About seven miles off Highway 80 in Colfax, the North Fork of the American River beckons. The lower road So grab a towel and inner tube, get there early and spend the day floating on the water. "The River. The trail descends fairly steeply for about 0.25 miles. will end up in the woods hiking for a long time. back of this parking lot. From the parking area, the river is a quick (but steep!) Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. We promote competitive swimming through education, training, goal setting, and water safety. to the swimming hole. Editors Note: Always check conditions carefully before taking a plunge. backtracks to climb up the northern slope of Santa Ysabel gorge. marked with blue arrows at the clearing. A two-mile stretch of the South Fork of the Eel River is just what you need on hot summer days in northern Mendocino County. about 2 miles to Overlook point and then Many small streams are unnamed. Here the San Lorenzo turns flat, shallow and languorous. trail to Here youll find deep holes and calm shallow areas of emerald waters surrounded by redwoods perfect for a cool dip. It is easy to miss and people need to note A short hike will take you past a trail to a pleasant little sandy beach; although too shallow for swimming, it gets drenched in afternoon sun. (This one is slightly closer to campusbetter for lazy college students.). The area used to be a toll road stop, and there was even a lodge up on the cliff with a diving board into the largest of the three pools. is Wentworth Springs Rd. DONT GO THERE EXPECTING TO GET IN. photos of Rainbow Falls please see. The parking is on the left See if you can spot any schools of tiny fishes. God's Bath, Sonora: Not for the faint of heart! before the highway bridge over the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. Thank you! for Must be careful while walking along the train tracks since it's active. that steep (except the final 1/4 mile descent). Forest sign road marker (12N67B). This is a review for lakes in Santa Cruz, CA: "Plenty of shade, plenty of trails to choose from, and on a hot day, you can even visit Garden of Eden, which is seriously the most beautiful swimming hole I've seen. Add as much time as you want to rinse in the cool San Lorenzo waters. To 7 Charming Small Towns Near Napa Valley That Arent, You Know, Napa, This Is Not a Drill: Fans Can Now Rent That Stunning Italian Villa from The White Lotus on Airbnb, This Southern California Town Is a Total Hidden Gem (and Nows the Best Time to Visit), I Will Never Forget the Room Service Pizza: My Night at Brooklyns The William Vale, The 30 Coziest Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC, The 8 Best Places to Travel in February 2023, Old Highway 49 Bridge, Nevada City (nevada County), Garden Of Eden, Felton (santa Cruz Mountains), Natural Bridges, Vallecito (calaveras County), Bass Lake, Bolinas (point Reyes Seashore), Rainbow Pools, Groveland (tuolumne County), Standish-hickey State Recreation Area, Leggett (mendocino County), China Hole, Henry W. Coe State Park (santa Clara County), Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness (el Dorado County), North Fork American River, Colfax (placer County), Lower Falls, Mccloud River (shasta County). Follow the Photo by Chip Scheuer. Located in Little River Canyon in northeastern Alabama, this swimming hole requires you to hike about a mile from the Little River Canyon Falls parking lot, but it's totally worth it to frolic. Just before you get to the "4 A still, cool and deep stretch of river, its located in a deep oxbow gorge where the San Lorenzo makes a sweeping left turn around an island and hits a ridge. Directions: 7701 E. Zayante Road, Felton. If you need to hauled out, it's going to cost you about $30,000. have been reach the McCloud River Preserve from Continue on RT 190 then, 1 mile west of At the clearing the trail But this swimming hole has your back. A pair from San Jose, 18-year-old Esther Ho. Just bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a towel, and a picnic to enjoy a day of relaxation. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. I wasn't always the best swimmer growing up; Being in my 30's I felt it was time I took it more seriously. Just as you Observation Deck Loop in Henry Cowell Redwoods SP. Photo by Molly Lautamo. Swimming holes provide a relaxing venue to take a dip in chlorine-free water all while taking in the jaw-dropping views that nature has to offer. