The best hikes from bus stations in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
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3,218
hikers
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hikes
Hiking in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve offers diverse landscapes across its 246 acres, featuring expansive wildflower fields, coastal prairie, and oak woodlands. The preserve includes a riparian corridor along the West Branch of Moore Creek and areas of coastal shrubland. Elevated grassland terraces provide scenic views of the coast and Monterey Bay, with ridges crowned by tall Douglas firs.
Best bus station hiking trails in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
- The most popular bus station hiking route…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
6.07km
01:40
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
14
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(16)
8
hikers
3.37km
00:52
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
4.97km
01:20
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Nice little lookout point well off the beaten parh.
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What's special about this path is that it takes you from Santa Cruz to the Wilder Ranch Park without using Route 1. Once there, you have multiple dirt path choices to ride around up into the park.
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Sand Plant Beach is a nice sandy beach in a deep rocky cove, surrounded by sandstone walls on three sides. The narrow mouth of the cove can trap seaweed along the waterline. From Old Cove Landing Trail a small footpath descends into the back of the beach. The main trail wraps around the back of the beach and continues to Fern Grotto Beach nearby, then to Wilder Beach and the Wilder Ranch visitor center parking lot.
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Fern Grotto Beach is a nice sandy beach in a deep rocky cove, surrounded by sandstone walls on all sides. The grotto is a shallow cave at the back of the beach with ferns draping down over the entrance. The mouth of the cove isn’t large. From Old Cove Landing Trail a small footpath descends into the back of Fern Grotto Beach. The main trail wraps around the back of the beach and continues to Sand Plant Beach to the north, or Wilder Beach to the south.
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Northern entrance to the coastal park from Delaware Ave. The trailhead is pedestrian and biker only, The former road goes straight to the beach, while smaller trails turn east into the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve, and West into the upper portions of the State Beach Park.
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Stunning Natural Bridge Beach is known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved by time, water, and wind. The beach is also known for being home to a colony of monarch butterflies, with over 150,000 coming to live here for the winter. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales!
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A good stretch of flat road lined with trees, surrounding you in nature. It is a perfect stretch for getting the speed up and seeing the trees pass by.
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The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is dedicated to educating the public about marine science research and ocean conservation. It offers the world's largest displayed whale skeleton, 14 aquarium tanks, a shark pool, and a large auditorium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are accessible from bus stations in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
There are over 35 hiking routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve that are easily accessible from nearby bus stations. These trails offer a variety of experiences, with the majority being rated as easy.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on these bus-accessible trails?
The trails accessible from bus stations in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve traverse diverse ecosystems. You'll encounter expansive wildflower fields, rare coastal prairie, and peaceful oak woodlands. The West Branch of Moore Creek also carves a riparian corridor through the preserve, adding to its natural beauty. Keep an eye out for the unique coastal terrace prairie, which is a significant habitat.
Are there any trails that offer scenic views of Monterey Bay?
Yes, many of the elevated grassland terraces within Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve provide spectacular scenic views of the coast and Monterey Bay. These panoramic vistas are a highlight of hiking in the area, especially on clear days.
What is the best time of year to hike in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is particularly beautiful in early spring when wildflowers are in full display across the grasslands, creating a vibrant landscape. However, the diverse ecosystems offer enjoyable hiking experiences throughout much of the year, with coastal breezes often providing comfortable conditions.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
No, to protect its sensitive resources and wildlife, public use in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve is limited to hiking only. Bicycles and dogs are strictly prohibited on all trails within the preserve.
Are there any easy loop trails accessible from a bus stop?
Yes, there are several easy loop trails. For example, the Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve is an easy 5 km route that offers a pleasant walk. Another option is the Arroyo Seco Canyon loop from Moore Creek Wetland Natural Preserve, which is a 6 km easy route.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning views of Monterey Bay, the diverse natural landscapes, and the tranquility of the preserve, making it a favorite for those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
Are there any longer or more challenging routes accessible from bus stations?
While most routes are easy, there are some moderate options. For instance, the West Cliff Cycleway – Santa Cruz Lighthouse loop from Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve is a moderate 11.4 km hike that offers a longer exploration of the coastal area, including landmarks like the Santa Cruz Lighthouse.
Where are the main bus stops for accessing the preserve?
The preserve has two main walk-in entrances that are accessible via public transport. One is located on the north side of Highway 1 across from Shaffer Road, and another is at the end of Meder Street. Santa Cruz Metro bus stops are conveniently located near both of these access points, making it easy to reach the trails without a car.
Can I spot any wildlife while hiking in the preserve?
Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare, threatened, and endangered species. Keep an eye out for the red-legged frog and the Ohlone tiger beetle. It's also an excellent spot for birdwatching, particularly for species that favor grassland and woodland edges.
Are there any coastal trails accessible from bus stations?
Yes, several trails offer coastal experiences. The Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Lighthouse Field State Beach is an easy 3.8 km route that takes you close to the coast. Another option is the West Cliff Cycleway – Santa Cruz Lighthouse loop from Lighthouse Field State Beach, an easy 5.2 km route that provides coastal views.
Most popular routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
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