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All 52 Santa Cruz Attractions »

Wilder Ranch State Park

Highway One, Santa Cruz, CA
Ranked #15 of 35 attractions in Santa Cruz
4.5 of 5 stars 12 Reviews
Type: State Parks
Activities: Hiking, Biking
Traveller Description: Website: http://www.parks.... more »
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12 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Santa Cruz, California
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

Historic ranch buildings at base of park are great place to take kids. However, If you're a hiker beware: crazed mountain bikers unload bikes at top of park and bomb down the trails in groups startling hikers and horses. More

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See 3 more reviews by indigo2star for Santa Cruz
Atlanta
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 April 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This was a perfect place to visit and walk the paths for the afternoon; wildlife, vegetation, history, and magnificent geological formations. (www.parks.ca.gov) Spent about four hours here. Stopped off first at the historic ranch buildings where the docent provided an excellent overall presentation of the history of the land, the family's dairy farm, and guidance on the trails. Picked up... More

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california
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

This place is great for families. and couples, for anyone, really ! Make sure to go through the house to see the awesome old fashioned kitchen ! just a peaceful place to be ! More

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Pinole, California
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 March 2012

We hope the state doesn't have to close this park. It's a keeper. It has so much to offer with its historic buildings and trail along the coastal bluff. We were delighted by the architectural details on the old farm buildings. Those sorts of things aren't on farm buildings anymore. The trail along the bluff yielded all kinds of surprises... More

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Santa Cruz, California
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 March 2012

I so enjoy riding my bike along West Cliff Drive, past the Seymor Marine Discovery Center, north of town along Hwy 1 to this charming farm. I like to visit the horses, tour the old building houses, old functional machine shop, and several barns. One of the oldest adobe structures is still standing. Learning the history of this intact farm,... More

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See 22 more reviews by Beachmomma831 for Santa Cruz
Sacramento
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 February 2012

An old ranch setting, teaching center on the bluffs over west end. We have only explored the coast trail on bikes. Many stops over coves with great views, don't miss the short walk down to the grotto. Really nice outing but there are many more trails above Hwy 1 for hiking and biking. More

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See 10 more reviews by luv2gooften for Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2012

Wilder's Ranch is a beautiful location just about 3 miles north of Santa Cruz. Their historical site is really impressive, especially on May day. Just close enough to the ocean that you can hike the hills and stay cool! More

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See 12 more reviews by mdemartini for Santa Cruz
San Francisco
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Wilder Ranch State Park just north of Santa Cruz is a wonderful place for hiking and biking along the coast. The park also includes a house and grounds - with the history of early California ranches on display. More

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See 15 more reviews by TravelinSag for Santa Cruz
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USA
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 January 2012

Considered a locals favorite. Undeveloped. Nice Creek. More

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Castro Valley, California
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
Reviews in 53 cities Reviews in 53 cities
54 helpful votes 54 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 September 2011

Most reviews of Wilder Ranch State Park are about the great hiking trails. So here is a review about the Pioneer Days function that happens on the ranch, one Saturday of each month. Wilder Ranch is a school outing for 3rd graders in Santa Cruz, so you know that these monthly events will interest children ages 4 - 10. Our... More

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