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. All Rights Reserved. The State of California only assesses about 15% of the 211,513 miles of streams and rivers in California. And it isnt the warmest spot, either, on account of the cliffs and tall trees shielding the sun and the rest of the world, too. Swimming Holes Santa Clara County Slugs Silicon Valley Vintage Santas Lexington Historical Photos Flood The Boogang : Los Gatos Creek, south of the city. The sandy peninsula can be busy on hot summer days. slightly overgrown. These are some hiking with a large number of reviews in Santa Cruz, CA: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (539 reviews), Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (208 reviews), Garden Of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (94 reviews), Fall Creek - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (91 reviews), Garden Of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Fall Creek - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. the Forest Service "Ah-di-na" campground. But once in awhile, I like to get out and spend some time outdoors. saw hole in . by Molly Lautamo. 4. recommend this for the hike first and the swimming hole This quirky joint will be on the left. It's remote and if accidents happen (most often because some idiot gets drunk and cracks his head on a rock), it's very expensive to send emergency crews. This scene's curious river bends, gentle currents and lush redwood curtains overhead make the place deserving of its name. east for a short way. There is a second blue Also accessible from UCSC and Pogonip. Garden Of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park 94 Hiking Beaches "I've heard from a lot of people that it was very promising with beautiful waterfalls ." more 2. need to Directions: 9085 Highway 9, Ben Lomond. New privately owned camping facility and parking area opened to the All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Walk past the bright No list of the best swimming lakes in Northern California would be complete without the charming Whiskeytown Lake. Park on the side of the road (arrive early to guarantee yourself a spot) and hike down the quick, steep trail to the water. miles (the flume or water canal will always be on your right). trees (Blodgett Experimental Forest)). At www.swimmingholes.org, This swimming hole listing is by yellow gate, allow 90 minutes to walk in. FYI, a medivac helicopter out of there costs about $30,000 & it happens more than you would think. My advice is this: Don't go on a weekend if you want privacy. Three falls and two swimming Better stop for After hiking a while you will reach Theres a series of briskly refreshing pools and cascading waterfalls surrounded by smooth granite and evergreen forest. Your local trail guide for all ages and skill levels, Off-road riding in your area, plus instruction, rentals, and holes in other states, This All Rights Reserved. The trail to the falls, is in Why I Love Las Grietas As with all swimming The trail then turns sharply left and indicating the South Yuba Trail. area at the South Yuba campground. descends down into an old logging area. If we ever personally need a swimming instructor in the future we will definitely go with Melissa and The Swimming Swan. have missed the rope and have been washed over the falls. In addition to reservable sites, the park boasts a number of other activities, including a swimming hole in Pescadero Creek, campfire programs, naturalist walks and movies in the park on weekends during the summer. ranges, and retailers, Its hard not to get a scenic vista when youre paddling. If, Whether you head out for a day across the bay or a jaunt into the wilds for a week-long adventure, paddling is one of the best outdoor activities you, Welcome to the wonderful world of paddlesports, where water whisks you away into a magical paradise and pastime you can pursue forever with family, Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is the fastest growing watersport in the world for good reason: Its easy to learn, fun, refreshing, awesome core, Summer is here and now is the best time to enjoy a whitewater adventure with friends and family. Take this road (Wentworth Springs Road) out . of . Lisa M. Krieger is a science writer at The Mercury News, covering research, scientific policy and environmental news from Stanford University, the University of California, NASA-Ames, U.S. Geological Survey and other Bay Area-based research facilities. For greatest solitude, visit in mornings, evenings or weekdays. Caution: Lock your car and conceal your belongings at Rincons parking lot, as vandalism is sadly common. . One wrong turn and you That is the easiest way. round trip for this hike. Dip and is not heavily traveled so its a little faint in Please explore responsibly! Next time I come, I wanna get in a morning hike before it hits noon (hottest time of the day), then jump into the swimming hole. Casa Amarilla, Puerto de la Cruz is situated nearby to Nuestra Seora de la Paz. Giveaways / The state parks are public and open to all, but please don't come here thinking this is great place to drink beer, smoke weed, and party. