Sand Plant Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, CA

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About Sand Plant Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, California

Sand Plant Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park is at the base of a gulch that connects to a sand harvesting site west of Santa Cruz, CA. This gulch and the beach are the dividing line between two coastal sections of the state park. To get to Sand Plant Beach, start at the park visitor center and hike the Old Cove Landing Trail which leads past Wilder Beach and the Fern Grotto on the way. Sandy Flat Gulch Creek runs down the gulch behind the beach and pools in the sand at times. If the water from the creek isn’t too high, you can cross the beach and join the Ohlone Bluff Trail toward other beaches and the end of the trail above Four Mile Beach. If the water is too high it is a long walk around the gulch on the double-track hiking trail – be sure to consult maps at the visitor center.

Address: 1401 Old Coast Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Park Name: Wilder Ranch State Park
Owner: State Park
Pet Details: No dogs allowed on the beach
Fees: Fee for parking
Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Birdwatching
Amenities: Trails, Wetlands
Links: Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart