The best walks and hikes around La Selva Beach
4.8
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Hiking around La Selva Beach explores a landscape characterized by coastal bluffs, sandy shorelines, and nearby redwood forests. The region offers a mix of terrain, from flat beach walks to trails that ascend for ocean views. Hikers can experience sandy sections, shaded forest paths, and coastal trails, providing diverse options for outdoor activity.
Best hiking trails around La Selva Beach
- The most popular hiking route is Bridge Creek waterfalls via Aptos Creek Fire Road, a 10.6 miles (17.1 km) trail that takes about 4 hours 43 minutes to complete. This route follows the Aptos Creek Fire Road to a series of waterfalls within The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Old Growth Loop Trail, an easy 0.8 miles (1.3 km) path. The trail showcases towering redwoods and features a wooden bridge over Aptos Creek.
- Local hikers also love the Seacliff State Beach Pier loop from Rio Del Mar, a 2.6 miles (4.2 km) trail leading along the coast, often completed in about 1 hour 7 minutes.
- Hiking around La Selva Beach is defined by coastal hikes with ocean views, sandy beach sections, and shaded redwood forest trails. The network of paths provides options for different ability levels.
- The routes in La Selva Beach are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 450 hikers have used komoot to explore La Selva Beach's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
2.96km
00:48
50m
30m
The Aptos Rancho Trail offers a serene journey through the heart of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, winding alongside Aptos Creek beneath a thick, shady redwood canopy. This easy route, spanning 1.8 miles (3.0 km) with a gentle 165 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, immerses you in a lush landscape of redwoods, ferns, and picturesque canyon walls. Expect a tranquil flow of water, potential creek crossings, and a mix of shaded and open, sunny areas, making it a refreshing escape that takes roughly 48 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit means heading to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, where a day-use fee applies. This popular trail, especially on weekends, is both family-friendly and dog-friendly (leashed dogs only), so be prepared to share the path with others. Arriving earlier in the day or choosing a weekday can offer a more peaceful experience on this accessible route.
Historically part of the Aptos Rancho land grant, this trail is one of the few legal singletrack options in the park and serves as a valuable connector to a wider network of trails. Keep an eye out for fossilized seashells in the creekbeds, a fascinating reminder of the area's ancient past as an inland sea. It's a great choice for those looking for beginner hiking in a beautiful, historically rich setting.
994m
00:16
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This easy 0.6-mile loop at Manresa State Beach offers quick coastal views from dramatic bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
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1.92km
00:31
20m
40m
Enjoy an easy 1.2-mile hike on the Seascape Park Bluffs Trail, offering gorgeous coastal bluff views over Monterey Bay.
1.29km
00:23
40m
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The Old Growth Loop Trail offers a delightful, easy hike through a unique section of ancient redwood forest in Nisene Marks State Park. You'll wander among trees over a thousand years old, traverse a charming Wooden Bridge Over Aptos Creek, and discover the intriguing "Twisted Grove" where redwoods grow in unusual, gnarled shapes. This 0.8-mile (1.3 km) loop gains just 137 feet (42 metres) and takes about 22 minutes, making it an ideal, family-friendly option for a quick immersion into nature.
When planning your visit, be aware that the Wooden Bridge Over Aptos Creek is seasonal, typically installed from May through October. Outside these months, crossing the creek can be challenging or unsafe, especially after rain. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the trail's accessibility makes it a great choice for a relaxed outing any time of day during the bridge's operational season.
While some might compare it to other, more expansive redwood groves, the Old Growth Loop Trail holds its own with distinct features like the "Twisted Grove," possibly shaped by seismic activity. It provides a serene atmosphere along Aptos Creek, showcasing a rich riparian plant community with big-leaf maples and ferns alongside the towering redwoods. It's a fantastic way to experience the majesty of old-growth trees without committing to a longer, more strenuous adventure.
4.5
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17.1km
04:43
300m
300m
Hike the moderate Aptos Creek Fire Road for 10.6 miles through redwood forests, historical sites, and panoramic ocean views.
