If you are considering Scotts Valley for its nature, Glenwood Open Space Preserve is a clear highlight. Its east and west sides offer more than seven miles of trails combined. For planning, it is worth looking at the two sides separately: trail lengths and permitted activities differ. This way, you can decide based primarily on whether you want to hike, trail run, or go out with a bicycle or a leashed dog.
Nature at Glenwood Open Space Preserve
The landscape of West Glenwood Open Space Preserve includes redwood forests, grassland prairies, and freshwater marshes. These habitats add another dimension to the trails: Scotts Valley can be understood not just in terms of trail distances, but also by its forests, open grasslands, and wetlands. Glenwood Open Space Preserve is also managed to protect special species. If you are interested in the natural side of the area, you can learn about both its varied habitats and the conservation principles behind its management.
Trails on the East and West Sides
The east side has more than three miles of trails for hiking and trail running. Bicycles and dogs are not permitted there. These restrictions are related to sensitive habitat and livestock grazing. If you are traveling by bicycle or with a dog, you should therefore leave the eastern trails out of your plans. When choosing between the east and west sides, it is important to consider the rules for each side separately.
On the west side of Glenwood Open Space Preserve, three miles of trails are divided among five loops. The trails are suitable for hiking and cycling; leashed dogs are allowed. The three miles refers to the total length of the five loops, not the length of any one loop. By comparison, the east side has more than three miles of trails for hiking and trail running, while the three miles on the west side are divided among five loops. The sides therefore differ in both permitted activities and trail formats. Check local conditions before setting out on the west-side trails; seasonal trail conditions may vary.
Location and Recreation
Scotts Valley is six miles north of the city of Santa Cruz and 26 miles southwest of San Jose. Santa Cruz is therefore the closer of the two cities, while San Jose is farther away. This comparison gives you a sense of Scotts Valley’s location by direction and distance when considering it as a destination.
Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation offers recreational programs for children and adults in the local community. These include sports, arts and crafts, music, and aquatics. Local recreation options therefore extend beyond the nature trails, although some programs are seasonal. If you are considering a particular program during your trip, check the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Soquel, Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Felton, Ben Lomond, Rio del Mar, Interlaken, Capitola.
Return to the main travel overview: Santa Cruz.
