Gorgeous hike in Nisene Marks via Loma Prieta Grade and West Ridge Trail.

Location: Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

» Official Brochure: Official Trail Map with details of both Forest of Nisene Marks and Soquel Demonstration Forest. The area close to Entrance Station in Forest of Nisene Marks is shown enlarged. Trail lengths are missing in this map.

» PeasePress Map: Trails of Santa Cruz: Excellent quality map showing various parks in the Santa Cruz area.

To West Ridge Trail (4.0 miles): From George's Picnic Area, follow Aptos Creek Fire Road (0.6 miles) → right on Porter Trail (0.7 miles) → continue along Aptos Creek Fire Road (0.2 miles) → left on Loma Prieta Grade (0.6 miles) to junction with Bridge Creek Trail → left on Loma Prieta Grade (1.0 miles) → left on Ridge Connection Trail (0.5 miles) to junction with Big Stump Gap Trail → left on Ridge Connection Trail (0.4 miles) to West Ridge Trail.

To George's Picnic Area (4.0 miles): Turn left on West Ridge Trail (3.6 miles) → right on Aptos Creek Fire Road (0.4 miles) to return to George's Picnic Area.

Notes: Porter Trail requires a couple of creek crossings without bridges. Going north, the first crossing is very close to Aptos Creek Fire Road. If it looks challenging, you may retrace your steps back to Aptos Creek Fire Road and walk along the fire road, bypassing Porter Trail (see trail map for details).

Location: Along Aptos Creek Road, about one mile north of intersection of Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA. Near 'Steel Bridge' and 'Winter Gate' in the official map. . No street address. Parking area is not visible in Google Maps.

Directions: From Highway 17 going south, go along CA-1 South. After about six miles, take Exit 435 for State Park Drive towards Aptos. Soon after the exit, turn left onto State Park Drive. After 0.3 miles, take the second right onto Soquel Drive. In half a mile, you will reach the intersection of Soquel Drive and Aptos Creek Road in Aptos, CA. Turn left onto Aptos Creek Road and drive about a mile to reach the Park Entrance kiosk where you would have to pay entrance fees. Drive another mile to reach George's Picnic Area, which is near 'Steel Bridge' and 'Winter Gate' in the official map.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $8 per vehicle (last visited: March 2014)

Capacity: About 15 cars

Latitude: 36.997309     Longitude: -121.906507