergeant Derby Park
University Terrace Park
Moore Creek Open Space
Garfield Park
Cliff Drive Open Space
Bethany Curve Greenbelt

Latest Check-ins at Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

ndejilloDec 5, 2025
Dec 5, 2025Cycling
PacerPalOct 18, 2025
Oct 18, 2025Walking
stevenguineyOct 21, 2025
Oct 21, 2025Cycling
AubreyOct 12, 2025
Oct 12, 2025Hiking
stevenguineyOct 6, 2025
Oct 6, 2025Cycling
JerrodJun 28, 2025
Jun 28, 2025Walking
stevenguineyAug 29, 2025
Aug 29, 2025Walking
PJAug 23, 2025
Aug 23, 2025Walking
Aug 9, 2025
Aug 9, 2025Cycling
Jun 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025Cycling
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

RankingCheck-ins
Edward
26
Edward
20
Aubrey
6
4
5
5brandonpflug77
5
6madecorte
4
7stevenguiney
3
8Chai
3
9HalfHand 529
3
10Wandee
2
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Wilder Beach Natural Preserve
#1- Old Cove Landing Trail
2
Length: 2.3 milesEst. Time: 39m

Old Cove Landing Trail is a 2.3 mile (5,000-step) route located near Santa Cruz, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 55.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Photos of Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

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