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! The swimming holes are what happen when the water pauses on its own and, entering into some felicitous arrangement with the rocks and soil, renders a space wide and deep enough to hold some. Park at Ox Trail turnout on Hwy. this is not an easy swimming hole to find. Please bring enough THE BLUE HOLE. Note: The El Dorado Ranger Station will be This is a very popular day trip to beat the heat, so go early in the morning to score a parking spot in the small lot or along Highway 49. ofRamona, turn left Not really, no. The upper to the parking. The swimming area starts right near the second truck. The trail starts at the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Visitors Center. But at dusk and dawn, the site feels almost sacred. Protected from the chilly coast in Point Reyes is this idyllic lake bordered by trees and rolling hills. the top of the falls. Hours are 7 a.m. to Sunset ( check the Loch Lomond website for specific closing times month by month; all boats must be off the water one hour before closing). The last time I went, there were some rowdy stoners who kept jumping off of the boulders, so I didn't get a chance to actually swim", "What: - Artificial lake reservoir in Santa Cruz - Hiking - Boating - Fishing - Island in the lake to which one can travel by boat More Info: - $4/car entrance fee (Free after 4pm) - Five car parking spots - Restrooms near the car parking spots - Several picnic areas with BBQ pits - Park", "Don't even bother reading other reviews. Our water sport expert shares his, Contrary to popular belief, you don't need many technical skills to go paddling because today's craft are more stable than ever. Beautiful constructed to prevent vehicles from accessing the service road you The Garden of Eden, just off Route 9 in the Henry Cowell Redwoods is one of them. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Hoyt's Crossing, Yuba County: Discover this swimming hole after a 1.2 mile hike to a beach and former river. reach The east side of the beach is popular with swimmers and waders. However, the hike is fairly easy be careful at the lower Falls!! There are a variety of trails to choose from that will take you to smaller beaches and amazing natural swimming pools. Attractions / accidents. Our swim lessons in Santa Cruz County can be taught one-on-one or as a group whatever your preference. Add it here, Restaurants / Last summer, numerous visitors were injured by falls onto the exposed or shallow rocks at the swimming hole some seriously. In fact, you can get cited for having your dog down there. AREA: Auburn State Recreation Area : SANCTION: Unofficial: FEE: None: FACILITIES: Unknown: ACTIVITIES: Swimming: PHONE: 530-885-4527: CAMPING: There are several camping places along the river. For genuine swimming holes, I know of only one that is worth Continue Reading 6 Steven D. Hartman Lived in Santa Cruz, CA (1949-2005) Author has 74 answers and 18.4K answer views 4 y My personal opinion is the swimming hole in Ben Lomond. At the preserve entrance you will LAT/LON backs". The Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. Or travel downstream just a hundred yards or so to another special spot, where waters run deep; park by the bridge and climb down to a small concrete dam. fairly level with some slight inclines. Park in the dirt Very special oasis in the desert - said to have water all year. The water is a little too", Search swimming lakes in popular locations. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. The fault is no longer active; experts estimate that most of its movement occurred more than 5.9 million years ago. Best 10 "swimming lakes" results in Santa Cruz, California, "Plenty of shade, plenty of trails to choose from, and on a hot day, you can even visit Garden of Eden, which is seriously the most beautiful swimming hole I've seen. Directions: From Santa Cruz drive 3 miles up Highway 9 and park in the small lot near two metal gates. that is right across from the marker sing in North Canyon. Hotels / lat=36.32077, lon=-117.5245 (source: web site) Places to Swim near Tucson - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Tucson AZ Select a City Tucson, AZ Places to Swim Take a dip at these awesome places to swim in and around Tucson, AZ. A great swimming hole in the Santa Cruz moutains of California, the Garden of Eden lives up to its name. swimmable pools called, LAT, LON lat=37.4672, It even kind of looks like a biblical illustration of Adam and Eves first home. The day I went had lots of dooshy people. from this This is your new favorite spot for the times when you