Wilder Beach – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

Hiking trails & Routes

Wilder Beach – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

Moderate

3.3

(18)

hikers

Wilder Beach – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

02:49

10.8km

80m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 5, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wilder Ranch State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

118 m

Antonelli Pond - Moore Creek Trail and Preserve

Highlight • Lake

Antonelli Pond is a man-made pond fed by Moore Creek on the west side of Santa Cruz. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County has restored this neighborhood with trails …

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603 m

Natural Bridges State Beach Trail, Creek, Butterfly Preserve

Highlight • Trail

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 …

Tip by

4.95 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Nature Reserve

5.00 km

Wilder Beach

Highlight • Beach

Protected as a natural preserve, the wide sandy beach is undeveloped and wild.

Tip by

5.10 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Highlight • Beach

Wide and wild beach preserve closed to the public. Park info at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549
Good gravel and dirt trails lead out to and along the cliffs. Several coves to the west …

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6.19 km

Fern Grotto Beach

Highlight • Beach

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 …

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6.52 km

Sand Plant Beach

Highlight • Beach

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 …

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8.04 km

Historic ranch, now a state preserve with demonstrations of old farming techniques and miles of trails popular with hikers and bikers in the hills and along the dramatic coastline. Restrooms and drinking water available here.

Tip by

10.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.64 km

1.13 km

764 m

290 m

Surfaces

4.29 km