Santa Cruz is an excellent place for you and your dog to explore! Shorelines, coastal cliff trails, and a plethora of dog-friendly restaurants, motels, and B&Bs await you and your four-legged companion.
However, one of the most commonly requested topics is: Where can I take my dog on a hike? This compilation of the easy dog-Friendly Hikes in Santa Cruz will be wagging those tails!
And, as always, when exploring Santa Cruz, always make sure to wash up after your pet, stay on authorized dog-friendly hikes, and keep your dog on a leash!
Dog friendly hikes Santa Cruz
There are many pet-friendly hikes in Santa Cruz where you can go and enjoy your vacation. The list of 13 best hikes near Santa Cruz is as follows:
- HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK
- THE FOREST OF NISENE MARKS
- WEST GLENWOOD OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
- LODATO TRAIL
- BYRNE-MILLIRON FOREST
- ROARING CAMP RAILROADS
- POGONIP OPEN SPACE
- PINTO LAKE COUNTY PARK
- West Cliff Drive
- Pipeline Road Trail
- The Medicine Buddha Trail
- DeLaveaga Park Trail
- Byrne Trail
1. HENRY COWELL REDWOODS STATE PARK
- Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page
- Phone number: (831) 335-4598
- Address: 101 Big Trees Park Rd. Felton, CA 95018
A must-go-to visit is Henry Cowell. The Santa Cruz Hills are beloved by locals and visitors alike, and Henry Cowell is no exception. Hikes with the dog can be found on the Pipeline Trail, which is accessible from the main park entry off Highway 9.
This 6-mile out-and-back trip takes you through redwoods, down the San Lorenzo River, and even across an active train bridge (hello, Roaring Camp Railroads)! Meadow, Graham Hill, and Powder Mill Fire Road are some of the other popular trails. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. On the Redwood Grove Loop, dogs aren’t permitted.
2. THE FOREST OF NISENE MARKS
- Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page
- Phone number: (831) 763-7063
- Address: Aptos Creek Rd And Soquel Dr. Aptos, CA 95001
Nisene Marks will appeal to your dog if he enjoys creek crossings, redwoods, and beautiful woodlands. Aptos Rancho Trail, Split Stuff Trail, Terrace Trail, and Vienna Woods Trail are all open to on-leash dogs below the steel bridge.
You cannot carry puppies past the Porter Picnic Area parking lot’s winter gate (a gate that is locked during the winter). If you’ve never been, the Vienna Woods Trail – with its trees, wildflowers, mushrooms, banana slugs, and brook – is a terrific place to start.
3. WEST GLENWOOD OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
The West Glenwood Preserve, with its four miles of trails, is a terrific place to go hiking with your dog! Every turn offers breathtaking views of the valley, and there are several loops to select from. Wildflowers bloom on the sloping slopes in the spring.
A few things to keep in mind: the routes are now one-way, so pay attention to signs and keep your mask handy in case other hikers (or cyclists) pass by. Also, these routes receive a lot of sun exposure and can be very hot on hot days, so prepare appropriately.
4. LODATO TRAIL
- Website: https://www.scottsvalley.org/1…
- Phone number: (831) 440-5600
- Address: 1 Civic Center Drive Scotts Valley, CA 95066
Lodato is a hidden gem of natural splendor nestled among the redwoods of Scotts Valley. The entire route is 1.2 miles long, and a moderate walk should take no longer than 45 minutes (but it is a lot uphill). Your leashed dogs are invited to join you in enjoying the redwoods. Parking is free. Keep an eye out for poison oak, which might cling to the trail’s narrower sections.
5. BYRNE-MILLIRON FOREST
- Website: http://www.landtrustsantacruz.
- Phone number: (831) 429-6116
- Address: 809 Browns Valley Rd Corralitos, CA 95076
The 402 acres of dog-friendly hiking trails in the Byrne-Milliron Forest are home to the rare Great White Redwood tree, whose towering bark has been scorched by years of intense sunlight. Sculptures by the late Jeff Helmer, who stewarded the property for years and hidden his soulful artworks as a treat for hikers, can be found scattered around the pathways.
Begin with the 2.5-mile Byrne Trail to A.J.’s Point, which goes through some of the forest’s most beautiful artwork. The Great White Loop is a three-mile hike that leads to the tree that bears the same name.
6. ROARING CAMP RAILROADS
- Website: http://www.roaringcamp.com/
- Phone number: (831) 335-4484
- Address: 5401 Graham Hill Rd Felton, CA 95018
Roaring Camp Railroads, which is bordered by Henry Cowell, welcomes dogs on harnesses to enjoy the miles (including trails) of natural terrain. And for those pups (or their owners) who want to see the redwoods and mountains but need a little assistance, take the train! Yes, your well-behaved dog is welcome to accompany you on the steam train. Please confirm Roaring Camp Railroads’ current working status before visiting.