need a swim in Santa Cruz but don't feel like sporting a wetsuit. This swimming hole is named Garden of Eden due to its unrivaled natural beauty, clear water, lush curtain of redwoods, and its often naked swimmers. And even at its chilliest, the water is never as cold as the ocean is around these parts. Whiskeytown Lake. Surrounded by redwood panoramas out of an Ansel Adams photograph, this picturesque island has plenty of space for a picnic. beach area in front of the falls and to the left side of the falls It disappeared with the construction of Lexington Dam. These are some highly rated lakes in Santa Cruz, CA: What are some lakes with a large number of reviews in Santa Cruz, CA? Just off the side of the road, before you reach the gate into Yosemite National Park, is a treasure that summer travelers have been frequenting since the 1920s. The Santa Paula Punch Bowls are alluring pools and cascades located between two Los Padres National Forest Campgrounds. A rope has been constructed to interpretive materials and maps. Many paths lead down to the river; all are steep and some require bushwhacking. Traffic passes on both sides); this Alongside the river is a sandy, sunny beach with shaded forested areas on either side. From the trail head Partially verified, 11/2013. And, again, I want to remind everyone that dogs are NOT allowed at Garden of Eden. but this is the only trail down. Stay on the lower route toward. Ben Lomonds shrimp-sized aquatic center offers swim lessons, pool rentals and public swim three mornings a week. for a free map. There is no Santa Cruz County's department of Environmental Health Services provides recreational water quality to the public through their website and by calling 831-454-3188. . I'll be back to visit Garden of Eden when I get my Summer body!!!". help for getting out of the pool. The hardest part is, Paddle Your Way To See The Best Fall Colors. Overlook So think twice before carving your initials in a tree or painting your tag on a rock. The There are many aerial adventures that can be chosen, from obstacle courses to zip lining, or both! immediately to avoid hiking in the dark. There are redwoods very close to the trail and a good portion is alongside the creek. Swimming in Santa Cruz on YP.com. It is only about knee deep. Day and overnight wilderness permits required. There is a tree with a park sign on it that is a If you have safety tips to add, please drop a comment below so everyone can see. (Laurence Parent/The City of Santa Rosa) Santa Rosa, New Mexico. It could also be deemed the Student Garden of Eden or the Fake Garden of Eden for its popularity and mistaken identity within the UCSC crowd, who confuse it with the other spot. killed around the 4th water slide. It's a very steep walk down a dirt path to Santa Cruz's most famous swimming hole, but the descent pays off when swimmers reach the rocky beach deep in the towering forest of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. After the long trek, youll be rewarded with a refreshing pool and rope swing for a playful, carefree afternoon. The middle hole is popular due to the Gusty winds and then storms slam communities from the Southwest to the Plains. So we found 11 Northern California spots within driving distance of the city where the weather is hot and the water is perfect for cooling off on long summer days. Attractions / dead-end distracter trails on the right and then some newly planted Picture a sunny swimming hole along the San Lorenzo River in Henry Cowell State Park surrounded by redwoods and Douglas fir trees. Walking is fine. 11. You proceed to the right. The Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Area, a summer oasis of water fun, offers a range of recreational activities, from boating and rafting to fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. and follow it about 2.5 miles. Don't see the business you're looking for? In the early 1800s, this area was a lumberyard, filled with stacks of redwood logs harvested from nearby mountains and loaded onto the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks. Directions: Drive 7 miles up Highway 9 and turn right at the large brown sign with yellow lettering for Highlands Park. There is a marker sign and the Bloomfield road to Edwards Crossing. find a picnic area, staff cabins and an information kiosk with variety Bear Creek Office 831-703-4135 It has several playgrounds, picnic areas, a yacht harbor, and the Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education, now called CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point. Cool. from your goal. Feel free to bring your dog, but make sure Fido isn't scared of a little scramblethe descent isn't for the faint of heart. LAT, LON (of trailhead) lat= The last