Aptos Creek
The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Santa Cruz County, CA
Point-to-point trail in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Santa Cruz County, CA. Mountain biking.
- Distance
- 11.2 mi (18 km)
- Elevation Gain
- 2,552 ft (778 m)
- Est. Time
- 3 hr 5 min
- High point
- 2,556 ft (779 m)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Point to point
Features
Along the way
- Picnic area: George's Picnic Area 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from start
- Picnic area: Mary Easton Picnic Area 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from start
- Viewpoint: Top of the Incline 5 mi (8 km) from start
- Viewpoint: Sand Point Overlook 7.9 mi (12.8 km) from start
- Peak: Sand Point 8.1 mi (13 km) from start
- Peak: Lone Tree Prairie 10.1 mi (16.3 km) from start
- Viewpoint 10.1 mi (16.3 km) from start
- Viewpoint: Santa Rosalia Viewpoint 11.2 mi (18 km) from start
From OpenStreetMap. Check before you rely on water or toilets.
Questions about Aptos Creek
How long is Aptos Creek?
Aptos Creek is 11.2 mi (18 km) long. Most people take about 3 hr 5 min. It climbs 2,552 ft (778 m) in total, up to a high point of 2,556 ft (779 m).
How hard is Aptos Creek?
GoTrails rates it Hard, from its length and how much it climbs.
Where do you park for Aptos Creek?
Parking at the start. 4 more lots along the route.
Are there water and toilets on Aptos Creek?
No water mapped: bring all you need. Toilets: Trailhead, 1.1 mi (1.7 km), 1.6 mi (2.6 km), 2.1 mi (3.3 km).
Is Aptos Creek shaded?
Mostly shaded (99% under trees).
Can you bring a dog on Aptos Creek?
No, dogs are not allowed, according to OpenStreetMap.
What can you do on Aptos Creek?
Best for Mountain biking.
Where can you eat near Aptos Creek?
Taqueria Los Gordos, 0.5 mi (0.7 km) from the start. 2 more places to eat. Shop: Aptos Natural Foods, 0.5 mi (0.7 km). 2 picnic spots.
Is this a good week for Aptos Creek?
GoTrails turns the 7-day forecast at the start and at the high point into a clear go / no-go: temperature, rain, storms, wind, heat, air quality and daylight, with a suggested start time. This week’s call is at the top of this page.
Trails near Aptos Creek
- Aptos Creek Fire Road The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Expert · 13.4 mi (21.6 km)
- Waggoner Overlook Trail The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Easy · 0.3 mi (0.4 km)
- Split Stuff Trail The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Easy · 0.5 mi (0.7 km)
- Old Growth Loop Trail The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Easy · 0.6 mi (1 km)
- Oak Ridge Trail The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Easy · 0.8 mi (1.4 km)
- Aptos Rancho Trail The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Easy · 3.4 mi (5.5 km)
- Terrace Trail The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Easy · 1.3 mi (2.1 km)
- Terrace Trail Connection The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park · Easy · 0.4 mi (0.6 km)
More hikes in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
GoTrails · Route data: © OpenStreetMap