The best walks and hikes in Loch Lomond Recreation Area
4.6
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2,657
hikers
88
hikes
Hiking in Loch Lomond Recreation Area centers around a 175-acre reservoir nestled within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The terrain features a diverse landscape of evergreen forests, including redwood, Douglas fir, and madrone trees. Hikers can experience varied paths, from relatively flat shoreline routes to steeper trails along forested ridges. Scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding mountains are common throughout the area.
Best hiking trails in Loch Lomond Recreation Area
- The most popular hiking route is Loch Trail, a 4.9 miles (7.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 28 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers waterfront views of the reservoir.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Loch Lomond Marina loop from Lompico, a moderate 3.0 miles (4.8 km) path. This trail provides views of the marina and surrounding forest.
- Local hikers also love the Lime Kiln ruins loop from Felton, a 4.6 miles (7.5 km) trail leading through forested areas, often completed in about 2 hours 27 minutes.
- Hiking in Loch Lomond Recreation Area is defined by shoreline paths, forested ridges, and trails through redwood groves. The network of Loch Lomond Recreation Area hiking trails offers options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Loch Lomond Recreation Area are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 2,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Loch Lomond Recreation Area's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
7
hikers
7.96km
02:29
230m
160m
Hike the moderate Loch Trail in Loch Lomond Recreation Area, a 4.9-mile route with 743 feet of elevation gain, passing Loch Lomond and Alber
4.0
(1)
7
hikers
4.73km
01:28
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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1.17km
00:20
40m
0m
This easy 0.7-mile hiking loop in Quail Hollow Ranch County Park offers chaparral scenery and views of creek valleys.
19
hikers
4.13km
01:20
110m
110m
Hike the 2.6-mile Woodrat, Sunset, and Italian Trail Loop in Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, a moderate route with 373 feet of elevation gai
5.0
(9)
138
hikers
7.49km
02:27
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
The Lime Kiln ruins within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are still visible and are a cool site to check out when running by. If you like history, these ruins are a good excuse to take a break during your run.
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A great place to catch sunset or just a great vista to take in the views of the park.
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Quail Hollow Ranch County Park was once a working horse ranch and is now a 300 acre Natural Reserve. The ranch house on the property was once used as a test kitchen for Sunset Magazine.
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The park is open from March 1 through Labor Day, every day except on Wednesdays. After Labor Day through the second week in October is open on weekends only. There is a park store at the lower parking lot.
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while it's worth a visit, please note that the access road is very steep up and over, climb in and climb out !
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Lime Kiln ruins are still visible in the Fall Creek unit of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. This was the largest lime burning facility in the early years of European industrial development in California in the 19th century.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Loch Lomond Recreation Area?
No, pets are not permitted within the Loch Lomond Recreation Area. This is to protect the wildlife and the reservoir, which serves as a drinking water source for the city of Santa Cruz.
What are the opening times for the recreation area?
The Loch Lomond Recreation Area is open seasonally, typically from the beginning of March through mid-October. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for exact dates and hours before your visit, as they can be affected by conditions like drought.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes?
Yes, the area offers several easier trails. The Loch Trail is a great option for families, as it's a mostly flat 2.5-mile path that follows the southern shore of the reservoir, providing beautiful water views without much strenuous climbing.
Can I see redwood trees in the park?
Absolutely. While the area is known for a mix of evergreen forests, you can specifically admire old-growth redwoods on the Big Trees Nature Trail. It's a short but steep ¾-mile trail that offers a fantastic opportunity to see these magnificent trees.
Is swimming allowed in the reservoir?
No, swimming and any other activities involving direct water contact are strictly prohibited. The reservoir's primary purpose is to store drinking water, so regulations are in place to maintain water quality.
Are there any challenging hikes for a good workout?
For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Highland Loop is an excellent choice. This 4-mile trail is known for being extremely steep, leading you up to a forested ridge that rewards your effort with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
What do other hikers think of the trails in the area?
The trails in and around the Loch Lomond Recreation Area are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the serene atmosphere, the beautiful views of the reservoir, and the well-maintained paths that wind through lush evergreen and redwood forests.
What other activities are available besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the park is a popular spot for fishing, with trout, bass, and catfish in the reservoir. You can also explore the lake by renting an electric motorboat, rowboat, or pedal boat. Numerous picnic areas with barbecue grills are also available for a relaxing break.
Is there a good option for a moderate loop hike?
Yes, the Maclaren Loop is a great moderate option. This 1.5-mile circular trail involves a slight climb, offering a satisfying but not overly demanding hike with lovely forest scenery.
Are there any long-distance hiking options nearby?
If you're looking for a longer, more challenging day out, the Fall Creek and Ridge Trail loop — Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great choice. This 7.4-mile (11.8 km) route in a neighboring park offers a substantial hike through beautiful redwood groves.
How many hiking trails are there in the area?
You can find over 70 different hiking routes in and around the Loch Lomond Recreation Area on komoot. The park itself contains 12 miles of official trails, ranging from easy shoreline walks to difficult ridge climbs, ensuring there's a path for every skill level.
What kind of scenery and wildlife can I expect to see?
The landscape is dominated by the 175-acre reservoir, surrounded by forests of redwood, Douglas fir, tanoak, and madrone. As you hike, you might spot wildlife such as deer, raccoons, and foxes. The area is also excellent for birdwatching, with ospreys and bald eagles often seen over the water.
Most popular routes in Loch Lomond Recreation Area
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