Whether you are a history buff or a mountain biker, a wildlife enthusiast or a serious hiker, this park offers something for everyone. This historic complex, designated as a state cultural preserve, is home to what was once innovative and successful Wilder Creamery. California State Parks have spent decades restoring historic buildings and cultural features, restoring surrounding wetlands and protecting rich land and sea resources.
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Quick Information:
* Address: 1401 Coast Rd.
Santa Cruz, Ca 95060
* Phone: (831) 426-0505
* Park Hours: 8AM to Sunset
* Established: 1974
* Size: 7000 Acres Total
* Elevation: 50
Day Use Fee:
$10
Dogs:
No
Water:
Yes
Toilets:
Yes
What's there to do at Wilder Ranch State Park?
What are you into? History? They have that. Hiking? They've got that too. Biking? Yep. Ornithology? Birds galore. Basically, this is one of the best overall parks in California for a plethora of things to do. It is also centrally located, being literally just north of Santa Cruz and about 2 hours south of San Francisco. It is also not far from many other areas in the greater Bay Area.
A Brief History of Wilder Ranch;
Before the written history of the Santa Cruz area, the land was taken care of by the Ohlone. Once the Spanish arrived, the life for the Ohlone changed. You can read a bit about their life by seeing my page on the Santa Cruz Mission State Park. This land was once incorporated as part of the vast expanse that was Mission Santa Cruz. It was known as Rancho Arroyo del Matadero, the Missions cattle grazed these lands and were also slaughtered there.
Some time during the 1830s, the Mexican Land Grant lands were eventually re-granted out. By this time the area was known as Rancho Refugio and Joaquin Castro and the Castro family were prolific cattle ranchers in the area. Their land spanned from Gilroy to Santa Cruz. His 3 daughters were granted the land.
All three of the girls eventually married, one of them married to Jose Antonio Bolcoff, who was a Russian sailor. He jumped ship and had been living in the Branciforte across the hill from the Santa Cruz Mission. He was the Alcalde in the year 1834. The Balcoffs were very good at making cheese and butter. Their butter was so delicious that it caught a high price in Monterey. They built the adobe home that you can still see standing on the Wilder Ranch. They raised 11 children in that home!
The lands were eventually split and a gentleman by the name of Moses Meder acquired a large tract of it. Meder Creek is named for him. He was one of the Mormons brought by Sam Brannan on the ship "Brooklyn" which landed in San Francisco in 1846. Meder expanded the farming operations and built the farmhouse in the 1850s. The original portion of the home is now what you see as the front. He, too, sold butter for a good cost of $1 a pound, which at the time was very pricey.
Deloss Wilder along with a partner, Levi Baldwin, bought the farm and 4,160 acres of it in 1871. The Wilder's made a living over 5 generations and nearly 100 years. Over the years they built onto the original home from Meder and in 1897 They built the Victorian home that you can see today..
By the late 1960's the farm wasn't prospering enough to compete with the inflation of property taxes. With the land being proposed for development, like so many places that were saved, it became a state park.
Wilder Ranch State Park Map:
The photo below shows an aerial view of what the ranch looked like during the 1930's. Since this place is so large, it really gives perspective on where everything is located.
This building below was the newest home built on the property, built circa 1946. Unfortunately, it wasn't open when we went, so I could only peer inside. But on the chalkboard outside, they list that month's activities. I am hoping to make it back for a "Living History" day. Those are on the 1st Saturday of every month.
As you can see from the photo, there are 2 different styles on this home. The portion on the left was the original Meder Residence, and the area on the left was the addition built by the Wilders.
The shop and bunkhouse was built in the early 1900s. It still contains the tools of a working farm. Being capable to make everything like implements and tools needed to complete the daily tasks.
The horse barn. A truly beautiful building, look at the ornamental shingles. Can you imagine installing something like that now on your own home...and first off, where would you find a craftsman who can even make them? This one is circa 1891-1892.
Next to the Bolcoff adobe is the storage for the larger ranch equipment. It is the equipment and wagon house built circa 1879.
The Victorian home you see was built my Melvin Wilder, the son of Delos D Wilder who was the founder of the Wilder Ranch. It was built between 1897 and 1897. A Victorian era farmhouse in such pristine shape is something to behold. What a wonderful piece of American history.
The slaughterhouse and dairy barn are located next to each other. I was only able to take a peek inside the slaughterhouse which is looks like its just filled with old stuff. The dairy barn used to be much larger but even still it is a very large building. I would have loved to have seen it during its heyday.
What's Nearby?
There is so much to do in Santa Cruz County and beyond. No matter if you go north or south, there are still options. Heading north of Santa Cruz, you will find a multitude of beaches. When we went, most of the beaches up the coast had little to no people on them. Though, I am not sure what it's like during the heat of the summer.
In the town of Santa Cruz itself, you have the Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Mission, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Train Excursion. Heading south, you can visit the town of Salinas to see John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. And of course Monterey Bay Aquarium is always a joy to visit.
Hiking Trails;
There are many trails over this wonderful State Park. All the trails, with the exception of the beach trails, allow for equestrian use. There are 35 miles of bicycle trails. There are many options for trails, so I have only posted a couple.
Old Landing Cove Trail: This trail is the most popular by far for the Wilder Ranch State Park. It is rated as an easy trail and is 2.4 miles long. It is kid friendly, stroller friendly and bike friendly. There are no dogs allowed on this trail. This trail takes you down to the ocean, with a good possibility of seeing some seals!
Wilder Ridge, Baldwin, Ohlone Bluff to Old Cove Landing Trail: Next up for a really great trail is this one at 10.1 mile loop. Rated at moderate, I assume due to the time it takes to distance. For the entire length, it gains an elevation of about 902 feet. This trail is also a no dogs allowed trail.
Helpful Resources:
My information came mostly from historical accounts in newspapers and a visit to the Wilder Ranch.
