The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park: A Redwood Sanctuary
Explore towering redwoods, discover historic logging sites, and hike scenic trails in this captivating Santa Cruz Mountain park near Aptos, CA.
Escape to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, a sprawling redwood forest near Aptos, California, offering over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and exploring historic logging sites. Named after Nisene Marks, this park is a testament to forest regeneration, with second and third-growth redwoods rising from the remnants of a 19th-century logging boom.
A brief summary to The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
- Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos, California, 95003, US
- +1831-763-7063
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
- Thursday 8 am-7 pm
- Friday 8 am-7 pm
- Saturday 8 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking is limited.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no concessions within the park.
- Download a trail map before entering the park, as some trails are not well-marked.
- Be aware of poison oak along the trails.
- Leashed dogs are allowed on certain trails.
Getting There
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Driving
From Highway 1, take the State Park Drive exit and head north. Turn right onto Soquel Drive, then left onto Aptos Creek Road. Follow Aptos Creek Road for approximately 4 miles to the park entrance. There is an $8 day-use fee per vehicle. Parking is available in several lots along Aptos Creek Fire Road, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
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Public Transport
From Santa Cruz, take the Santa Cruz METRO Line 1 bus towards Aptos. Get off at the Soquel Dr & State Park Dr stop. From there, walk north on State Park Drive, turn right onto Soquel Drive, and then left onto Aptos Creek Road. Follow Aptos Creek Road for approximately 4 miles to the park entrance. The bus fare is between $2 and $7. Single-ride tickets can be purchased at METRO customer service booths or ticket vending machines.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
From Aptos Village, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) can take you to the park entrance. Expect to pay around $23 for the 15 minute ride from Aptos to Santa Cruz. From the park entrance, follow Aptos Creek Road for approximately 4 miles to the park entrance. Be aware that cell service can be unreliable within the park.
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