The best walks and hikes in Natural Bridges State Park
4.6
(123)
1,861
hikers
151
hikes
Hiking in Natural Bridges State Park offers routes through a diverse coastal environment in California. The park is characterized by its iconic wave-carved sea arch, extensive tide pools, and coastal scrub leading to ocean views. Trails traverse grasslands and eucalyptus groves, contributing to freshwater wetlands and a salt marsh. This varied terrain provides a range of outdoor activities for hikers.
Best hiking trails in Natural Bridges State Park
- The most popular hiking route is West Cliff Drive Loop, a 4.5 miles (7.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 50 minutes to complete. This route offers coastal views along the shoreline.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is West Cliff Cycleway – Santa Cruz Lighthouse loop from Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve, a moderate 7.1 miles (11.4 km) path. This trail leads through varied coastal scenery and past the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve.
- Local hikers also love the Wilder Beach – Fern Grotto Beach loop from Moore Creek Wetland Natural Preserve, a 7.3 miles (11.7 km) trail leading through coastal areas and wetlands, often completed in about 3 hours 3 minutes.
- Hiking in Natural Bridges State Park is defined by coastal paths, wave-carved natural bridges, and monarch butterfly sanctuaries. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy walks to moderate excursions.
- The routes in Natural Bridges State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 100 reviews. More than 2,200 hikers have used komoot to explore Natural Bridges State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
832m
00:13
0m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
7.20km
01:50
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
50.9km
13:12
300m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
103
hikers
7.42km
01:54
30m
30m
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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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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While there are more formal memorials to the sport of surfing a little ways south at the Lighthouse and north at the official Surfer Memorial Sculpture, this spot is more personal. Here along West Cliff Drive is the famous surfing spot known as Steamer Lane. For all its fame and pleasure, surf conditions, accidents and bad luck exact a fatal toll. An informal memorial up on the cliff remembers surfers who have died.-It's next to a staircase leading down to the beach. The wooden plaques are all custom, hand-routed tributes by friends or family. The carved messages, lacking biographical details (because they are well-known locals?) are sometimes adorned with flower arrangements and small keepsakes along the fence. While these memorials of surfer deaths are also sad, there is a somewhat relaxed atmosphere at this spot. The surfers were doing what they loved, and knew the risks.
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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 small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. There’s bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.
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For cyclists exploring Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point Beach on 38th Avenue beckons with its beauty and recreational opportunities. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the beach offers a picturesque setting. It is accessible via a brief walk from the road.
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In the summer of 1885, three young Hawaiian princes ignited the California coast's surfing phenomenon by introducing their boards and the ancient Hawaiian sport to the American mainland. A commemorative plaque near the former lighthouse, now home to a quaint surfing museum, immortalizes this significant moment in history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Natural Bridges State Park?
Natural Bridges State Park offers a wide variety of hiking options, with over 100 routes recorded on komoot. These range from easy coastal strolls to more moderate excursions, ensuring there's a path for nearly every fitness level.
What are the main natural attractions to see while hiking in Natural Bridges State Park?
The park is renowned for its unique natural features. You can witness the iconic wave-carved sea arch, the Natural Bridge, which gives the park its name. From October to January, the Monarch Butterfly Preserve becomes a sanctuary for thousands of migrating monarch butterflies. Additionally, the park features vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life at low tide, and diverse coastal environments including beaches, wetlands, and grasslands.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hiking options in Natural Bridges State Park?
Yes, Natural Bridges State Park has many easy trails suitable for families. For instance, the Hiking loop from Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve is an easy 3.3 km walk. The Monarch Trail within the preserve is also an accessible interpretive boardwalk, perfect for observing butterflies and enjoying a gentle stroll.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Natural Bridges State Park?
Dogs are generally restricted to parking and picnic areas within Natural Bridges State Park. Service animals, however, are permitted on the trails. It's always a good idea to check the latest park regulations before your visit.
What is the best time of year to visit Natural Bridges State Park for hiking?
The park offers unique experiences throughout the year. From October to January, it's the prime season to witness the monarch butterfly migration in the preserve. Spring brings vibrant native wildflowers to the coastal scrub and grasslands. The diverse coastal environment is enjoyable year-round, but checking tide charts is recommended if you plan to explore the tide pools.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Natural Bridges State Park?
Yes, the park offers several circular routes. An example is the Santa Cruz Lighthouse/Surfer Memorial Statue loop from Westside — Santa Cruz, which is an easy 7.2 km trail offering coastal views. Another option is the Wilder Beach – Fern Grotto Beach loop from Moore Creek Wetland Natural Preserve, a moderate 11.7 km route.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Natural Bridges State Park?
The hiking trails in Natural Bridges State Park are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the unique natural bridge formation, and the opportunity to observe wildlife like monarch butterflies and marine creatures in the tide pools.
Are there any trails that offer ocean views or lead to vista points?
Many trails in Natural Bridges State Park provide excellent ocean views. The Moore Creek Trail, for example, leads through coastal scrub to vista points overlooking the ocean and the natural bridge. The Santa Cruz Lighthouse loop from Westside also offers expansive ocean vistas along the coastline.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking?
Beyond the famous monarch butterflies, the park is home to diverse wildlife. At low tide, the tide pools reveal sea stars, shore crabs, and sea anemones. Offshore, you might spot shorebirds, migrating whales (seasonally), seals, and otters. The coastal scrub and wetlands also support various bird species.
Are there any longer or more challenging hikes in the park?
While many trails are easy, there are moderate options for those seeking a longer hike. The Santa Cruz Lighthouse – Downtown Santa Cruz Mural loop from Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve is a moderate 11.4 km trail that takes about 2 hours 56 minutes to complete, offering a more extended exploration of the area.
Is there public transport or parking available at Natural Bridges State Park?
Natural Bridges State Park has parking facilities available for visitors. For information on public transport options to the park, it's best to check local Santa Cruz transit services, as details can vary.
Most popular routes in Natural Bridges State Park
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