Discover Scotts Valley

Glenwood Open Space Preserve is a specific natural attraction to consider during a stay in Scotts Valley. The area is managed to protect special species and includes more than seven miles of trails across its east and west sides. The two sides differ in the permitted activities and rules for dogs and bicycles. So, if you think in advance about what kind of outing you have in mind, these details provide more helpful guidance than the total trail length alone. When choosing between the sides, the most important consideration is whether you want to hike, trail run, ride a bike, or bring a dog.

Landscape in West Glenwood Open Space Preserve

Redwood forests, grassland prairies, and freshwater marshes are part of the landscape in West Glenwood Open Space Preserve. This means the western area includes forests, open grassland, and wetlands—three distinct habitat types. For travelers interested in different kinds of landscapes, this offers a specific natural attraction within the preserve.

Choose trails by activity

The east side has more than three miles of trails for hiking and trail running. Bicycles and dogs are not allowed there; these restrictions are related to sensitive habitats and cattle. If you plan to ride a bike or bring a dog, the east side is not an option. Hiking and trail running, on the other hand, are the activities intended there. This makes it possible to see which kinds of use comply with the rules for this part of the preserve.

The west side has five loop trails totaling three miles. The trails are suitable for hiking and biking, and dogs are allowed on leash. By comparison, biking is possible on the west side but prohibited on the east side. The rules for dogs also differ: dogs are allowed on the west side only on leash, and are not allowed at all on the east side. This comparison helps you choose a side based on your planned activity or whether you are bringing a dog, rather than looking only at trail length. Seasonal trail conditions on the west side may vary; check local conditions before setting out.

Scotts Valley in the region

Scotts Valley is six miles north of the city of Santa Cruz and 26 miles southwest of San Jose. So, Scotts Valley is north of Santa Cruz and southwest of San Jose; the distances locate the same place in relation to two different cities. If you use either city as a reference point for getting your bearings, this helps you keep the relevant point of reference in mind.

Community recreation programs

Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation is also part of the city’s recreational offerings. The department provides programs for children and adults in the local community, including sports, arts and crafts, music, and aquatics. This is a different kind of recreational offering from the trails in Glenwood Open Space Preserve: the programs focus on organized community recreation, while on the trails, the different rules for use on the east and west sides are the main consideration. The availability of individual programs varies by season.

Discover more destinations: Ben Lomond, Watsonville, Soquel, Santa Cruz, Aptos, Interlaken, Felton, Freedom.

Go to the main travel overview: Santa Cruz.