Hidden gems in Santa Cruz

By: DogTrekker Staff

Two people sit on benches in Santa Cruz, gazing out at the lush, expansive landscape. The scene unfolds before them: scenic hills roll gently into a secluded valley below. In the foreground, their two dogs rest contentedly on the grass. Under a clear, sunny sky, the vibrant greenery and tranquil setting offer an idyllic backdrop for this serene moment shared with their canine companions.

Photo by Susan.

Dog-friendly (and off-leash) hiking can be hard to come by in Santa Cruz, so Susan and her best friend Roobin were thrilled to discover Byrne-Milliron Forest. Miles of off-leash hiking trails, awesome giant redwoods, eye-popping vista points complete with rustic lounge chairs, picnic tables, water stations for dogs and humans and other amusing and quirky amenities.

Look close to find sculptures hidden along the trails. Open mailboxes at overlooks to find binoculars and pamphlets to enhance the views. Peruse the trail logs for profound and hilarious commentary.

More trail information on Byrne-Milliron available in this great article by Coastal Canine Magazine.

Also check out Antonelli Pond, a natural area on the Westside of Santa Cruz; it’s a great place to teach your pup to swim.

These little known and little used gems are just two of several Land Trust of Santa Cruz County properties open to the public.