Lodato Trail, courtesy of Visit Santa Cruz
Tucked away in the redwoods of Scotts Valley, Lodato is a hidden gem of forested beauty. The entire route clocks in at 1.2-miles and a leisurely stroll will likely take less than 45 minutes (but it is a lot of uphill).
Parking is free, and your leashed pups are welcome to enjoy the redwoods by your side. Just mind the poison oak which can creep close to narrow segments of the trail.
Read the entire Santa Cruz County hiking blog here.