Wilder Ranch State Park, State park in Santa Cruz County, California, US.
The park extends across 7,000 acres of coastal land, featuring 34 miles of trails through valleys, grasslands, and ocean bluffs along the Pacific coast.
The land transformed from a Mexican land grant in 1839 to a dairy farm in 1871 when Delos D. Wilder acquired it and operated until 1969.
The restored Victorian house from 1897 and adobe rancho buildings serve as museums, presenting the agricultural development of California coastal regions.
Visitors can access the park daily from 8:00 AM until sunset through Coast Road off Highway 1, with the Interpretive Center operating Thursday through Sunday.
The adjacent Gray Whale Ranch contains limestone caves, including Hell Hole, which has required rescue operations and remains restricted to experienced spelunkers.
Location: Santa Cruz County
Inception: 1974
Operator: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549
GPS coordinates: 36.96035,-122.08303
Latest update: May 13, 2025 00:34
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