time I went, there were some rowdy stoners who kept jumping off of the boulders, so I didn't get a chance to actually swim and submerge myself. wheel drive" sign, take a turnoffto the right tosmall You can wade through riffles, swim in its one or two deeper holes, or nap the afternoon away. The Old Swimming Hole Many people swimming in a natural pool in the San Lorenzo River, Boulder Creek, CA. Ill sometimes see a tequila bottle or can of Natural Ice chilling in the frigid water, waiting for some fraternity boy to drink itillegal, yes (but so is being buck nekkid). Minutes from the heart of downtown Santa Cruz lies a quiet oasis on the San Lorenzo River, away from the crowds of weekend tourists. Then youre on the island. To get to both spots, park in the roadside pulloff along Highway 9 just below Toll House Resort, 1.2 miles south of the entrance to Henry Cowell State Park. In more recent years, environmentalists have cherished its quiet refuge. passing into the town of Quintette, find parking on the left Easy hike, but gets very crowded on nice days. It is like a Siren calling you in the wrong direction away The difficulty of the", "Let's talk about the Garden of Eden, because that's all everyone's talking about anyway! walk down stream. You may also want to, Jet skiing is a true thrillwind in your hair, water spraying, and catching awesome waves. I would well-used trail about 1 mile to the falls(do not hike up the "4 wheel We work as a TEAM to achieve individual peak performances in a positive environment. Garden of Eden swimming hole: Social media brings problems to Santa Cruz Mountains oasis You just follow this unmarked trail down and Sitting Bull Falls Yelp/Angie C. Flickr/Paul David Gibson Sitting Bull Falls is located in a beautiful part of the Lincoln National Forest, near Carlsbad. Hoyt's Crossing, Yuba County: Discover this swimming hole after a 1.2 mile hike to a beach and former river. A day in the life tracking storms across southwest Nebraska. with deep pool below and jumping opportunities. I was referred to The Swimming Swan by a close friend and I'm so grateful for that! Managed by Wildlife Conservation Association. What are some highly rated lakes in Santa Cruz, CA? Love this little spot, so peaceful, quiet and beautiful. Can be relaxing but prepare for blasting music and loud drunk people unless you hike far away from the popular spot. (Yes, theres a dive bar in Ben Lomond. straight. www.swimmingholes.org, FromRT 78 just east This unique vantage point offers amazing views of the redwoods. it will go for about 0.5 miles until you reach a sign The swim instructors were professional, built rapport with the kids, and pushed them to the next level! straight or on the right at this first fork. 13 miles east on RT 120 (toward With nearly thirty miles of shoreline, Santa Cruz County's most popular earth-based medium is available in droves. And if you have a warrant, they'll take you to jail. The Rainbow Pool turnoff is on the right just It takes you to Please don't Throw in the changing colors of autumn, however, and youre in for a real, Mountains have them, municipalities have them, so why shouldnt waterways have them as well? www.swimmingholes.org. See what it's like to scurry through the trees like a squirrel. Ive solicited personal favorites from friends and acquaintances. The west side is a launching point to wind surfers. Loch Lomond is open Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays) from March 1st through Labor Day and then only on the weekends through mid October. lon=-119.6075 So the hike distance is about 6-7 miles God's Bath, Sonora:Not for the faint of heart! You can see the entire canyon. Bass Lake in Point Reyes at dusk. The road is dirt, but in good condition and There is a grocery store in town here. the 11.9-mile mark, turn right at the sign for "Ah-di-na" campground It's also only a 30-minute drive from Big Basin Redwoods . Truck Trail (on the left), dirt road with a gate. the slight incline. From Millenniums of erosion have worn down much of the granite into soft and sandy riverfront beaches. a number of "switch There are only 12 legal parking spots in pullouts near the bridge, so go very early or enjoy this area mid-week instead. San Cristbal de La Laguna. drive 0.8 miles to the bridge over Hatchet Creek. Events / Don't be an asshole. It holes, swim at your own It's a John Henry Holliday (August 14, 1851 - November 8, 1887), better known as Doc Holliday, was an American gambler, gunfighter, and dentist.A close friend and associate of lawman Wyatt Earp, Holliday is best known for his role in the events leading up to and following the Gunfight at the O.K. Santa Cruz, Costa Rica. You will know There are also a Take a moment to marvel at the historic cement arch bridge that dates back to 1921 before setting off on the main trail towards Hoyts Crossing. 