Top 10 Viewpoints

Top 10 Viewpoints in the Santa Cruz Mountains

05.17.2018

In the Bay Area we pride ourselves on seeking new points of view. But how about seeking out the best points of view?! Yep, our friends at Peninsula Open Space Trust have done it again, creating a complimentary downloadable guide to the very best vistas in the Peninsula and South Bay.

The Top 10 Vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains gives you the 5 best viewpoints you can hike to and the 5 best viewpoints you can drive to … complete with directions, interactive trail maps, activities to do at each vista location, and insider tips. It even comes with a compass!

Do you know about Eagle Rock in Little Basin? How about Mindego Hill? Find out about these vistas and 8 others, then get going to viewtiful!

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  1. The Occidental Tourist

    The Grove of Old Trees in Occidental is 33 hidden acres of towering redwoods and the only privately owned preserve in Sonoma County that's free to the public. Hike one of two flat loop trails shaped like an upside-down peace sign.

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  2. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

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  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

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    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

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  2. Merry in Moreno Valley

    At 2.6 miles round trip, a quick escape to the out-and-back Cold Creek Trail in Moreno Valley is a great way to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

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  3. Hike A Fall Classic

    Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River, and brilliant in fall.

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    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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