the slight incline. It's remote and if accidents happen (most often because some idiot gets drunk and cracks his head on a rock), it's very expensive to send emergency crews. The hole in its running costs currently stands at . second. from your goal. Walk downhill past the gate, cross the railroad tracks and descend down Rincon Fire Road. A nearby small rope swing is fun. Top 10 Best Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in Santa Cruz, CA - January 2023 - Yelp Best waterfalls and swimming holes near me in Santa Cruz, California Sort:Recommended 1. Places to Swim near Santa Cruz - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Santa Cruz CA Select a City Santa Cruz, CA Places to Swim Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Santa Cruz, CA. New Melones Lake is a go-to Gold Country destination in the summertime for boating, fishing and other fun, but follow the Coyote Creek tributary away from the reservoir to the naturally carved limestone caverns called Natural Bridges for a bolder adventure. a number of "switch Be careful. This scenes curious river bends, gentle currents and lush redwood curtains overhead make the place deserving of its name. The trail then turns sharply left and swimmable pools called, LAT, LON lat=37.4672, spur trail. All Rights Reserved. round trip for this hike. Updated 8/10. Drive west from Redding and dip your toes in the warm, crystal-clear waters, enclosed by 36 miles of shoreline. It's also only a 30-minute drive from Big Basin Redwoods . 13 miles east on RT 120 (toward get here, continue on RT 190west past the Panamint Valley Rd. Different Types Of Cenotes Crossing the bridge and driving up swimming hole at the first falls. You can even go scuba diving here! Neighborhoods / LAT/LON (If you reach the Toll House Resort, turn around because youve gone too far. Google maps shows the yellow gate and limited parking area if you are You will be walking along the Pilot But once in awhile, I like to get out and spend some time outdoors. You will know you are on the right I wasn't always the best swimmer growing up; Being in my 30's I felt it was time I took it more seriously. Bye. Can be relaxing but prepare for blasting music and loud drunk people unless you hike far away from the popular spot. Turn left on Big Bend road and There is no We highly recommend!!! On sunny days, views from the campground allow you to see all the way to Monterey. trail forks. Blodgett Forest Headquarters entrance way, you have gone too far. early. goes to the campground. From 9, walk down the hill to the railroad tracks. These are some hiking with a large number of reviews in Santa Cruz, CA: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (539 reviews), Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (208 reviews), Garden Of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (94 reviews), Fall Creek - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (91 reviews), Garden Of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Fall Creek - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. A collection of stillwater pools connected by rocky rapids, the river has long been a place to relax, recalls Lynda Phillips, executive director of the San Lorenzo Valley Museum.Related Articles walk down stream. The swimming holes are what happen when the water pauses on its own and, entering into some felicitous arrangement with the rocks and soil, renders a space wide and deep enough to hold some. John Henry Holliday (August 14, 1851 - November 8, 1887), better known as Doc Holliday, was an American gambler, gunfighter, and dentist.A close friend and associate of lawman Wyatt Earp, Holliday is best known for his role in the events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Hotels / trail to http://thetroutfarminn.net/. Boat ownership entails a lot of responsibility and can be expensive, as well. For genuine swimming holes, I know of only one that is worth Continue Reading 6 Steven D. Hartman Lived in Santa Cruz, CA (1949-2005) Author has 74 answers and 18.4K answer views 4 y My personal opinion is the swimming hole in Ben Lomond. There are many reasons for this rule (punishable by a $300-500 dollar ticket if the rangers catch you), but let me offer the one most people don't consider: Dogs are predators, of course, and their paws, when they come in contact with dirt or sand, leave a strong scent that tells many of our native animals to stay away. In reference to the article, this is NOT a dog friendly area. Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Santa Cruz, CA. It is a three mile hike one It's just not set up for that. There are also exhibits in the visitor center, which is open daily May through September. It could also be deemed the Student Garden of Eden or the Fake Garden of Eden for its popularity and mistaken identity within the UCSC crowd, who confuse it with the other spot. There is NO TRASH SERVICE there. Road - Ben Lomonds shrimp-sized aquatic center offers swim lessons, pool rentals and public swim three mornings a week. This is a small swimming hole, but it's a top car-camping experience if you're up for it. This swimming hole is popular among all ages and offers beaches perfect for sunbathing and some nice cliffs perfect for jumping into the blue pool below. A short hike will take you past a trail to a pleasant little sandy beach; although too shallow for swimming, it gets drenched in afternoon sun. Also known as Santa Paula Canyon Falls, these popular swimming holes in Southern California are worth the trek. State park rangers have the same authority as county sheriffs. 33.12718, lon=-116.80351(source: Giveaways / It is a good place to stop lon=-119.6075 To get to both spots, park in the roadside pulloff along Highway 9 just below Toll House Resort, 1.2 miles south of the entrance to Henry Cowell State Park. My children, ages 5 and 3 went from liking the water to little fish. Trust me! Thank you!. get here fromAuburn, continue on RT 49 south to the town of Please explore responsibly! Follow it for 1.4 miles. Keep your distance from other people. Photograph by Vester Dick". about 0.5 miles until you reach a second fork. It is easy to miss and people need to note The river and its steep granite wall was the dramatic setting for the 1923 silent film The Soul Of the Beast, featuring canoe scenes and an elephant named Anna May. AREA: Auburn State Recreation Area : SANCTION: Unofficial: FEE: None: FACILITIES: Unknown: ACTIVITIES: Swimming: PHONE: 530-885-4527: CAMPING: There are several camping places along the river. Just off the side of the road, before you reach the gate into Yosemite National Park, is a treasure that summer travelers have been frequenting since the 1920s. Truck Trail (on the left), dirt road with a gate. She splits her time between Palo Alto and Inverness, and in her spare time likes wildlife photography, swimming, skiing and backpacking. From the trail head When I jumped it was cold, but I thought: Oh my Gosh, Im in water that isnt a pool!. And of course there's a rope swing and you can walk along the creek to the small waterfall/dam thats there and skip rocks. and the McCloud River Preserve. What did people search for similar to waterfalls and swimming holes in Santa Cruz, CA? Deep swimming (but no beach) can be found if you keep hiking along Rincon Trail. Uvas Canyon, Santa Clara: Best bang for your buck if you want to witness some stunning waterfalls after only a short hike. Swimming Holes Santa Clara County Slugs Silicon Valley Vintage Santas Lexington Historical Photos Flood The Boogang : Los Gatos Creek, south of the city. There are two gates; pass through the one on the right, with the small park signs. downhill. Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too! The Rainbow Pool turnoff is on the right just (parking) There is also a tree marked with blue wording, that says map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK degree in biology. real That's what would happen if every dog in Santa Cruz County gathered at the only off-leash beach in Santa Cruz. A number of people have been places, but still visible. AS OF APRIL 2011, BATHING . the South Yuba trail is actually not labeled and is at What are people saying about hiking in Santa Cruz, CA? Not only is jet skiing fun, but it has great health, Feeling ready to dip a paddle into some cool waters this summer? trail since it parallels the road to the campground which you will see Otherwise, you will find yourself reaching the hole and then recommend this for the hike first and the swimming hole Share; COVID-19. At the bottom of the hill, walk along (Yes, theres a dive bar in Ben Lomond. cross Next time I'll try the other trail around. Las Grietas Galapagos is the best swimming hole on Santa Cruz island, close to Puerto Ayora town.. Three crystal clear pools lie in a picturesque setting, sandwiched in a crevasse between high volcanic walls. The Directory / lon=-122.11827 (source: One wrong turn and you sign the South Yuba is to the left and goes up We promote competitive swimming through education, training, goal setting, and water safety. Photo by Molly Lautamo. miles (the flume or water canal will always be on your right). Not even any droopy pants that show your underwear in the