9, walk down the hill to the railroad tracks. Boulder creek rec & park district 13333 Middleton Ave. downtown office 831-338-4144 15685 Forest Hill Drive. I really loved my private instructor and learned so much! is basically a few slabs downstream and easy to get to from Skinny Dip. There isn't a special landmark like a fallen tree or large rock to signify you have reached your", "Forest of Nisene Marks State Park is located right near the village of Aptos and features a network of hiking trails along creeks, through forests and up to waterfalls. waterslides and swimming holes. They also have well maintained restrooms. Follow this trail left and down about 100 feet until Garden of Eden in Henry Cowell Redwooods State Park is a string of dozens of. Garden of Eden, Santa Cruz: The name for this spot is pretty self-explanatory. Nightlife / descends down a hill. Note at this There are some blue Henry Cowell boasts a popular swimming hole known as the Garden of Eden, as well as trails for hiking and horseback riding. Please Trust me! Wandering amongst stunning redwoods, you will eventually cross over t Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located just a few miles north of the city of Santa Cruz, along Highway 9. To get to the little beach, turn left on the first visible trail. Photograph by Vester Dick". There are 2 gates, pass thru the one with small park signs, then walk down to, & make a right at, the railroad tracks, walk along them until on your left are several small park signs (one reads "No Diving"), take that trail to the riverbank beach swim hole(s), there's 3, center one (with fallen log "diving board"), is surrounded on either side, & separated by tiny rapids, with an additional upper & lower swimming hole. There will be two river crossingseach involves tiptoeing across river rocks or wading through. At this location, there is a free parking area near an ocean overlook that makes . Aside from weird naked people, there are only two minor reasons not to fall head over heels in love with this place. Garden of Eden is the perfect Northern California adventure! slides are each 30 to 80 feet wide and about 12 to 15 feet deep. Environment | To What did people search for similar to swimming lakes in Santa Cruz, CA? back of the parking area on the right side. difficulty. Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map, Council Lets Staff Study Paddle-Boarding on River, Why Cliff Caf is a Breakfast Favorite in Pleasure Point, Volkswagen Presents Warren Millers Timeless, Back to School: How I found new purpose at Cabrillo College, The untold story of the UCSC Trailer Park, High Time: A guide to Santa Cruz cannabis dispensaries, After The Fall: One Boomers Tale of Reckoning, A Sleep Doctors Advice for Quality Shut-Eye, Secrets of a Serial Santa Cruz Movie Extra, Summer Soaking in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Doobie Brothers Guitarist Pat Simmons Recalls His Santa Cruz Days. Redding, take RT 299 east for 35 miles. Junction Park is at the intersection of Middleton and Railroad Avenues. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. These are some highly rated hiking in Santa Cruz, CA: Fall Creek - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (4.5/5), Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (4.5/5). Both are ideal for sunbathing. goes to the campground. Social media has spread the word, and thousands of visitors from "over the hill" come to enjoy the Garden. It is under 1/4 of a mile After my daughter's doctor determined that even swimming was too risky for my daughter to participate in, Melissa was extremely professional and understanding. Its more liberating than swimming in a normal pool and less unsettling than treading water in the open ocean. People of all ages gather here with beach towels and lawn chairs. Then, at the "pack your trash" signs, proceed down Eden trail. enough water (at least 2 bottles each). 3718 Purling Brk , Soquel, CA 95073-9631 is a single-family home listed for-sale at $1,225,000. . Drying off after a recent day in the water, 9-year-old Laine Otto said he had an exciting time leaping off some of the cliffs lower ledges, even though the frigid water worried him at first. What are some highly rated hiking in Santa Cruz, CA? And of course there's a rope swing and you can walk along the creek to the small waterfall/dam thats there and skip rocks. See reviews, photos, directions, phone numbers and more for the best Swimming Instruction in Santa Cruz, CA. Great for families with younger kids. (north) onto Magnolia Avenue, If its summer, its time for a day cooling off in one of the many swimming holes along the crystal-clear Yuba River. There are a lot of little creeks up in the Santa Cruz mountains, but mostly on private property. 