The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Loch Lomond Recreation Area
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Family friendly hiking trails in Loch Lomond Recreation Area are centered around a 175-acre reservoir, nestled within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The area is characterized by lush evergreen forests, including redwood, Douglas fir, and oak, offering a mix of shoreline paths and steeper routes along forested ridges. This diverse terrain provides varied landscapes for family friendly walks, from gentle strolls to more challenging climbs, with scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding woodlands.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Lochβ¦
Last updated: July 10, 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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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
3
hikers
2.40km
00:40
40m
60m
The John Nicholas Trail to Lake Ranch Reservoir offers a delightful, shaded walk through a diverse forest, making it one of the popular trails for a quick nature fix inβ¦
3.81km
01:08
100m
30m
Hike the moderate 2.4-mile River Trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, featuring riverside views, old-growth trees, and historic bridge
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Tips from the Community
This is a coastal redwood, not a Sequoia redwood which is a different species found inland.
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Open daily from 10:00 to 16:00
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The Lake Ranch Reservoir is nice and peaceful to run, walk, hike, or bike along. There is a picnic table on the north side of the pond that you could rest at. Since the water is in a small valley, you may want to bring bug spray in the spring/summer months.
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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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This Sequoia, the Fremont tree had its base burned a long time ago, probably due to a lightning bolt. This allows two adults to easily camp inside. This is the story that is conveyed year after year, since 1846 after the expedition led by a certain... Fremont.
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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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The largest tree in the grove has a diameter of over 17 feet (5.2 m) in order to support a height of 280 feet (85 m). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redwood_Grove#Trail_Details
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Loch Lomond Recreation Area?
There are over 60 family-friendly hiking routes in Loch Lomond Recreation Area, with nearly 30 of them rated as easy, making it simple to find a suitable adventure for all ages.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Loch Lomond Recreation Area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 240 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the serene reservoir views, the lush redwood and mixed evergreen forests, and the well-maintained trails that offer a peaceful escape.
Are there any easy, shorter loop trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, for a pleasant and relatively short loop, consider the Loch Lomond Marina loop from Lompico. It's about 4.7 kilometers long with a moderate difficulty, offering lovely views around the marina area.
Can we bring our dog on the trails in Loch Lomond Recreation Area?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and in picnic areas within Loch Lomond Recreation Area. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors with your furry family members.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see along the trails?
The trails wind through diverse landscapes, including majestic redwood groves, Douglas fir, madrone, and tanoak forests. You'll also encounter the beautiful 175-acre reservoir, which is the heart of the recreation area. Keep an eye out for various bird species, including osprey and bald eagles soaring above the loch.
Are there any trails that offer good views of the reservoir?
Absolutely! The Loch Trail is a popular moderate route that follows along the reservoir, providing continuous scenic views of the water and the surrounding woodlands. It's nearly 8 kilometers long, offering a good stretch for families.
Is there a very easy trail for a quick family walk?
For a very easy and shorter walk, the John Nicholas Trail to Lake Ranch Reservoir is an excellent choice. It's just under 2.5 kilometers with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed stroll with the family.
What is the best time of year to visit Loch Lomond Recreation Area for hiking?
Loch Lomond Recreation Area typically operates seasonally, from March to October. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with spring showcasing wildflowers and fall bringing vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but trails can be warmer.
Are there picnic areas available for families?
Yes, the park offers shaded picnic areas, some equipped with charcoal BBQ pits, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and enjoy a meal after their hike.
Are there any trails that combine different types of scenery, like forest and ridge views?
The Woodrat, Sunset, and Italian Trail Loop is a moderate option that takes you through varied habitats, including redwood and oak forests, and offers opportunities for ridge views. It's about 4.1 kilometers long.
Is swimming allowed in the reservoir?
No, swimming is not permitted in the reservoir as it serves as the City of Santa Cruz's drinking water source. However, you can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake.
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