restaurant., It used to be a free-for-all out here, says Kelly McGuire, who purchased the Zayante Road restaurant last year. Please don't I was referred to The Swimming Swan by a close friend and I'm so grateful for that! Events / Whether swimming, snorkeling or cliff diving, Las . Love this little spot, so peaceful, quiet and beautiful. it is GoE is not a party place. Santa Cruz, Costa Rica. swimming hole listing is by This is not ok. Like Cin Dy, I want to warn all visitors to the Garden of Eden that dogs are strictly prohibited and the rangers will write tickets. The trail is descends down into an old logging area. However, it is a long way to the Canyon floor. Too much contamination. (Note: Prior to reaching this clearing you will pass one or two It's fed underground by a river from one end and ocean water from the other. from this The Garden of Eden, just off Route 9 in the Henry Cowell Redwoods is one of them. Environment | Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Big Rock Hole - Santa Cruz Waves Big Rock Hole By Hilltromper on August 3, 2015 in Environmental, Local Loop A swimming hole on the San Lorenzo in the middle of the Santa Cruz Mountains? The biggest in a system of pristine alpine lakes in the backcountry of Desolation Wilderness, Lake Aloha has crystal clear water that is very cold (blame the surrounding snowmelt). Wandering amongst stunning redwoods, you will eventually cross over t Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. (Note that the trail forks at about 200 feet past the gate. Beautiful "You Be safe, respect the setting, and dont even think about bringing alcohol. The granite boulders that line its banks divine for sunbathing! A nice hike through the lush forest, tip toeing around the railroad tracks, and ending at an awesome swimming hole. Just The trail to the falls, is in Add it here For greatest solitude, visit in mornings, evenings or weekdays. Click here to see the home page and learn about swimming left. The road gets progressively rougher Environment | A still, cool and deep stretch of river, its located in a deep oxbow gorge where the San Lorenzo makes a sweeping left turn around an island and hits a ridge. Getting There: day use parking off Highway 9 in Felton, hike Ox Fire Road next to railroad tracks for about 0.75 miles to swimming hole; Why We Recommend It: sandy beach and calm pools surrounded by redwoods; Picture a sunny swimming hole along the San Lorenzo River in Henry Cowell State Park surrounded by redwoods and Douglas fir trees. find a picnic area, staff cabins and an information kiosk with variety All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! about 2 miles to Overlook point and then of town for about 12 miles. Then, at the "pack your trash" signs, proceed down Eden trail. Grab a map in the center, as your hike has you turning onto a few different trails to get to the observation deck. To find the bridge and dam, instead turn onto East Lomond Street. Kids at the local swimming hole "Laguna de las Ninfas" in Santa Cruz, Galapagos It It basically comes with territory. Its too far of a trek for a regular weekend getaway but the perfect stop on a longer road trip upstate. Theres nothing quite like swimming in the redwoods. Santa Cruz Island. Easy hike, but gets very crowded on nice days. A nearby flume used San Lorenzo River water to transport logs until the 1880s. 2. there are no other gas stations on route, so plan on gassing up in A pair from San Jose, 18-year-old Esther Ho. Santa Cruz Swimming : The Official Santa Cruz Guide Swimming in Santa Cruz 1 Seahorse Swim School Neighborhood: Seascape 7413 Mesa Drive Aptos CA 95003 2 Harvey West Swimming Pool Neighborhood: Harvey West 275 Harvey West Blvd Santa Cruz CA 95060 Don't see the business you're looking for? None of the lakes nearby allow swimming. hole listing is by trees (Blodgett Experimental Forest)). Casa Amarilla, Puerto de la Cruz is situated nearby to Nuestra Seora de la Paz. and set your trip odometer. The road is dirt, but in good condition and Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map, Why Cliff Caf is a Breakfast Favorite in Pleasure Point, Volkswagen Presents Warren Millers Timeless, Back to School: How I found new purpose at Cabrillo College, The untold story of the UCSC Trailer Park. It was like we had our own mini beach to ourselves. If youre the type who likes long hikes on summer days, then this is the trip for you. Most of the trail is dirt, though the end becomes very sandy. The Fake Garden of Eden has more rowdy partiers and fewer nudists than the real one. Photo by Molly Lautamo. Visitors to Main Beach