4.7
(4266)
6,747
hikers
01:44
6.06km
170m
Hiking
Embark on the Káknu (Hawk) Trail for an easy hiking adventure through the natural landscapes of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument. This route spans 3.8 miles (6.1 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 572 feet (174 metres), making it accessible for many. You can expect to complete the hike…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.78 km
Vista
Viewpoint
5.93 km
Highlight • Trail
6.06 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.01 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.79 km
260 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (110 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 27 May
17°C
10°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
The trail is located within the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument. You can find parking specifically designated for the Káknu (Hawk) Trail, often referred to as the Káknu (Hawk) Trail Parking. Look for signage within the monument for the official trailhead parking areas.
Yes, the Káknu (Hawk) Trail is dog-friendly! Dogs are permitted on a leash, making it a great option for hiking with your canine companion.
Given its location in Santa Cruz, California, the Káknu (Hawk) Trail is generally enjoyable year-round. However, for the most pleasant experience, consider visiting during the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the coastal scenery is often at its best. Always check local weather conditions before you go.
No, typically you do not need a permit or have to pay an entrance fee to access the Káknu (Hawk) Trail within the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument. It's generally open to the public for recreational use.
The Káknu (Hawk) Trail is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long. On average, hikers can expect to complete the route in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on their pace and how often they stop to enjoy the views.
Absolutely! This trail is rated as easy and is very beginner-friendly. With gentle elevation changes and a mixed trail type, it's an excellent choice for families and those new to hiking.
The Káknu (Hawk) Trail features a mixed trail type with gentle elevation changes. It's rated 'Green' for difficulty, indicating an easy and accessible path suitable for a range of users. You won't encounter steep grades or challenging rock scrambles here.
The trail is located within the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, which is known for its natural beauty. While specific viewpoints aren't detailed, you can expect scenic natural landscapes typical of the Santa Cruz area. The route itself is highlighted as the Hawk Trail and Kaknut Trail, California Coastal National Monument.
Yes, the route covers the entire Káknu (Hawk) Trail and also passes through significant sections of the Káknu Awetka (Hawk East) and Káknu Anós (Hawk West) trails. You'll also find smaller portions overlapping with the Káknu (Hawk) Trail Parking and Káknu (Hawk) paths.
Yes, this trail is quite versatile! It is adaptive accessible, meaning it can accommodate adaptive bikes. In addition to hiking, it's also popular for mountain biking, e-biking, and trail running, making it a great multi-use path for various outdoor enthusiasts.
Even though it's an easy trail, it's always wise to be prepared. We recommend bringing plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), comfortable hiking shoes, and a leash for your dog if they're joining you. A camera is also a good idea to capture the scenic views.