Lookout Loop Trail is a 2.7 mile loop trail located near Santa Cruz, California that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
trail running
walking
forest
Explore the wonders of Pogonip Park on these multi use trails. Keep a mindful eye out for bikers, and enjoy the beautiful scenery Trail start at the end of Golf Club Dr.
Beautiful just after the rain! Make sure to check the map to follow the right trails; signs can be a bit unclear
Free parking and lots of poison oak. But beautiful trail
It was an interesting hike, but we were hoping for more dramatic views of the city. At one point we were able to see all the way across the bay to Monerrey. We had no trouble finding the trail head from this track but when we returned, we followed the Harvey West trail to the park, which was closer to where we parked anyway.
While my daughter was at dance class at the Tannery my friend and I did this loop. We had two hours to kill and we had more than enough time to do it. Lots of beautiful vistas and varying landscapes. Nicely marked trails too.
The trailhead they list here is tricky to find. It's behind a building on DuBois and up the hill. To get to it, drive to the end of Encinal (across DuBois), which is a culdesac next to a children's school. The trail starts at the rear corner of the parking lot adjacent to the culdesac, then goes straight up the hill towards the trees. The other option is to start at the trail in Harvey West Park and try to find your way. The route to Lookout Loop isn't marked, but just head north and you'll run into it. Good luck!
This is a great hike. The start as described on the site was hard to find so we started in Harvey West Park. The trails are well marked. The terrain is diverse and interesting.
Starting in Harvey West park. IA few homeless people camping out in the lower Hills as you head up. Chaperel, meadow and redwoods. Loop including Spring meadow was an hour and a half at a lazy walk pace.
Nice climb and then some city views. Easy.
I pooped myself :(
I was confused when first took this trek because i could not find a trail marked Lookout Loop. So i decided to make a loop of the park using Lookout Trail. I did this by using several trails in the park Pogonip, Lookout, Spring,Fern and then the Bradshaw Trails.
Lookout Loop Trail and the trails around it have a little bit of everything. Streams, cliffs, redwoods, prairies and some moderate hiking parts. There are two bike racks at the trail head (near Golf Club Dr), but bikes are not allowed on the trail. There are a couple trails that allowed dogs, but Lookout Loop did not.