Once the main rancho supplying the Santa Cruz Mission, Wilder Ranch later became a successful dairy ranch. Today the natural features, including the beaches, the open hillsdies, and the Redwood canyons, as well as some of the historic buildings of Wilder Ranch, have been preserved alongside areas of the park still dedicated to presently operating farms. The buildings preserved include Victorian homes, barns, shops, gardens, and a historic adobe. In the main historic area there are vegetable and flower gardens, and farm animals, including chickens and goats. There is also a seperate horse coral with horses in it and historic cowboy quarters. Major coastal wetland restoration projects have also been undertaken in the park. The Ohlone Bluff Trail travels 4 miles north alongside the coast, and passes Wilder Beach, Fern Grotto, Sand Plant Beach, Strawberry Beach, Three Mile Beach, and Four Mile Beach. The upper portion of Wilder Ranch State Park features an extensive trail system passing over large, sunny, open hillsides, and through shady Redwood creek canyons. Grey Whale Ranch is a recent addition to the park and is adjacent to UCSC. The Twin Gates is an area at the top of the park where it meets Chinquapin Road, which is the upper most trail in the UCSC Upper Campus.

Bikes are permitted on every trail in the park, making it a very popular bike park. Dogs are not permitted anywhere in the park.

Wheelchair Access: The Visitor Center is accessible via a rear ramp; staff will open gate to get to the ramp. The Victorian House has a lift and is accessible, but only open on an occasional basis. The historic ranch and outbuildings are located some distance away from the parking lot, but visitors may arrange to be dropped off in the historic area. Several barns and other historic structures are open and generally accessible via short ramped entries that may require some assistance. Some structures are viewed from the exterior only; exhibit panels provide general information. Parking and restroom in the main lot are accessible. An accessible portable toilet is available in the ranch area. Call the park for details.

A view from the upper portion of the park One of the working farms at sunset

Video from Wilder Ranch State Park

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Related Pages

• Wilder Ranch on santacruzstateparks.org
• Parks and Open Spaces
• Beaches & Surf Spots