Winter Warmers: Life-Affirming Hikes in the Santa Cruz Mountains
By Julie Horner
Shadows can grow long and persistent in the Santa Cruz Mountains during the winter months, and the moist cold can sure etch its way into your bones. Interestingly, I find that a good walk bundled for a soaking rain can be quite stimulating for the senses.
Ridge/Trail Camp Loop Overlook, Castle Rock State Park, Los Gatos. Open 6am to sunset. Kirkwood Entrance Station hours 8am to 5pm, Monday through Sunday. No dogs. Parking fee $10.
I’ll be the first one down at Junction Park or Barbara Day Park in Boulder Creek in a sideways downpour to see how high the San Lorenzo River has climbed its banks…or marvel from the bridge at the entrance to Henry Cowell Redwoods in Felton how the river moves muddy and swollen with an almost purposeful silence, surging its way through the canyon toward Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Redwood Loop Trail, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, SR 236, Boulder Creek. Open 8am to sunset. No dogs. Parking fee $10, credit card only.
On crisp cloudless days you’ll find me chasing the sunshine along mountain ridges, at San Vicente Redwoods Open Space, Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, or Castle Rock State Park, or on newly reopened trails at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, reimagined post-CZU fire as an insider’s go-to for toasty sun-drenched climbs with sparkling vistas.
Miller Property County Park, 16798 Kings Creek Rd., Boulder Creek. Open sunrise to sunset. Pets on leash only. Free parking and entry.
Pools of warming light can also be found at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, the gem of the Santa Cruz Sandhills, or at Henry Cowell. Winter offers uncrowded solace on local trails, respite for the mind, affirmation for body and soul.
Featured photo at top: Discovery Loop Trail, Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, 800 Quail Hollow Rd., Felton. Open sunrise to sunset. No dogs on trails. Free parking and entry.
More info
parks.ca.gov
parks.santacruzcountyca.gov
reimaginingbigbasin.org
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Julie lives and works in Boulder Creek and is an active participant in the county's vibrant music scene. She loves the outdoors and is the go-to expert on Santa Cruz Mountains hiking trails.
