Santa Cruz Epic Views

Hike Upper La Honda Creek Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains

02.03.2021
Hiking shoes pictured on person sitting at an overlook of the Santa Cruz Mountains at Upper La Honda Creek Preserve in the South Bay

Redwoods, wildflowers, and ocean vistas offer the best of the Bay Area at Upper La Honda Creek Preserve in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Take a 3.75-mile loop through the preserve's highlights, following new trail signs to special features. Parking here is by permit only (see details below in italics) and wide, former ranch roads create a sense of peace and solitude in windy grasslands.

Start on the Cielo Trail, heading east towards the Big Tree. (Although it’s tempting to follow the ocean view from the parking lot, you’ll get better views and a gentler climb if you save it for the end.) The Cielo Trail is wide, shaded under Douglas firs, and leads to a signed spur for the Big Tree. At the end of the spur is a humongous old-growth redwood spared from logging. 

Next, head south to Vista Point, an excellent picnic spot. The forest transitions to grassland as you pass a residence and white barn. It’s windy and exposed, and on clear days, the ocean emerges southwest. Pass a junction for the Coho Vista Loop Trail, descending through a redwood tunnel to a clearing. 

Man standing at viewpoint overlooking Santa Cruz Mountains at Upper La Honda Creek Preserve

Here, at Vista Point, is a gorgeous panorama of grassy peaks, the Pacific Ocean, Lower La Honda Creek Preserve, San Gregorio State Beach, and the San Mateo Coast. Retrace your steps back to Coho Vista Loop Trail and join it, savoring the staggering ocean views once more as you descend and then gently climb to the parking area.

BONUS FOOD: Alice’s Restaurant is 4 miles from Upper La Honda Creek Preserve in Woodside and is open for to-go orders.

A parking permit is required at Upper La Honda Creek Preserve. From Alice’s Restaurant at the junction of La Honda Rd. and Skyline Blvd., head north on Skyline Blvd. for 2.3 miles and then turn left onto Bear Gulch Rd. Drive 0.6 mile and then turn left onto Allen Rd. Drive 1.1 miles on the narrow road to a white gate. Enter the combination provided on your permit, and then proceed to the signed parking area. Be sure to close and lock the gate behind you. It's a good idea to download a map on the park’s website before you go; paper maps are not available.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View