Thousand Steps Trail

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views

Hike to the sea-side end of Santa Cruz Boulevard and down the "Thousand Steps" staircase, which has far less than one thousand steps in actuality. Turn right at the bottom of the stairs to hike up the coast and enjoy the beach that has a mix of sandy and cobbled sections.

One mile into the hike, you'll come across the Mesa Lane Stairway, which can take you up the bluffs. Continue along the beach up the coast for another mile until you reach Arroyo Burro County Park just after crossing the mouth of Arroyo Burro Creek. At this point, the Thousand Steps Trail comes to its end.

Parking is limited to what can be found along Shoreline Drive, near its intersection with Santa Cruz Boulevard.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.