Wilder Ranch State Park
High Traffic Alert
This park experiences heavy crowds, especially on weekends.
Check out the similar parks below for a better experience
Very crowded, parking fills up early
Best: Visit in off-season or try alternatives
Historic ranch and dairy farm preserved on the Santa Cruz coast, surrounded by 7,000 acres of coastal terraces, sea cliffs, and tide pools. The ranch buildings showcase California's agricultural heritage with docents demonstrating traditional crafts. Over 35 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding wind through coastal bluffs and canyons. Excellent year-round access to beaches and coastal scenery. A perfect blend of history and nature.
Accepted Passes
Try These Instead
These parks offer similar experiences with fewer crowds
China Camp State Park
Historic Chinese fishing village (1880s) with tidal marshes, trails, and Bay views.
Why go: Similar hiking, off-the-beaten-path character, coastal scenery experience
Around 75 miles away
