1401 Old Coast Road
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-423-9703 or 831-426-0505

Open daily sunrise to sunset, year round.

Map to Park

View Trail Map

$10.00 day-use parking fee

The park covers approximately 7,000 acres, with 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys. Several buildings once belonging to the Wilder family have been restored. You can explore the history of early ranchers and farmers along the Central Coast through tours and living history demonstrations. The site was originally the main rancho supplying Santa Cruz Mission, and later became a successful and innovative dairy ranch. The grounds include Victorian homes, barns, shops, gardens, and a historic adobe. Major wetlands restoration projects have attracted some of the original flora and fauna back to the area. Dogs are not allowed at Wilder Ranch.

Directions
From Santa Cruz, go north on Hwy 1 about two miles past Western Drive and turn left.

Visitor Center
The interpretive center has displays on the cultural and natural history of the park, plus a resource center where the visitor can get more in-depth information. A stunning mural by Marin VanDuyn covers the walls of the main room. The park store, in the interpretive center, sells many hard-to-find books on local history, plus other items relating to the cultural and natural history of the park. All proceeds fund park educational programs. Interpretive center and park store hours are Thursday-Sunday, 10 am-4 pm most months. They are closed Thursdays in December-February, and open extra days April-mid-June. Call (831) 426-0505 for more interpretive center information. *Due to staff furloughs in effect, please call to confirm operating hours.

Camping
Horse camping only. No backpacking.

Horse camping
$14/night per site. Six sites.
Reservations and information: 831-423-9703

Accessibility
The cultural preserve is accessible. Call the interpretive center at 831-426-0505 for current information on tour accessibility and parking.

Climate/Clothing
Layered clothing is recommended due to changing weather conditions.

Amenities
Restrooms
Picnic areas
Food, lodging and supplies nearby

Educational Activities
Interpretive Center exhibits
Guided history and nature tours
Living history
Farm animal viewing
School field trip programs