Wilder Ranch State Park
add photos4 Reviews for Wilder Ranch State Park
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'10, '11
1 family found this helpful
"Wow! Made me happy to be alive"
After reading the reviews here on Trekaroo, we decided, it was time to check out Wilder Ranch for ourselves and I must say, it was well worth the 1.25 hour drive! Our family lives a mile from a beach, further up the coast, and were spoiled by panoramic ocean views from our home for about 10 years, yet, the Ohlone Bluff Trail at Wilder Ranch State Park really took my breath away. Today was one of those cloudless blue sky days in Northern California and the Pacific Ocean was a bright rich blue. From the bluffs, we saw sea birds playing on the surf, and the ocean crashing relentlessly against the colorful sandstone cliffs. The wide, flat (unpaved) trail hugs the edge of the bluffs tightly, meandering in and out, providing so many different views of sea caves, small beaches, the bluffs that looked more like dramatic sculptures set against the blue ocean and sky. I cannot think of a more beautiful place for a bike ride with the family. The wide dirt path is well compacted and very even as far as dirt paths go. Along the bluff trail, the path is very flat, making is perfect for young children. Best of all, the views will inspire even the most reluctant young biker. I always worry about poison oak along coastal hikes and I kept a look out for this nasty weed. I'm happy to report that i saw none at all. This means, even if your child looses control of their bike, you won't have to worry about them falling into poison oak. The only thing, is that if you have a 2 or 3 year old, you'll have to keep a keen eye on them, as there are many areas where they could walk right off the cliff. Perhaps keeping your young child in a backpack carrier or a stroller would be a better idea. Yes, this trail is very stroller-friendly. Only the short trail from the parking lot out to the Ohlone Bluff Trail was a little uneven. Even so, a regular stroller would have made it through without too much difficulty.
Don't miss the historic farm buildings near the old Victorian and Interpretative center. They were fun to walk around for about 10-15 minutes. I totally agree with the other reviews, the big hit with the kids were the awesome climbing trees and cactus bushes. We saw kids as old as 12 or 13 having a great time, but even toddlers couldn't get enough of weaving their way through cactus tunnels, and balancing on great big tree roots. There are several picnic tables in this area, so bring your lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet while the kids just hang out and play in nature's playground.
It can be windy and chilly even on sunny days, so dress in layers and bring along a wind breaker for everyone just in case.
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2 families found this helpful
"Relax, Picnic. Climb Trees or Hike the Coast."
Located 4 miles north of Santa Cruz, off Highway 1, Wilder Ranch State Park is kid friendly and fun. Some of the best attractions are on the front lawn by the Historic Victorian. This includes a giant aloe “tree” with exposed roots for multiple toddler-friendly tunnels, as well as, a bald cypress tree with great branches for kids of all ages to climb. There is a chicken coop in the back and barns full of antique tractors and horse drawn plows.
If you want to do more than relax and picnic, hike along the Old Landing Cove Trail. Stroller and bike friendly, this wide level path winds along the coastal bluff. The beaches below are home to pelicans, pigeons, seals, sea lions and a large population of snowy plovers.
If you have older children, challenge yourself to steep mountain bike ride up Ben Lomond Mountain. You can also bring your horses and explore the equestrian trails.
On Sat Dec 19th, 2009, the park will host Holidays on the Ranch from 11-3pm. Visitors are invited to watch Living History demonstrations, create wreaths, candles, sing around the piano and decorate the tree. Seasonal goodies can be sampled by all.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
A 6,000-acre dairy ranch since the 1800s is now a leafy, meadowy park. Picnic in the apple orchard; see historic displays in the Victorian home and take a guided walk on weekends; or hike, horseback ride, or bike on your own on miles of trails. From here you can connect to the newly donated Gray Whale Ranch.
2 families found this helpful
"Beautiful walk (or bike ride) along the coast"
Just a few minutes north of Natural Bridges State Park and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Wilder Ranch State Park is now my family's favorite coastal hike in the Bay Area. We stumbled upon it with our 18 month old son a couple months ago and loved the pleasant walk overlooking the Pacific. We brought a jogging stroller along, but we saw lots of families with bikes (most of the paths along the coast are flat, but for adventurous families there are plenty of hills to be ridden just east of Coast Road). To get to the coastal trail, head straight west from the parking lot instead of following the paved road (which heads south) to the old ranch.
The highlight of our trip was when we found a remote little beach (maybe less than a mile from the parking lot). We had to climb down from the trail and leave our stroller behind, but our son had a great time playing in a little cave and on the beach. Highly recommended for a little family getaway in Santa Cruz. Next time we'll bring our bikes.
There is a $6 parking charge which many people avoid by parking on Coast Road just south of the park entrance. Many bikers park here and it leads straight into the ranch.
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