1. In the 1800s, when logging was at its heyday, early townspeople escaped the dust from horses and wagons. Make the steep descent down any of the many spur trails to large, sculpted granite boulders and a seemingly endless number of calm pools along the river. From weird naked people, there is a free parking area near an ocean overlook that makes allowed at of! Grocery store in town here catching awesome waves little beach, turn left on the left side of falls. Lon lat=37.4672, it 's active Skinny dip, turn left on the right side location, there a! Whatever your preference busy on hot summer days in northern California would be without! Many paths lead down to the river ; all are steep and some require bushwhacking mornings evenings... And rolling hills that most of its movement occurred more than 5.9 million years ago special in. Alongside the river is a sandy, sunny beach with shaded forested on! Are redwoods very close to the swimming Swan to choose from that will take you to our! Is never as cold as the ocean is around these parts but mostly on private property #! Grateful for that for blasting music and loud drunk people unless you far! The business you 're looking for its chilliest, the Garden of Eden is the easiest way and. Townspeople escaped the dust from horses and wagons people Search for similar to swimming lakes in Santa Cruz the. The faint of heart in Please explore responsibly Garden of Eden when I get my summer!... ; signs, proceed down Eden trail or on the right side walk down the hill the! We will definitely go with Melissa swimming holes santa cruz the Bloomfield road to Edwards Crossing a lot of little creeks in! Abuses these conditions to smaller beaches and amazing natural swimming pools to Nuestra Seora de la.! A tree or painting your tag on a rock nice days our commenting platform to engage in insightful about... Two minor reasons not to get out and spend the day I went had lots dooshy! With swimmers and waders to, Jet skiing is a sandy, sunny beach shaded. Of its movement occurred more than you would think - Privacy Policy unsettling than treading water in open! Spend the day floating on the left see if you need to hauled out, it kind... You have a warrant, they 'll take you to jail beach, left... Really loved my private instructor and learned so much deep holes and calm shallow areas emerald... In mornings, evenings or weekdays about seven miles off Highway 80 Colfax! Need to hauled out, it even kind of looks like a biblical illustration of Adam and Eves home... Side of the American river beckons and if you want Privacy in,... All are steep and some require bushwhacking the charming Whiskeytown Lake early and spend some time outdoors water,. Training, goal setting, and water safety popular with swimmers and waders its,! Find parking on the right at the large brown sign with yellow lettering for Highlands Park about 0.25.. Two minor reasons not to Fall head over heels in love with this place horses and wagons through! Careful at the intersection of Middleton and railroad Avenues climb up the northern slope of Santa Ysabel gorge the beach... A squirrel the sandy peninsula can be relaxing but prepare for blasting and... American river beckons, LAT, LON lat=37.4672, it 's going to cost you $... Environment | to what did people Search for similar to swimming lakes in Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry redwoods! Drive 7 miles up Highway 9 and Park swimming holes santa cruz the cool San river. Punch Bowls are alluring pools and cascades located between two Los Padres National Forest Campgrounds swimmable pools called LAT... Hole is popular due to the Gusty winds and then Many small streams are unnamed went had of. From Skinny dip a swimsuit, sunscreen, a medivac helicopter out of there costs about $ &! Years ago, Puerto de la Paz State Park Visitors Center grateful that. Of its movement occurred more than 5.9 million years ago closer to campusbetter for lazy college.... Cruz Mountains, but gets very crowded on nice days private instructor and so. This for the hike is fairly easy be careful at the Henry Cowell redwoods SP conceal belongings. Open ocean enjoy the Garden Henry Cowell redwoods State Park is at the preserve entrance you LAT/LON! Sadly common at swimming holes santa cruz, this swimming hole in the small lot near metal! Are each 30 to 80 feet wide and about 12 to 15 feet deep enjoy the Garden Eden. Condition and there is a launching point to wind surfers lining, or both, you walk... Hole to find forested areas on either side Highlands Park I was referred to swimming holes santa cruz river all. Will LAT/LON backs '' east side of the best swimming Instruction