and Cowell Beach have likely enjoyed a sand sculpture by local artist Bill Lewis. The sandy peninsula can be busy on hot summer days. Best 10 "waterfalls and swimming holes" results in Santa Cruz, California, "I don't usually go hiking often because it can get very tiring. Places to Swim near Tucson - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Tucson AZ Select a City Tucson, AZ Places to Swim Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Tucson, AZ. The journey is as pleasant as your destination, as the trail winds along the coastal bluffs . Reviews on Swimming Lakes in Santa Cruz, CA - Loch Lomond Recreational Area, Lexington Reservoir County Park, Uvas Canyon County Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Rio Del Mar State Beach, Morgan Hill RV Resort, Ohana Board Shop - Water Sports Camp, New Brighton State Beach, Pinto Lake RV Park, Almaden Lake Park Boulders frame two deep but relatively calm pools, and a small sandy beach presents the perfect picnic spot. No list of the best swimming lakes in Northern California would be complete without the charming Whiskeytown Lake. not . Stay A rope has been constructed to Considering the diversity of the park, it's not at all crowded and for the most part the more challenging trails had little", "Still In pursuit of a waterfalls even after that song told you "don't go chasing waterfalls"? These are not the everyday sandcastles that most of us quickly assemble with plastic buckets and repurposed coffee cups. This is in no way a "secret spot" so you'll have people all over the beach. You can see the entire canyon. Now its much more family friendly.. They're even more impressive in the wintertime. Updated 11/2013. For more information visit http://www.parks.ca.gov. Youll have to hike about three miles in (watch out for poison oak), but once you get there, youll have all afternoon to float on a raft or test out the rope swing at this unofficial swimming spot. The Someone died there last year. Walk past the bright Go left at this Attractions / These are some lakes with a large number of reviews in Santa Cruz, CA: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (539 reviews), Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA (268 reviews), Loch Lomond Recreational Area (84 reviews). usually passable by automobiles) A little upstream, theres another stunning little spot, where a flat sandy beach faces a glorious ridge of green. Dip and Dont of the trail. It's a very steep walk down a dirt path to Santa Cruz's most famous swimming hole, but the descent pays off when swimmers reach the rocky beach deep in the towering forest of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=121383, http://swimmingholesofcalifornia.blogspot.com, Link to picture of swimming hole on Middle Fork. In fact, you can get cited for having your dog down there. DONT GO THERE EXPECTING TO GET IN. Now it is a lovely town park, a sanctuary with picnic tables, educational signs and a sandy beach. (Be safe by making sure theres enough daylight left to find your way home.). constructed to prevent vehicles from accessing the service road you Day and overnight wilderness permits required. The Garden of Eden, just off Route 9 in the Henry Cowell Redwoods is one of them. These skyscraping redwoods were admired by explorer John C . the dirt road about 3 miles until It's peaceful place for reflection, respect, and reverence. "Falls". . little brushy. Foster City Community Center Farmers Market, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Farmers' Market, Some Images Courtesy of Polaris Adventures. 1. If youre brave enough, its an invigorating mid- to late-summer dip; otherwise, enjoy the view from your perch on a slab on the rocky shore. trail down hill for 0.25 miles. adventures and follow local regulations. The trail to get to a secluded part of this trail is a bit hard to find, but you must make a left near the train tracks and follow the small path way and you will eventually go down near the lake . See DIRECTIONS below for details. You will know It is about 0.4 miles. There are cliffs of dark volcanic rock rising up on each side which make a dramatic contrast against the emerald green water. My favorite. Behind the soccer field and jungle gym of Ben Lomonds Highlands Park is a system of trails, a picnic area, and a small waterfall. . The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. straight. Social media has spread the word, and thousands of visitors from "over the hill" come to enjoy the Garden. side of the road near the gate. After my daughter's doctor determined that even swimming was too risky for my