San Vicente Redwoods is owned and managed by four local land trusts. The trail system is their gift to the community! Phase 1 is now open and includes 7.5 miles of trail to hikers, bikers, and horses.
San Vicente Redwoods is, first and foremost, a conservation property. The forest contains endangered marbled murrelet habitat, mountain lion denning, and other sensitive species. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz’s Public Access at plan for San Vicente Redwoods includes the potential of 30 more miles of trails and a connection to Coast Dairies National Monument.
Songbirds and raptors are abundant at this site, so bring your binoculars. Some amphibian residents include the endangered California red-legged frog, toxic California newt and (during the rainy season) the Pacific giant salamander.
As you meander, you’ll be catching a rare glimpse into a forest that’s actively rebounding from recent wildfire and former clearcutting. Along the trail system, you’ll see oaks and other broadleaf tree species in different stages of post-fire recovery.
Owing to spotty tree cover over the trails, we recommend toting a hat and some sunscreen.
Registration
All visitors over 18 must pre-register (it’s free!) with the Santa Cruz Land Trust. There might be a kiosk for on-site registration as well.
Directions
The parking lot is 12001 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz, CA. Get to Felton via whatever path you prefer. The usual way is Highway 17 to Scotts Valley / Mt. Hermon Road, then west through Scotts Valley to Graham Hill Rd. Turn right on Graham Hill. Cross Highway 9 in downtown Felton, where Graham Hill turns into Felton Empire Rd. Stay on Felton Empire for 3.7 miles to Empire Grade. Turn right on Empire Grade. The parking lot will be on your left in 5 miles.
