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Field Trip: Wilder Ranch State Park (Santa Cruz)

  • 36.960149, -122.085716 (map)

TRIP POLICY: Please limit your sign-ups to 1 weekend trip and 2 weekday trips per month. Also, please take a moment to read our other policies here.

Pigeon Guillemot by Treasa Hovorka

Wilder Ranch State Park (Santa Cruz)

From beautiful coastal bluff trails we’ll scan rocky shores, sandy beaches and seaside cliffs for gulls, cormorants, pigeon guillemots, black oystercatchers and more. Optional: Bring a picnic lunch, we’ll continue to bird as we make our way to the historic dairy and ranch house where we can grab some picnic tables.

Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.

Trip Difficulty: 3 miles, gravel and packed-dirt trails, uneven or rutted trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: Weather is highly variable along the coast, be prepared for cold fog or bright sun.

Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391 and Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up

Meet: Wilder Ranch parking lot

Directions: From Santa Cruz, continue north on Hwy 1. Just under 2 miles past the intersection of Hwy 1 and Western Drive, make a left hand turn into the park. Latitude/Longitude: 36.960149, -122.085716

Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: State Park Annual Pass, $10 cash only parking fee or use the Yodel app to pay the day fee online

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.