7. POGONIP OPEN SPACE
- Website: http://www.cityofsantacruz.com
- Address: 333 Golf Club Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Pogonip Open Space has miles of dog-friendly paths and hidden treasures to uncover. Leashed dogs are permitted on several of the trails, but the Rincon Trail from the UCSC campus descends downhill to the eastbound Spring Box Trail, making for an easy trek with a great payout.
A short walk along the Spring Box Trail will lead you to an unanticipated spring-fed koi pond nestled behind a redwood tree. Please don’t let your pups take a dip in the pond; let’s keep this jewel safe for both residents and visitors. Take a look at this useful map for more Pogonip trail information to help you plan your dog-friendly hiking activities.
8. PINTO LAKE COUNTY PARK
- Website: http://www.publicdogparks.com
- Phone number: (831) 454-7901
- Address: 757 Green Valley Rd Watsonville, CA 95076
Pinto Lake County Park is a 183-acre park in Watsonville where you and your dog can run around. A gorgeous lake with a fishing pier, baseball and soccer fields, playgrounds, pathways, a dog park, and a disc golf course are all included inside the park. Take the Art Hike Challenge to spice up your visit to Pinto Lake.
Guests can download a map and find murals placed across the park’s hiking trails and open spaces, thanks to the efforts of County Parks Friends.
9. West Cliff Drive
- Address: 174 W Cliff Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
In Santa Cruz, West Cliff Drive is a well-known seaside path. It’s a 4-mile out-and-back trail that runs alongside the Pacific Ocean and is suitable for hikers of all abilities.
Not only will you view the ocean, mountains, and cliffs, but you’ll also see the historic lighthouse, as well as Mitchell’s Cove Beach, a dog-friendly beach where your dog will undoubtedly enjoy playing.
10. Pipeline Road Trail
- Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page
- Phone number: (831) 335-4598
- Address: 101 Big Trees Park Rd. Felton, CA 95018
In Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, there are many wonderful hiking trails, but only a few allow dogs. And one of the dog-friendly pathways there, Pipeline Road Trail, is a popular choice. It’s three miles long, somewhat easy, and shaded.
You’ll be hiking through the lovely redwoods along the San Lorenzo River for the first section. You may also check out the Meadow Trail, Graham Hill Trail, and Powder Mill Fire Road if you want to do some more exploring with your dog in the park.
11. The Medicine Buddha Trail
- Website: http://www.landofmedicinebuddh
- Phone number: (831) 462-8383
- Address: 5800 Prescott Rd Soquel, CA 95073
The Medicine Buddha Trail at the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is another spot where you can hike with your dog. It’s a 5.2-mile trail that rises through the redwood forest, and it’s really clean and calm.
Also, be aware that there is a lot of toxic oak along the ridge, so go with caution. Keep in mind that the trek stops at the Land of Medicine Buddha, a meditation and meditation center, so keep your voices down and respect the facility.
12. DeLaveaga Park Trail
- Website: http://www.santacruzca.org
- Phone number: (831) 420-5270
- Address: 850 Branciforte Dr. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hiking is also possible in DeLaveaga Park. This 4.4-mile track winds through mixed woodlands, with a few high sections but nothing too challenging. There’s also a viewing point named Top of the World, which provides spectacular views over Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay.
Overall, it’s a rather easy hike, which makes it ideal for novices.
13. Byrne Trail
- Website: https://www.losaltoshills.ca.g
- Address: 27205 Byrne Park Ln Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
You don’t have much time but nevertheless want to go hiking? The Byrne Trail in Byrne-Milliron Forest is a great place to start.
It’s only 2.95 miles long, but it provides spectacular views of Monterey Bay and Pajaro Valley. It also includes a lot of elevation variation and a section that is quite steep, so you and your four-legged companion will get a nice exercise!
Pet-friendly Hotels in Santa Cruz ca
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Santa Cruz are as follows:
- ocean Pacific Lodge
- Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages
- Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
- Seaway Inn
- Pacific Blue Inn
- Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
- Aqua Breeze Inn
- Hotel Solares
- Chaminade Resort & Spa
Dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz county
Here we have made the list of some of the dog-friendly beaches in Santa Cruz that will provide you an opportunity to spend some quality time with your beloved pet!
- Twin Lakes State Beach
- Mitchell’s Cove Beach
- Seabright State Beach
- Its Beach
- Pleasure Point Beach
- Moran Lake & Beach
- Hooper Beach
Dog Friendly Hikes Santa Cruz – FAQs
Verdict
We hope you found this article useful. All the hikes described here are worth visiting once in a lifetime and the special key point of this place is that you can take your pets to these places. What else d you want?
In Santa Cruz, have fun hiking with your dog!
