City of Santa Cruz
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This 246-acre City greenbelt land offers hiking trails through open meadows with scenic views of the Monterey Bay. Because of the sensitive resources within the Preserve, public use is limited to hiking only. Bicycles and dogs are prohibited at all times. Cattle are grazed on the Preserve to benefit native plant and animal species and to reduce fire hazard.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Summer (April through October) Sunrise to 7 p.m.
Winter (November through March) Sunrise to 4 p.m.
Moore Creek Brochure and Trail Map
TRAILS: Trails within the Preserve are relatively limited (approximately 2½ miles round trip). Trails are open to hiking only. Dogs and bicycles are prohibited. Trails are not accessible for wheelchair use.
Moore Creek Preserve has two walk-in entrances. There is no on-site parking. One entrance is located on the north side of Highway 1, across from Shaffer Road. The other entrance is located at the end of Meder Street. There is no parking on Meder Street to the west of Western Drive.
For a copy of a trail map, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 831-420-5270.
DOG REGULATIONS: Dogs are prohibited at all times.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES: Smoking, fires, camping, alcohol, littering, wood gathering, collection of plants and animals, archery/hunting.
PARKING/ENTRANCES: No on-site parking.
- Highway 1 at Shaffer Road
Limited on-street parking on south side of Highway 1
Access to approximately 2 ½ miles of trails (round-trip) - Meder Street
No parking to the west of Western Drive
Existing trail access very limited (one ¼ mile trail)
Highlights
Moore Creek Preserve (previously known as the Bombay Property) features high quality habitats, including wildflower fields, coastal prairie, rare examples of coast live oak, and riparian forest. A number of rare, threatened and endangered wildlife and plant species inhabit the property, including the red-legged frog, Ohlone tiger beetle, and the San Francisco popcorn flower.
The City of Santa Cruz acquired the Preserve in 1998. Funding for the purchase included a 1998 bond measure, City funds, and State Grants. Management of Moore Creek Preserve is a cooperative effort of the City of Santa Cruz and the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. The Land Trust manages a conservation easement for the State of California.
For more information contact the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department at 831-420-5270.