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DeLaveaga Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,125 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Cruz, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from DeLaveaga Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsTrailhead parking

Grassy space includes picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, bocci ball courts, trails & a creek.

What runners say about DeLaveaga Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,125 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“The park is absolutely stunning and well maintained and there is beautiful areas for kids, adults and dogs.”

A beautiful spot in Santa Cruz for so many activities… I love to play golf on this very nice and challenging course and I have walked my dogs along the many trails that run all along the hills and ridges. There are baseball fields and playgrounds, large group picnic areas. And even a very nice disk golf course.

★★★★★ — Paul , Aug 2022

Nice trails for hiking and cycling close to town. The La Corona Trail is a good one for those who prefer a more gradual climb, starting from De Laveaga Park. It goes right up to “The Top of The World”, the famous disc golf tee-off spot.

★★★★☆ — Mark , Sep 2019

Went here for a mushroom foraging class and it was fun! It’s has various kinds of woods and plants, and not many people are coming here. I think it’s a good place for a bit hiking

★★★★★ — Steven , Dec 2021

We went to check this park out today and was very happily surprised. The park is absolutely stunning and well maintained and there is beautiful areas for kids, adults and dogs. This will be a common spot to visit forsure. The trails are also lovely and not too intensive.

★★★★★ — Marella , Sep 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,125 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 15 mentions

“Had a blast playing the disc golf course with some friends, definitely get a view of the wonderful scenery especially on a nice warm sunny day.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“But be prepared for a few technical sections where the trail is narrow and has rocks and tree roots to be navigated.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“On site disc shop 2$ parking and all the wonderful nature u want or dont stay on the trails if u please!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“From wide open fields to a basket, to long tree tunnels, or up with dog legs, this is really a location that will stay with you once you have played here.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“Pay $2 to park, bathrooms, great views, lots of hiking and benches along the way.”

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Plan your run at DeLaveaga Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitecityofsantacruz.com
  • Phone(831) 420-5270

Hours

Monday 8 AM–7:30 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–7:30 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–7:30 PM
Thursday 8 AM–7:30 PM
Friday 8 AM–7:30 PM
Saturday 8 AM–7:30 PM
Sunday 8 AM–7:30 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find DeLaveaga Park

855 Branciforte Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Get directions

Running trails near Santa Cruz

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.