Home › California › Santa Cruz › Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead
Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Cruz, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead'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.
What runners say about Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead
“The first small beach has many stones in the water, the water is shallow, and the beach is shady.”
Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead, everyone can come here to play,catch crayfish and fish, and it feels more ideal than Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Don’t forget to buy fishing license ~ Parking lot: more than 35 cars will be available to park here without parking fee Bathroom: No Signal: There is no signal, if…
Kinda Hidden gem. Great trail among redwoods leading to swimming holes along the Lorenzo River. Follow the trail down to the curve at the bottom. There you can go left towards the popular (crowded) swimming areas or go right and follow less traveled trail to less crowded swimming holes.
Good spot to park, no fee, but don't expect to access many state park trails without wading across the river!
Peace and calm in mind from this hectic world. Adventurous trail, less crowded and bit steepy. Mesmerizing views!!
Trail conditions & character
“The first small beach has many stones in the water, the water is shallow, and the beach is shady.”
“Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead, everyone can come here to play,catch crayfish and fish, and it feels more ideal than Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.”
Plan your run at Santa Cruz Rincon Trail Trailhead
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
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.
U-Conn Trail Head
4.5 ★★★★★ 34 reviews
Garden of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwood State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 408 reviews
Picturesque wilderness area featuring a riverside loop trail & a natural swimming hole.
Powder Mill Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
Kid- and dog-friendly area with trails for hiking.
Pogonip Open Space
4.5 ★★★★★ 462 reviews
Scenic open space offering a hiking & biking trail network amid redwood & oak forests & slopes.
Spring Trail Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Popular outdoor area dotted with redwood trees, featuring numerous walking paths and a koi pond.