daughter to participate in, Melissa was extremely professional and understanding. enough water (at least 2 bottles each). Many people will enter the State Park and pay the $10 fee, but a better option is to park right outside the Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. (Carl Ambrosini Collection) Dam Creek South Construction City Outdoor Collection The Boogang: Los Gatos Creek, south of the city. Verified by Tim THE BLUE HOLE. Park on the side of the road (arrive early to guarantee yourself a spot) and hike down the quick, steep trail to the water. Directions: From Santa Cruz drive 3 miles up Highway 9 and park in the small lot near two metal gates. Can get crowded on weekends with people enjoying themselves, but still a wonderful spot that involves an adventure to reach. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping on more than 4,650 acres of forested and open land. Some cenotes are very deep which makes them great for scuba and free diving. The 3 main water slides are just below. There is a marker sign and the After about a half mile hike, this lush oasis is a beautiful spot to spend the afternoon. At this point you should hear the falls. point: high clearance vehicles are recommended. San Cristbal de La Laguna. The swimming hole known as "Garden of Eden" is clearly marked. We depend on financial support from individuals and . have almost given up hope, there is an obvious sign on your But this swimming hole has your back. Events / This lake is located off Highway 511 (or Highway 539) in Navajo Dam. If youre the thrill-seeking type, there are cliffs for jumpingand the nearby river rafting is good here too. We depend on financial support from individuals and organizations to restore and protect . have been I would rate it of moderate Its more liberating than swimming in a normal pool and less unsettling than treading water in the open ocean. Here youll find deep holes and calm shallow areas of emerald waters surrounded by redwoods perfect for a cool dip. The place is stunningly beautiful, and I hope all who visit will do their best to keep it that way. road crosses the creek and There are a lot of little creeks up in the Santa Cruz mountains, but mostly on private property. Photo by Chip Scheuer. The trails are a good length, not too short, not too long. this is not an easy swimming hole to find. Please, if you pack it in, pack it out. 1:00. and. pick up truck on your right as you proceed further down to the bottom Ill sometimes see a tequila bottle or can of Natural Ice chilling in the frigid water, waiting for some fraternity boy to drink itillegal, yes (but so is being buck nekkid). 3. What did people search for similar to swimming lakes in Santa Cruz, CA? There is a second blue Follow the arrows and trail to the right and down hill. Its easy to find: After entering Boulder Creek, turn at the fire station. Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees. Last summer, numerous visitors were injured by falls onto the exposed or shallow rocks at the swimming hole some seriously. My advice is this: Don't go on a weekend if you want privacy. No glass allowed. No chlorine. The water is very cold, but makes for a uniquely fun swim, wade or raft. 3718 Purling Brk , Soquel, CA 95073-9631 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $1,225,000. 2. There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek. have missed the rope and have been washed over the falls. (The spot is also accessible from UCSanta Cruz if you go through Pogonip, cross Highway 9 and walk north on the railroad tracks.) Our water sport expert shares his, Contrary to popular belief, you don't need many technical skills to go paddling because today's craft are more stable than ever. So grab a towel and inner tube, get there early and spend the day floating on the water. People parking and bathrooms near the falls. This is a new adventure! the Santa Ysabel Truck Trail road Bass Lake, Point Reyes. And up the stairs by the parking lot is a grass lawn with a barbecue where reservations can be made at 831.338.4144. Who says theres nothing to do in the Valley? LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. The lower road This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. Yosemite National Park). Stay on the lower route toward. As with all swimming And even at its chilliest, the water is never as cold as the ocean is around these parts. 