{"id":12120,"date":"2021-01-13T12:14:59","date_gmt":"2021-01-13T20:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sempervirens.org\/?page_id=12120"},"modified":"2025-09-15T10:24:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T17:24:40","slug":"ano-nuevo-state-park","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sempervirens.org\/visit\/ano-nuevo-state-park\/","title":{"rendered":"A\u00f1o Nuevo State Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

A\u00f1o Nuevo State Park<\/h1>\r\n

Breathtaking Views of the Pacific Coast<\/h3>\r\n

Along Highway 1 north of Santa Cruz, you can see some of California’s iconic coastline protected in A\u00f1o Nuevo State Park. Since it was established in 1985, the Park has grown to more than 4,000 acres stretching from the redwood forests down to A\u00f1o Nuevo Island just off the coast sheltering many species on and off shore. Sempervirens Fund is working to extend the connection between A\u00f1o Nuevo and Big Basin Redwoods State Park.<\/p>\r\n

Donate Now <\/a><\/p>\r\n

Featured Hike: Atkinson Bluff Trail<\/h1>\r\n

A seaside-to-sand dunes journey in this ocean-to-ridgeline treasure<\/h2>\r\n

With a mix of easy looping seaside trails and more challenging adventures along cliffs and into dunes, Atkinson Bluff Trail offers something for everyone.<\/p>\r\n

Although rated “easy” by California State Parks<\/a>, this trail is as long as a 2.9-mile looping trail with shorter loops available and access to dunes for the more adventurous. A seaside treat, it also features expansive inland views of forests and cliffs.<\/p>\r\n

How to Get There <\/a><\/h3>\r\n

*Trail ratings vary and in this guide you will find information to make the best choice for your health and wellness goals.<\/p>\r\n

\"A See Atkinson Bluff Trail <\/a><\/p>\r\n

Whitehouse Ridge Trail to Upper Vista Point<\/h2>\r\n

NOTE: This trail is currently closed due to damage from the CZU Fire.<\/strong> Here is an alternative hike in A\u00f1o Nuevo State Park<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Although A\u00f1o Nuevo State Park is well-known for viewing one of the world’s largest populations of northern elephant seals, the view from it’s Upper Vista Point includes breathtaking scenery from the coastal plains to a historic lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The Whitehouse Ridge Trail<\/a> to Upper Vista Point is a vigorous 1.2-mile uphill hike, almost 2.5-miles roundtrip. To begin your hike, find the signpost for the Whitehouse Ridge Trail 2.4 miles east of Highway 1 along Whitehouse Road within A\u00f1o Nuevo State Park<\/a>. The steep trail leads directly into dense fern-covered redwood forests. At 1.2 miles you will reach the Upper Vista Point. You may be tempted to turn off at the lower elevation vista point about .5 mile from the trailhead but if you can make it to the upper lookout, it’s well worth the effort. Once there, look westward for beautiful views of the coastal plain at A\u00f1o Nuevo, the Pacific Ocean and Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Look northwest and you’ll see the upper Whitehouse Creek watershed where Sempervirens Fund is currently working to protect redwood forests and extend the connection between A\u00f1o Nuevo and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

\"An\u0303o<\/p>\r\n

Plan Your Hike<\/h2>\r\n

Address:<\/strong> A\u00f1o Nuevo State Park<\/a>, Highway 1 at New Years Creek Road 20 Miles North of Santa Cruz, Pescadero, CA 94060<\/p>\r\n

Hours:<\/strong> The park is open for day use from 8:30 am to sunset daily.<\/p>\r\n

Directions:<\/strong> click here for Google maps directions<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Park Activities<\/h3>\r\n