Home › California › Santa Cruz › Powder Mill Trail
Powder Mill Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 44 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 Powder Mill Trail 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.
Kid- and dog-friendly area with trails for hiking.
What runners say about Powder Mill Trail
“Parking gets a little confusing since the path is rather small so if someone goes in the wrong direction it is difficult to maneuver but the trails are gorgeous and great exercise!”
“Great dog walk, soft trails, great for running and hiking”
I guess this is The Powder Mill Road not the trail. This place is fantastic. You can bring your dog and go for a hour hike and see no one. It’s so peaceful and relaxing. I made it down to the powder mill creak today with Bear my dog. We got our feet wet before hiking back up the canyon.
Parking gets a little confusing since the path is rather small so if someone goes in the wrong direction it is difficult to maneuver but the trails are gorgeous and great exercise!
Beautiful hiking area that you can take your dog with. When taking the pup, just make sure you watch the signs for where you can and can't take them.
Great place to go hiking with friends or family members. I enjoy sitting by the creek at the bottom of the trail and meditating.
Trail conditions & character
“You can bring your dog and go for a hour hike and see no one.”
“Parking gets a little confusing since the path is rather small so if someone goes in the wrong direction it is difficult to maneuver but the trails are gorgeous and great exercise!”
Plan your run at Powder Mill Trail
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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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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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