Wilder Ranch State Park consists of about 7,000 acres and 35 miles of trails suitable for various recreational activities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Along with this extensive array of trails, the park also contains a dairy ranch and an adobe from the 1800’s. The Victorian home and the farm animals of the dairy ranch allows visitors to experience some of the history associated with the lifestyle of an 1800’s California dairy rancher. Once the main rancho supplier of the Santa Cruz Mission, the Wilder ranch now serves as a historical site for visitors’ enjoyment.
History
Wilder Ranch was owned and operated by the Wilder family until 1969 when they could no longer afford the property. Plans for mass developing the space were faced with opposition from local residents. They rose against the project as a community forming a group called “Operation Wilder” in which they fought to protect this unique space. Local residents’ love for Wilder Ranch prevailed and in 1974 the property was purchased for $6 million to be designated as a State Park.
Wildlife
The Park is a part of the Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve which protects the vital coastal ecosystems and tidal-zones. Some of the many wildlife that can be seen around or from Wilder Ranch are bobcats, coyotes, mountain lions, snowy plovers, harbor seals, sea otters, as well as dolphins and migrating whales. These species depend on this natural preserve for basic survival needs.
Support the Loma Prieta Chapter activism educating the public and elected officials about the importance of protecting Wilder Ranch State Park. Become a member, donate to our conservation programs, and help one of our conservation teams described on our website.
