Scotts Valley, California offers access to beautiful redwood trails, mountain biking routes, and coastal paddling near Santa Cruz. It’s a convenient spot for exploring local parks, creeks, and forested mountains year-round.
Scotts Valley, California offers access to beautiful redwood trails, mountain biking routes, and coastal paddling near Santa Cruz. It’s a convenient spot for exploring local parks, creeks, and forested mountains year-round.
Outdoor Adventure in Scotts Valley, California
Located just inland from the Pacific coast, Scotts Valley is a small town that connects travelers to both forested mountains and coastal waterways. It provides a great starting point for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and camping in Northern California’s diverse landscapes.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Scotts Valley, California special.
★ 4⌖ 2.42 milesEasyExplore the quirky Mystery Spot near Santa Cruz, California, where gravity-defying illusions and fun activities make it a family-friendly and intriguing destination. Enjoy the amusing 45-minute tour and a one-mile trail through redwoods. Busy in summer.
★ 5.5⌖ 2.45 milesExplore The Mystery Spot near Santa Cruz, a unique forest landmark known for its gravity-defying optical illusions set among towering redwoods. Enjoy short guided tours and forest walks in an easy-access location best visited in spring or fall.
★ 8.8⌖ 2.84 milesEasyDiscover the easy, 1-mile Redwood Grove Loop Trail near Felton, California. Walk among towering old-growth coast redwoods with interpretive signs and chances to spot unique wildlife. Ideal for families and casual hikers, this peaceful loop invites a relaxing, educational forest experience.
★ 8.8⌖ 2.86 milesModerateExplore Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Felton, CA, with a 5-7 mile trail offering moderate mountain biking through majestic redwoods. Perfect for adventure seekers, the trail features paved roads and sandy stretches. Open year-round.
★ 7.8⌖ 3.62 milesModerateExplore the diverse 4.5-mile Upper DeLaveaga Loop in Santa Cruz, CA. With moderate difficulty, enjoy trail running amidst redwoods, meadows, and ocean views. Accessible year-round and generally quiet, it's a rewarding experience for both runners and hikers alike.
★ 7.5⌖ 3.73 milesHardExplore the trails at DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. With 10 miles suitable for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers, enjoy climbs and technical sections year-round. Accessible by car, this local gem offers beautiful views and a mix of terrain.
★ 6.8⌖ 4.02 milesEasyLocated near Santa Cruz, the Enchanted Trail Trailhead features an easy, peaceful hike through tall coast redwoods and lush understory. Ideal for beginner hikers, birding, and quiet nature walks, this trail offers shaded paths and wildlife sightings in a calm forest setting.
★ 7.8⌖ 4.13 milesModerateExplore biking trails at UC Santa Cruz's Upper Campus Preserve connecting to Pogonip and Wilder Ranch. The moderate routes offer scenic fire roads and forested paths, perfect for adventure seekers year-round. Visit Santa Cruz, CA, for this biking adventure.
★ 7.5⌖ 4.13 milesModerateExplore the Aptos Fire Road near Soquel, CA. This 25-mile round trip trail features a moderate climb with stunning forest views. Ideal for biking enthusiasts, this year-round adventure rewards with challenging ascents and exhilarating descents.
★ 7.5⌖ 4.14 milesModerateExplore Pogonip Open Space Preserve's 2.5 miles of trails near Santa Cruz, CA. This moderate mountain biking trail offers scenic routes through forests and meadows, with connections to UCSC. Popular for its beginner-friendly Emma McCrary Trail. Best visited in spring or fall.
★ 7.2⌖ 4.17 milesModerateExplore the Pogonip Creek Trail, a 1.6-mile out-and-back route in Santa Cruz, CA. This moderate trail is great for hiking and wildlife viewing. Enjoy spring wildflowers and historical landmarks like the 19th-century lime kiln. Accessible for all skill levels with beautiful scenery.