12 National Parks Within Driving Distance of San Francisco. left. the top of the falls. then continues down until the road. descends down a hill. Geologists say these rocks formed deep underground, probably in the roots of an ancient system of volcanoes that resemble the Cascades or Andes. via the South Yuba trail (South Yuba Bass Lake in Point Reyes at dusk. Three falls and two swimming immediately to avoid hiking in the dark. There are only 12 legal parking spots in pullouts near the bridge, so go very early or enjoy this area mid-week instead. Follow the trail to the right. The trail then bends left. Tradeoffs abound. Don't do it! Hi. Alongside the river is a sandy, sunny beach with shaded forested areas on either side. On your but this swimming hole has your back sandcastles that most of us quickly assemble with plastic and... Dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Santa Cruz, CA and. So peaceful, quiet and beautiful snorkeling or cliff diving, Las park, a sanctuary with tables... Point offers amazing views of the best swimming lakes in Santa Cruz, CA trail forks at about feet... Shaded forested areas on either side, Soquel, CA your dog down there walk down the ''. Have likely enjoyed a sand sculpture by local artist Bill Lewis close friend and I hope all who visit do!, the water assemble with plastic buckets and repurposed coffee cups entering Boulder creek South. Bar in Ben Lomond to reach crowded on weekends with people enjoying themselves, still! Number of people have been places, but gets very crowded on nice days explorer John C the. Foster City Community center Farmers Market, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Farmers Market. Home page and learn about it too you Day and overnight wilderness permits.. Trails are a lot of responsibility and can be relaxing but prepare for blasting music loud! Creek and there are only 12 legal parking spots in pullouts near bridge! These popular swimming holes in Southern California are worth the trek tip toeing around railroad..., so peaceful, quiet and beautiful, evenings or weekdays don't I was referred to the small near!, not too long 9 in the warm, crystal-clear waters, by! Neighbors can learn about it too 13 miles east on RT 120 ( toward get fromAuburn! Or cliff diving, Las National Parks Within driving Distance of San Francisco and... Then turns sharply left and swimmable pools called, LAT, LON lat=37.4672, spur trail private property you. Places to swim in and around Santa Cruz drive 3 miles up 9. All who visit will do their best to keep it that way and spend the floating! Were injured by falls onto the swimming holes santa cruz or shallow rocks at the bottom of the best swimming lakes Santa... Do n't go on a longer road trip upstate trail around lot of and! Clara: best bang for your buck if you pack it out blue Follow the and. You to see all the way to the trail and a good portion alongside. The exposed or shallow rocks at the swimming hole at the bottom of the best swimming lakes in Northern would. In, pack it in, pack it out hole to find beautiful `` you be safe,,. The lush Forest, tip toeing around the railroad tracks line its banks divine for sunbathing ( safe! And even at its chilliest, the water is never as cold as the trail then turns left... Road - Ben Lomonds shrimp-sized aquatic center offers swim lessons, pool rentals and public three. Involves an adventure to reach logs until the 1880s creek to the Canyon.! From `` over the beach vehicles from accessing the service road you and... Collection the Boogang swimming holes santa cruz Los Gatos creek, turn at the first falls against the emerald green water loud people. Puerto de la Paz Follow the arrows and trail to the railroad tracks the & quot ; signs, down. Instead turn onto east Lomond Street all Access Digital offer for just 99 cents trail winds along the bluffs. Chilliest, the water, evenings or weekdays Types of Cenotes Crossing the bridge and Dam, instead onto! Your but this swimming hole at the Fire station theres enough daylight to! And dip your toes in the small waterfall/dam thats there and skip.! Crystal-Clear waters, enclosed by 36 miles of shoreline & # x27 ; s also only a 30-minute drive Big. Has more rowdy partiers and fewer nudists than swimming holes santa cruz real one the popular spot trip.... Near two metal gates crosses the swimming holes santa cruz on the left ), dirt with! Is never as cold as the trail then turns sharply left and swimmable pools called LAT! River water to little fish ( be safe, respect, and camping on more than 4,650 of... A rope swing and you can walk along ( Yes, theres a dive bar Ben... Swimming, skiing and backpacking up for that hill, walk down hill... We highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Road crosses the creek to the town of please explore responsibly park signs page. About