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Tips from the Community
One of several natural-surface multi-use trails in these woods, occasionally butting up against Aptos Creek as they wind through the (relatively) young redwoods.
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This woodland park, full of second- and third-growth redwood forest, is a monument to how the land can heal itself after heavy logging activity β if allowed. It has about 30 miles of trails for hiking, running and biking, including several favorite picnic spots along Aptos Creek.
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A peaceful escape surrounded by nature, the towering redwood forest of Nisene Marks' Tillman Grove offers mountain bikers a scenic ride under its lush canopy. Coasting along soft dirt trails, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife peeking out from the ferns and your ears open to birds calling overhead.
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A small but sturdy bridge made out of wooden planks crosses Aptos Creek and links the starting point of Old Growth Loop Trail with its main loop.
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Bridge Creek flows down the mountain via several waterfalls from three plateaus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around La Selva Beach?
Yes, there are over 30 designated hiking trails in the area. You'll find a great variety, from easy coastal walks along sandy shores to more challenging routes through redwood forests and up into the Santa Cruz mountains.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the La Selva Beach area?
The trails here are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning contrast between the cool, shaded redwood canyons found in parks like The Forest of Nisene Marks and the bright, expansive ocean vistas along the coastal bluff trails.
Are there any dog-friendly trails?
Dog policies vary by park. In The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, dogs are generally permitted on leash on the main fire road but not on the single-track trails. Many state beaches have restrictions, so it's always best to check the specific park regulations before you go. For official rules at Nisene Marks, you can check the official park website.
Where can I find a good hike for the whole family?
For an easy and scenic family outing, consider the Terrace Trail β Wooden Bridge Over Aptos Creek loop from Seacliff. It's a relatively flat walk that features a charming wooden bridge and is suitable for all skill levels.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls?
Yes, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is home to some beautiful waterfalls. The hike to Bridge Creek waterfalls is a popular choice, following the Aptos Creek Fire Road to a series of cascades.
What are the best places to hike for ocean views?
For dramatic coastal scenery, Wilder Ranch State Park is an excellent choice. Its trails run along high bluffs overlooking the Pacific, offering chances to spot sea life. Manresa State Beach also provides sweeping views from its bluff-backed shores, with trails leading down to the sand.
Where can I go to hike among redwood trees?
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is the premier destination for redwood hikes near La Selva Beach. This highly-regarded park features miles of trails that wind through lush canyons filled with second-growth redwoods. For a more challenging trek, the Wooden Bridge Over Aptos Creek β Aptos Creek Trail loop takes you deep into the forest.
What are some popular state parks for hiking in the area?
The region is home to several fantastic state parks for hiking.
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is a local favorite, known for its dense redwood forests and extensive trail network. Wilder Ranch State Park is celebrated for its dramatic coastal bluff trails with panoramic ocean views. For beach-focused walks, Manresa State Beach and Sunset State Beach offer miles of sandy shoreline to explore.
Are there any good sunset hikes?
Any of the coastal bluff trails at Wilder Ranch State Park or the shoreline at Manresa State Beach make for a spectacular sunset walk. A simple and rewarding option is the Seacliff State Beach Pier loop from Rio Del Mar, which offers clear views of the sun setting over Monterey Bay.
What should I know about parking for the trails?
Most state parks, including The Forest of Nisene Marks and Wilder Ranch, have designated parking areas that typically require a state park day-use fee. Beach access points like Manresa and Sunset State Beaches also have paid parking lots. Arriving early on weekends is recommended as lots can fill up quickly.
What is the best time of year to hike around La Selva Beach?
Hiking is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings pleasant weather and wildflowers, especially on the coastal bluffs. Summer is popular but can be foggy in the mornings. Fall often has the clearest skies for the best ocean views, while winter is cooler and greener in the redwood forests, though trails can be muddy after rain.
Are there any particularly difficult hikes for a challenge?
Yes, for a more strenuous workout, the Wooden Bridge Over Aptos Creek β Terrace Trail loop from Seacliff is a long and challenging route. It combines coastal sections with significant elevation gain as it climbs into the hills, rewarding you with expansive views.
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