Fern Grotto Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, California
Fern Grotto Beach is definitely worth the hike from the Wilder Ranch State Park visitor center. The grotto is a shallow cave at the back of the beach with ferns draping down over the entrance. There is a nice sandy beach in a deep rocky cove to enjoy here as well. The mouth of the cove isn’t large but there is quite a bit of sand here surrounded by sandstone walls on all sides. Getting here is half the fun though. Along the way are many great vistas over other beaches, bird and seal covered rocks, and a bucolic setting. To get here hike the Old Cove Landing Trail from the Wilder Ranch visitor center parking lot. The trail passes by Wilder Beach and farmlands before a small footpath descends into the back of Fern Grotto Beach. The main trail wraps around the back of the beach and continues to Sand Plant Beach nearby. From there it loops back to the parking area making it a great day hike.
- Address
-
1401 Old Coast Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 - Park Name
- Wilder Ranch State Park
- Owner
- State Park
- Other Names
- Old Cove Landing
- Activities
- Hiking, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching, Beach Exploration
- Amenities
- Trails, Grotto, Cave
- Pet Policy
- No dogs allowed on the beach
- Fees
- Fee for parking