★ 7.8⌖ 4.40 milesModerateExplore the 1.5-mile Emma McCrary Trail in Santa Cruz, CA. This moderate trail offers a great biking experience through lush greenery and is frequently visited in summer. It connects with UCONN and Wilder Ranch trails for extended routes.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Scotts Valley, California, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Scotts Valley, California.
⌖ 0.7 miA 25-minute Big Adventures Tour with Thomas the Tank Engine™ at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton — this guide summarizes the logistics, setting, and on-site activities for families.
⌖ 2.8 miA limited‑time, self‑guided evening walk in Felton lit by 26 artist‑designed lanterns that reveals the scale and hush of ancient redwoods; this guide distills what to expect and how to prepare.
⌖ 2.8 miA concise guide to a full-day bluegrass gathering in Santa Cruz featuring four hours of Broken Compass inside and outside Woodhouse Brewing.
⌖ 2.8 miA focused, three‑hour tribute to Sly & The Family Stone — performed by seasoned Bay Area and Marin musicians with special guest Natalie Cressman — this guide orients travelers to the 9/5/26 Woodhouse Brewing performance and what to expect.
⌖ 4.6 miA 2-hour beginner-friendly bonsai workshop at Shanty Shack Brewing where all materials are provided and you leave with your own planted tree.
⌖ 5.1 miRent EbikeSCruz’s premium electric bike in Santa Cruz — a quick, feature‑rich ride with speeds in excess of 30 MPH and models tailored for rider comfort.
⌖ 5.1 miA seven-hour Santa Cruz fishing charter where the captain selects the day's best grounds; all gear and bait are provided for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
⌖ 5.3 miA 2-hour guided SUP Eco Tour with Capitola Surf and Paddle that combines on‑board instruction with paddling through Monterey Bay’s Giant Kelp forests and close views of marine wildlife.
⌖ 5.4 miA step‑through e‑bike rental in Santa Cruz equipped with front shock, thumb throttle, and pedal assist — this guide explains who the bike fits, rental durations, and the child‑seat option.
⌖ 5.4 miA concise guide to the Surfboards listing in Seaside, California, operated by Jackfish Cart Rentals, clarifying what’s known from the verified listing and what travelers should confirm with the operator.
⌖ 5.4 miA concise guide to the operator's 1-hour sit-on-top kayak rentals in Santa Cruz Harbor, with single, double and family boats to plan a short, family-friendly paddle.
⌖ 5.4 miA focused, two-hour Stand Up Paddle lesson that teaches paddling fundamentals, safety, and self-rescue — useful for anyone new to SUP who wants a guided, hands-on introduction.
A concise guide to renting boogie and skim boards plus wetsuits for half- or full-day beach sessions in Santa Cruz.
⌖ 5.4 miA single‑rider flat‑seat e‑bike from EbikeSCruz equipped with front shock, thumb throttle and pedal assist; this guide explains what to expect for a 1+ hour rental and how to extend it.
⌖ 5.4 miA focused, personalized 2-hour surf lesson in Santa Cruz—ideal for beginners and small groups wanting hands-on coaching in ocean skills and surf etiquette.
Make the most of your visit to Scotts Valley, California with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Scotts Valley, California hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Scotts Valley, California during the iconic Scotts Valley Farmers Market. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Scotts Valley, California during the iconic Mountain Biking Races at Fall Creek Trail. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Scotts Valley, California during the iconic Local Trail Runs and Fun Runs. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Scotts Valley, California during the iconic Coastal Cleanup Days. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Scotts Valley, California is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Henry W. Coe State Park is the largest state park in Northern California, offering expansive backcountry terrain, diverse ecosystems, and extensive trail networks for hiking, mountain biking, and camping.
Mount Tamalpais State Park offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay Area with its extensive trail network and diverse ecosystems.
Point Reyes National Seashore is a rugged coastal expanse in Northern California, renowned for its breathtaking ocean views and diverse ecosystems.
Bring layers as coastal fog can cool mornings and evenings.
Parking near popular trailheads can fill quickly on weekends.
Local bike shops offer rentals and maps for area trails.
Check tide schedules for paddling along the nearby coast.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Scotts Valley, California. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.