The best hikes from bus stations in Glenwood Open Space Preserve
4.6
(113)
1,497
hikers
1
hike
Bus station hiking trails in Glenwood Open Space Preserve traverse a diverse landscape spanning 170 acres, featuring a mix of ecosystems. The terrain includes ancient redwood groves, open oak savannahs, expansive grassland prairies, and vital wetlands. Trails often present gentle gradients and rolling hills, offering varied scenery and panoramic views across the valley.
Best bus station hiking trails in Glenwood Open Space Preserve
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Lime Kiln ruins loop from Felton, a 4.7β¦
Last updated: July 10, 2026
5.0
(9)
138
hikers
7.49km
02:27
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
10
hikers
10.2km
02:55
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
12.2km
03:31
310m
310m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This area is a steep, gullied region containing numerous springs and seeps (areas where water oozes slowly out of the ground). A diverse range of wildlife, including bobcats, cows, eagles, and squirrels, can be found here.
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This area is a steep, gullied region containing numerous springs and seeps (areas where water oozes slowly out of the ground). A diverse range of wildlife, including bobcats, cows, eagles, and squirrels, can be found here.
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The Lime Kiln ruins within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park are still visible and are a cool site to check out when running by. If you like history, these ruins are a good excuse to take a break during your run.
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Winding through lush greenery, this trail provides ample shade. With occasional narrow passages and rocky sections, it adds an intriguing touch to the rideβa journey through nature's captivating terrain.
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In East Slope Natural Reserve, explore an area boasting giant chinquapin and dwarf redwoods. Enjoy pleasant bike trails in this parcel, where possibilities abound for researching dwarf redwoods, soils, and forest springs.
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Perched along a scenic ridge in Santa Cruz, the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench makes for the ideal pitstop to appreciate panoramic views while conquering the challenging singletrack on this popular mountain biking trail network. Take a breather at the bench to soak in vistas of the bay before the trail splits.
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Discovering artwork displayed on these water tanks along the trail is a unique and delightful experience. The water tanks are continually repainted, so you can always look forward to a pleasant surprise in the form of new artwork.
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This mostly flat dirt trail meanders through oak trees and some old redwoods. Along this section, you'll encounter Horse Trough Spring, creating a stunning scene against the lush green backdrop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus-accessible hiking trails are available in Glenwood Open Space Preserve?
This guide features four distinct hiking routes that are accessible from bus stations, offering a range of experiences within Glenwood Open Space Preserve. These trails vary in length and difficulty, ensuring options for different preferences.
Are there any easy hiking routes from bus stations in Glenwood Open Space Preserve?
Yes, for those seeking a less strenuous option, the Horse Trough Spring β Fern Trail loop from Santa Cruz is an easy hike. It covers 6.8 km with a moderate elevation gain, making it suitable for a relaxed outing.
What kind of scenery can I expect on bus-accessible trails in Glenwood Open Space Preserve?
The trails accessible by bus in Glenwood Open Space Preserve offer a diverse range of scenery. You can expect to encounter magnificent redwood groves, open oak savannahs, expansive grassland prairies, and vital wetlands. Some routes also provide panoramic views of the valley, especially from the West Glenwood side.
Are there any loop trails accessible by bus in the preserve?
Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are loop trails, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point, conveniently near a bus station. Examples include the Lime Kiln ruins loop from Felton and the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench β U-Con Trail loop from Santa Cruz.
Can I bring my dog on these bus-accessible trails?
Yes, dogs are welcome on trails in West Glenwood, provided they are kept on a leash. This section of the preserve is popular for dog walking, offering a great opportunity to explore with your canine companion.
What are the longer, more challenging bus-accessible hikes?
For a more extended adventure, consider the U-Con Trail β Seep Zone Nature Reserve loop from Santa Cruz. This moderate route spans over 12 km with significant elevation gain, offering a rewarding challenge and diverse landscapes.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Glenwood Open Space Preserve?
The trails in Glenwood Open Space Preserve are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the varied terrain, the beauty of the redwood groves, and the well-maintained paths.
Are there any specific viewpoints or landmarks along these routes?
While specific highlights are not detailed for every bus-accessible route, the preserve is known for its panoramic views of the valley, particularly from the Westside trails. The Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench β U-Con Trail loop from Santa Cruz specifically mentions a scenic bench, suggesting a notable viewpoint along that path.
What is the best time of year to hike these bus-accessible trails?
Glenwood Open Space Preserve offers enjoyable hiking year-round due to its diverse ecosystems. Spring brings wildflowers to the grasslands, while the redwood groves provide shade in summer. Fall offers pleasant temperatures, and even winter can be beautiful, though some trails might be muddy after rain. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Are there family-friendly options among the bus-accessible trails?
Yes, the preserve's well-maintained paths and gentle gradients make it suitable for families. The Horse Trough Spring β Fern Trail loop from Santa Cruz, being an easy route, is a great option for families looking for a shorter, more accessible hike from a bus stop.
Most popular routes in Glenwood Open Space Preserve
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