Sand Plant Beach at Wilder Ranch State Park

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