Moore Creek Preserve

A nice isolated place to go on a countryside adventure that's barely outside town. There's basically only one trail (the website says it's 2.5 miles round trip but it's probably closer to 3) but it's a nice one that takes you through a mix of rolling grassy hills with cows and an oak forested ravine with a creek. During the rainy season, the hills are a very appealing green, but there are some mud puddles that take up the entire trail that you have to worry about. Parking at the Highway 1 entrance is limited but possible at a a small turnoff and the views of the bay are very nice

I love this place so much, but I got my mom to come with me and the brought her dog. He got so many ticks, we all did, but his fur is so thick that we missed one and it was on him for over 24 hours. He developed a limp and we took him to the vet who upon first glance knew he had lymes disease from the deer tick. He was put on antibiotics and can finally run again without the limp. Its so scary. Just be careful please ???? ????????

Picturesque and historic spot. Lots of local history

It's a lot smaller and less varied than nearby Pogonip, but the trails provide a great view of the ocean. Some of the back trails are a little overgrown, and you should definitely watch out for ticks. That said, it also tends to be pretty quiet, as it gets much less traffic than many other outdoor areas in Santa Cruz.

Moore Creek lies in the buffer zone between the redwoods and the coastal meadows. It's emerald green in the early spring, covered with phlox and poppies later, and gold in the summer. Solitary oaks dot the meadows, and riparian clefts nourish redwoods, fir, and alder...and lots of poison oak. Ancient seashore terraces now take the form of limestone outcroppings painted with lichens. It's free, but parking requires a short walk. I think not wheelchair or handicapped feasible.