Arana Gulch

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HOURS OF OPERATION: One hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

TRAILS: The primary trail route in Arana Gulch provides a connection from Agnes Street to the upper harbor (less than one-half mile). Hiking and bicycling are allowed on the paved multi-use trail. Dirt hiking trails also encircle the meadow areas, from Hagemann Bridge to the harbor-side entrance, and from the harbor-side entrance to Agnes Street. Bicycling is not allowed on the dirt trails. Please stay on the designated trails. Arana Gulch features sensitive habitat areas that can be damaged by off-trail use.

Here's your TRAIL MAP!

DOG REGULATIONS: Dogs must be on leash at all times and are allowed on all trails except for the Marsh Vista Trail. Arana Gulch features sensitive habitat areas that can be damaged by dogs. Please be courteous and clean up after your pet.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: Smoking or fires, camping, alcohol, wood gathering, collection of plants or animals, archery/hunting.

ENTRANCES:

Frederick Street @ Broadway
Agnes Street @ Mentel Avenue
7^th Avenue @ Brommer Street.

PARKING: No on-site parking

Agnes Street - On-street parking on Agnes Street
Upper Harbor - Trail entrance to Arana Gulch located along the western boundary of the harbor storage yard

HIGHLIGHTS:

Arana Gulch features valuable habitats, including wetlands, central coast riparian scrub, central coast live oak riparian forest, and coastal terrace prairie. Approximately one-third of Arana Gulch features wetlands. The Arana Creek floodplain, located along the eastern boundary of the property, comprises most of the wetland acreage. There are also seasonal freshwater wetlands scattered throughout the upper grassland area.

Arana Gulch is one of few remaining sites within the County where the Santa Cruz tarplant, a state endangered species, exists. Historically, the Santa Cruz tarplant was widespread throughout the property, however, with the loss of grazing the tarplant declined. In recent years, the City of Santa Cruz has worked in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Game, the California Native Plant Society, and other dedicated volunteers to successfully recover the tarplant.

For more information about the restoration effort, visit here.

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