Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve

Routes

Running trails & routes

United States

California

Santa Cruz County

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve

Hard

4.9

(3687)

17,822

runners

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve

01:59

16.4km

110m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 4, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wilder Ranch State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.41 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Nature Reserve

1.46 km

Wilder Beach

Highlight • Beach

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

Tip by

1.56 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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1.85 km

View of Sea Caves at Old Cove Landing

Highlight • Cave

The Old Cove Landing Trail is littered with views, and this spot is one worth noting. There is a cool view of some sea caves below the trail, beaten by waves and accompanied by sandy beaches.

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4.55 km

Sand Point Beach Overlook

Highlight • Beach

Sandy beach cove protected by tall cliffs

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4.79 km

Needle Rock, Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

Needle Rock lies within the Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve, a protected area that conserves and restore wildlife and habitats in the ocean. Nearby are also great surfing spots. So …

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4.87 km

Needle Rock

Highlight • Natural Monument

This cool rock spire eroded out of the coastal bluffs by the Pacific Ocean waves is best visible along the Ohlone Bluffs Trail in Wilder Ranch State Park. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549
The …

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5.56 km