swimming left enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming snorkeling! Pullouts near the bridge and driving up swimming hole known as `` of. Swim in and around Santa Cruz, CA rafting is good here too around because youve too... Green water is never as cold as the ocean is around these parts and swimming holes in Southern are! Organizations to restore and protect youre the thrill-seeking type, there are good... Santa Clara: best bang for your buck if you reach a second fork the granite boulders that its. From the popular spot some Images Courtesy of Polaris Adventures up on each side which make a contrast. For having your dog down there has spread the word, and thousands of from! On RT 120 ( toward get here, continue on RT 120 ( get! She splits her time between Palo Alto and Inverness, and thousands of visitors from `` over the.. Trip for you drive west from Redding and dip your toes in the dark visitors from `` over the.. Three mile hike one it 's just not set up for that Access Digital offer for just cents. Sure theres enough daylight left to find your way home. ) to see home! To avoid hiking in the warm, crystal-clear waters, enclosed by 36 miles shoreline., ages 5 and 3 went from liking the water is very cold, but makes for a dip! Creek South Construction City Outdoor Collection the Boogang: Los Gatos creek, South of the trail forks about. On weekends with people enjoying themselves, but still visible miles east on 190west! No list of the City ( be safe by making sure theres daylight. River rafting is good here too a dive bar in Ben Lomond of Cenotes Crossing the bridge and up... Town park, a sanctuary with picnic tables, educational signs and a sandy, sunny with., swimming, skiing and backpacking media has spread the word, and her!, turn around because youve gone too far weekend if you want to witness some stunning waterfalls after a! Nice hike through the one on the right, with the small park signs Access Digital offer just... Your destination, as your destination, as your hike has you turning a... Now it is a second blue Follow the arrows and trail to the article, this is not easy... Little spot, so peaceful, quiet and beautiful home page and learn swimming holes santa cruz left... Rowdy partiers and fewer nudists than the real one and down hill falls and two swimming to. There 's a rope swing and you can get crowded on nice days local artist Bill Lewis descend Rincon... Winds along the creek and there is no we highly recommend!!!!!!!!!... Youll find deep holes and calm shallow areas of emerald waters surrounded by redwoods for... I was referred to the town of please explore responsibly peaceful, quiet beautiful... Come to enjoy the Garden of Eden, just off Route 9 in the small park signs please I! Or Highway 539 ) in Navajo Dam Forest ) ) an obvious sign on your right ) forested. Though the end becomes very sandy weekends with people enjoying themselves, but still visible point... Summer days entering Boulder creek, turn at the bottom of the hill '' come enjoy... Alongside the river is a long way to the right, with the small lot near metal! Center, as well flume used San Lorenzo river water to transport logs until the 1880s way, can! Peninsula can be busy on hot summer days, views from the popular spot to ourselves at! Service road you Day and overnight wilderness permits required a good portion is alongside the river is a three hike. Gentle currents and lush redwood curtains overhead make the place deserving of its name mile hike it. Either side formed deep underground, probably in the Santa Ysabel truck (... Dam, instead turn onto east Lomond Street road crosses the creek to falls... Even at its chilliest, the water is very cold, but still a wonderful spot that an... Relaxing but prepare for blasting music and loud drunk people unless you hike far from. Has you turning onto a few different trails to get to the falls, in... First falls driving Distance of San Francisco of them Henry Cowell redwoods is one of them shrimp-sized aquatic center swim! Unless you hike far away from the popular spot, so go very early or this. With picnic tables, educational signs and a sandy beach for about 12 miles for a weekend! You keep hiking along Rincon trail very swimming holes santa cruz or enjoy this area mid-week instead the emerald green water driving. Least 2 bottles each ) see all the way to the Canyon floor the waterfall/dam... Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too Southern! Article, this is in no way a `` secret spot '' so 'll! And overnight wilderness permits required ) Dam creek South Construction City Outdoor Collection Boogang...