Home › California › Santa Cruz › Moore Creek Preserve
Moore Creek Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Cruz, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Moore Creek Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
This 246-acre greenbelt offers hiking trails through grassy plains with views of the Monterey Bay.
What runners say about Moore Creek Preserve
“beautiful hike , the trail is steep and a bit narrow & wonky .”
Great place for a jog but even better to take someone from out of the area I brought a friend who really enjoyed the diversity of the preserve. Tread lightly and leave no trace this little slice of paradise is well worth the adventure! Dress appropriately and take the necessary precaution but most important have fun.
I love this place so much, but there's no where to park. At all really. Besides under bushes sticking out in the middle of the street. I got my mom to come with me once and she brought her dog. He got so many ticks, we all did, but his fur is so thick that we missed one and it was on him for over 24 hours.
Moore Creek lies in the buffer zone between the redwoods and the coastal meadows. It's emerald green in the early spring, covered with phlox and poppies later, and gold in the summer. Solitary oaks dot the meadows, and riparian clefts nourish redwoods, fir, and alder...and lots of poison oak.
A nice isolated place to go on a countryside adventure that's barely outside town. There's basically only one trail (the website says it's 2.5 miles round trip but it's probably closer to 3) but it's a nice one that takes you through a mix of rolling grassy hills with cows and an oak forested ravine with a creek.
Trail conditions & character
“The nearest parking is a 5-10 minute walk away, but if that doesn’t bother you, it’s a less busy site than other parks in Santa Cruz.”
“Parking at the Highway 1 entrance is limited but possible at a a small turnoff and the views of the bay are very nice”
“5 miles round trip but it's probably closer to 3) but it's a nice one that takes you through a mix of rolling grassy hills with cows and an oak forested ravine with a creek.”
“Great place to take the bike, take a walk, take the dog or just some good old fashioned solitude in a quiet uncrowded place.”
Plan your run at Moore Creek Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 — reported by runners
- Websitecityofsantacruz.com
- Phone(831) 420-5270
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.
Wilder Ranch State Park
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Wilder Beach Overlook
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Spring Trail Trailhead
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Popular outdoor area dotted with redwood trees, featuring numerous walking paths and a koi pond.
Natural Bridges State Beach
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Compact sandy patch with rock bridges & tidepools, popular for spotting seabirds, whales & seals.
