Wilder Beach – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

California

Santa Cruz County

Wilder Beach – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

Easy

2.6

(5)

hikers

Wilder Beach – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Natural Bridges State Beach

01:39

6.30km

50m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wilder Ranch State Park

Waypoints

Start point

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1.01 km

Wilder Ranch

Highlight • Historical Site

Historic ranch, now a state preserve with demonstrations of old farming techniques and miles of trails popular with hikers and bikers in the hills and along the dramatic coastline. Restrooms and drinking water available here.

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2.27 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Nature Reserve

2.32 km

Wilder Beach

Highlight • Beach

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

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2.42 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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3.41 km

Fern Grotto Beach

Highlight • Beach

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 …

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3.74 km

Sand Plant Beach

Highlight • Beach

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 …

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4.54 km

Railroad gravel road and Old Cove Landing Trail

Highlight • Trail

An alternative to the busy Hwy 1 is to stay along the abandoned railway line. It is fairly decent smooth at the beginning, but then gets a bit courser gravel …

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5.29 km

Wilder Ranch State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

Wilder Ranch State Park was formerly a dairy ranch with restored ranch buildings that now serve as a museum. It also offers an extensive trail network for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

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