The best city hikes and walks in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve

Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve offers a variety of urban hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to moderately difficult paths. You'll find routes that traverse diverse ecosystems, including wildflower fields, coastal prairie, oak woodlands, and riparian corridors. Many trails provide stunning panoramic views of Monterey Bay.

This guide features nearly 40 urban hiking routes within Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve. Most of these, about 34, are rated as easy, with 5 routes considered moderate, offering options for various fitness levels.

Yes, the preserve has many easy urban hikes. For a pleasant coastal experience, consider the Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve, which is just over 5 kilometers. Another great option is the Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Lighthouse Field State Beach, a shorter 3.8-kilometer route.

For a longer, moderately challenging urban hike, you might enjoy the West Cliff Cycleway – Santa Cruz Lighthouse loop from Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve. This route spans over 11 kilometers and offers extended coastal views.

The preserve is beautiful year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflower displays, while fall offers the chance to witness monarch butterfly migrations near Natural Bridges State Beach. The coastal climate generally provides pleasant hiking conditions throughout the seasons.

Hikers can explore a rich tapestry of habitats, including expansive wildflower fields, rare coastal terrace prairie, oak woodlands, and a riparian corridor along the West Branch of Moore Creek. You'll also find coastal shrubland and areas with tall Douglas firs, all contributing to stunning views of Monterey Bay.

While hiking, you'll be close to significant natural attractions. The preserve connects to Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its picturesque natural arches and, in the fall, monarch butterfly migrations. Some routes, like the West Cliff Cycleway – Santa Cruz Lighthouse loop from Swift Halt, pass by the Santa Cruz Lighthouse.

The urban hiking trails in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 200 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal views, diverse natural landscapes, and the peaceful atmosphere.

No, to protect its sensitive resources and rare species habitat, public use within Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve is limited to hiking only. Dogs and bicycles are prohibited on the trails.

There is no on-site parking directly within the preserve. However, walk-in entrances are available from Highway 1 at Shaffer Road and at the end of Meder Street, providing convenient access to the trail network.

Yes, several circular routes are available. For example, the West Cliff Drive Loop offers a scenic circular urban hike of about 7.2 kilometers, providing continuous coastal views.

Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve is a critical habitat for several rare, threatened, and endangered species, including the red-legged frog and the Ohlone tiger beetle. While these are often elusive, you may spot various bird species, and the preserve's management includes cattle grazing, so you might see cattle in designated areas.