Wilder Ranch State Park

Wilder Ranch State Park is a coastal reserve spanning about 7,000 acres with rolling valleys, open grasslands, and ocean cliffs overlooking the Pacific. A network of about 34 miles of trails connects these landscapes, taking hikers through different terrain and along the bluffs.

The land was granted to settlers by the Mexican government in 1839, then became a working dairy ranch when Delos D. Wilder bought it in 1871. The family operated the farm for nearly a century before it opened to the public as a state park.

The restored Victorian house from the 1890s and adobe buildings show how people lived and farmed along the California coast. Visitors can walk through these homes and see the daily life of the families who worked the land.

The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is reached from Highway 1 via Coast Road, making it easy to find from the main highway. Trails vary in difficulty, so visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, especially on warmer days.

The adjoining Gray Whale Ranch holds limestone caves, with one called Hell Hole known for its depth and the search-and-rescue missions it has required. These caves remain off-limits to casual visitors and appeal only to people with serious caving experience.

Location: Santa Cruz County

Inception: 1974

Operator: California Department of Parks and Recreation

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549

GPS coordinates: 36.98330,-122.10000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41