State Park · California
Wilder Ranch State Park

- Location
- Santa Cruz County, California
- Nearest town
- 3.9 miles west of Santa Cruz
- Type
- State Park
About Wilder Ranch State Park
Formerly a working dairy ranch, the property now preserves its old buildings as a museum reachable from a day-use parking lot. The coastline setting draws hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers along its long trails and ocean views. Dogs are not allowed on the trails, though many routes are open to bikes and horses. To the north, public beaches continue into adjoining Coast Dairies State Park.
Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.
Getting there
Wilder Ranch State Park is in Santa Cruz County, California, 3.9 miles west of Santa Cruz. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.
State parks near Wilder Ranch State Park
Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 213 in California →
Natural Bridges State BeachState Beach · Santa Cruz County, CA3.1 miSE
Henry Cowell Redwoods State ParkState Park · Santa Cruz County, CA3.6 miNE- Santa Cruz Mission State Historic ParkState Historic Site · Santa Cruz County, CA4.0 miE
Lighthouse Field State BeachState Beach · Santa Cruz County, CA4.5 miSE
Twin Lakes State BeachState Beach · Santa Cruz County, CA5.7 miE
New Brighton State BeachState Beach · Santa Cruz County, CA8.9 miE
Seacliff State BeachState Beach · Santa Cruz County, CA10 miE
The Forest of Nisene Marks State ParkState Park · Santa Cruz County, CA13 miE
Manresa State BeachState Beach · Santa Cruz County, CA14 miE
Towns near Wilder Ranch State Park
State parks near Santa Cruz, State parks near Watsonville, State parks near Morgan Hill, State parks near San Jose, State parks near Pacific Grove, State parks near Salinas
Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.