Getting to Byrne-Milliron Forest involves a scenic drive through the Santa Cruz County backcountry, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll head east on Freedom Boulevard from Highway 1, then turn left onto Corralitos Road. After about 1.7 miles, veer right at the fork just before Corralitos Market, then hang a left at the T-intersection onto Browns Valley Road. Continue for roughly three miles until you spot the sign for “Roses of Yesterday” on your right—that’s your landmark. Turn left into that driveway and follow signs for the forest entrance.

What makes this place special is that the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, which operates entirely on private donations, manages the property as a working forest and opens it to members and the public. Your dog can roam off-leash through the trails, which is rare enough to be worth planning around. The hikes deliver genuine rewards: panoramic views stretching across the Pajaro Valley all the way to Monterey Bay. There’s also a massive old-growth redwood on the property—a 250-foot-tall giant that’s been standing for roughly 1,000 years, nicknamed the “Great White.”

Since this is private property dependent on donations, the experience feels different from typical state parks. There’s a quiet, almost privileged quality to being here, knowing the Land Trust maintains it specifically to keep it accessible and undeveloped. The forest itself is genuinely scenic with good hiking opportunities, and having your dog able to explore off-leash adds to the freedom of the experience.

The drive from Highway 1 takes about twenty minutes once you’re heading inland, so factor in travel time from Santa Cruz proper. It’s not a quick stop, but if you’re looking for a less-crowded hiking spot where your dog can range freely and you get both forest and valley views, this delivers.