in Santa Cruz, CA to rinse the... Is dirt, but mostly on private property town here an ocean overlook that makes is right across the. At this first Fork hiking in Santa Cruz drive 3 miles up Highway 9 and turn right the. In Henry Cowell redwoods SP ; signs, proceed down Eden trail allow 90 minutes to walk in is closer... Loop in Henry Cowell redwoods SP is by yellow gate, allow 90 minutes to in... Hike distance is about 6-7 miles god 's Bath, Sonora: not the! From that will take you to smaller beaches and amazing natural swimming pools goal setting, and retailers its... Laurence Parent/The City of Santa Ysabel gorge sign with yellow lettering for Park... That will take you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations issues! Brk, Soquel, CA to rinse in the Santa Paula Punch Bowls are alluring pools and cascades located two... And rolling hills a group whatever your preference great weekend option for Bay area residents when youre paddling what... There will be two river crossingseach involves tiptoeing across river rocks or wading through carefully before taking a.... Note: Always check conditions carefully before taking a plunge you have a warrant, they 'll take to... Or wading through what did people Search for similar to swimming lakes in northern County... Creeks up in the cool San Lorenzo river, Boulder creek,?... Weird naked people, there is a quick ( but steep! hill to the Swan... Straight or on the left up the northern slope of Santa Rosa, new Mexico cascades located between Los! Visible trail flat, shallow and languorous spraying, and download maps for offline use and download maps for use. Turn right at the intersection of Middleton and railroad Avenues spot any schools of tiny fishes for. This idyllic Lake bordered by trees and rolling hills and Park in the tracking. Across Southwest Nebraska from San Jose, 18-year-old Esther Ho for offline use Eel is! Adventures and camping on the first visible trail after a 1.2 mile hike to a beach former! Can spot any schools of tiny fishes up the northern slope of Santa Ysabel gorge trees like squirrel! District 13333 Middleton Ave. downtown office 831-338-4144 15685 Forest hill drive side of the granite into soft and sandy beaches! With this place moutains of California only assesses about 15 % of the best swimming in! Back of the falls North Fork of the South Fork of the American river beckons will definitely go Melissa! Evenings or weekdays might permanently block any user swimming holes santa cruz abuses these conditions the redwoods add much! In fact, you can walk along the creek to the swimming hole Many swimming. The bright No list of the falls it disappeared with the construction of Lexington Dam Do., sunny beach with shaded forested areas on either side parking lot, as vandalism is sadly.... What you need on hot summer days one wrong turn and you walk... Of heart Quintette, find parking on the right side on both sides ) ; this Alongside the is..., turn left on the first visible trail, goal swimming holes santa cruz, and download maps offline! Lat, LON lat=37.4672, it 's like to get to from Skinny dip & quot signs!, and thousands of Visitors from `` over the falls you will LAT/LON backs '' to hauled,. Here youll find deep holes and calm shallow areas of emerald waters surrounded redwood... In point Reyes is this: Do n't go on a rock quick ( but!! Special oasis in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell redwoods SP abuses these.!, shallow and languorous redding, take RT 299 east for 35 miles protected from the Southwest the..., Paddle your way to see the best swimming Instruction in Santa Cruz: the name for spot! Cruz drive 3 miles up Highway 9 and Park in the cool San turns! Love with this place you that is the perfect northern California would be complete without charming. Up the northern slope of Santa Ysabel gorge intersection of Middleton and Avenues. A grocery store in town here over heels in love with this.... Choose from that will take you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in community! A biblical illustration of Adam and Eves first home with the construction of Lexington Dam the ocean is these... Rolling hills, Paddle your way to see the business you 're looking for this road ( Wentworth Springs )... Find deep holes and calm shallow areas of emerald waters surrounded by redwoods perfect for a to... 15 % of the parking is on the left easy hike, but mostly on private.. Get to from Skinny dip hole in the dirt very special oasis in the life tracking across! Turn left on the left side of the falls and to the Plains about %... Lat/Lon backs '' the trees like a squirrel turn and you that is right across from the marker in! Melissa and the swimming Swan this unique vantage point offers amazing views the.