Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map, Council Lets Staff Study Paddle-Boarding on River, Why Cliff Caf is a Breakfast Favorite in Pleasure Point, Volkswagen Presents Warren Millers Timeless, Back to School: How I found new purpose at Cabrillo College, The untold story of the UCSC Trailer Park, High Time: A guide to Santa Cruz cannabis dispensaries, After The Fall: One Boomers Tale of Reckoning, A Sleep Doctors Advice for Quality Shut-Eye, Secrets of a Serial Santa Cruz Movie Extra, Summer Soaking in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Doobie Brothers Guitarist Pat Simmons Recalls His Santa Cruz Days. by Molly Lautamo. We provide a progressive program that offers specific training relevant to each swimmers needs and abilities. University Falls is 30 miles (50 minutes) east of Auburn. The hardest part is, Paddle Your Way To See The Best Fall Colors. Wanderlust: The wondrous world of marble at UC-Santa Cruz. The state parks are public and open to all, but please don't come here thinking this is great place to drink beer, smoke weed, and party. of town for about 12 miles. Hi. Head south following the tracks for about 1/2 mile. She splits her time between Palo Alto and Inverness, and in her spare time likes wildlife photography, swimming, skiing and backpacking. If you visit, consider bringing a trash bag and helping to haul out trash left by others. sign the South Yuba is to the left and goes up Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park covers 40 acres of old-growth redwood trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Please be dealers, Get started right with local safety education, training, And if you have a warrant, they'll take you to jail. The Best Reasons You Should Try Wakeboarding This Summer, 5 Great Paddleboarding Spots in California, 5 Excellent Places for Beginners to Kayak in California, 5 Exhilarating Jet Skiing Spots in California, 10 Essential Pieces of Gear for Paddle-Sports Beginners, Kayak Adventures--5 Warm-Weather Escapes To Try Right Now, 8 Common Sense Tips for Buying Your First Boat, Paddling With Your KidsHow To Get Started. Wanderlust: Following Los Gatos Creek When you reach the site of the abandoned Diversion Dam, its time to jump in! It's also only a 30-minute drive from Big Basin Redwoods . LAT/LON Boulders frame two deep but relatively calm pools, and a small sandy beach presents the perfect picnic spot. that Skip this more crowded spot and continue along to find your own cool, watery mecca. road proceeds down to the falls. you have reached this fork because right in the center of the fork is a Forest sign road marker (12N67B). gear, Local fishing holes, gear advice, and retailers, Discover local campsites, helpful hints, and where to buy gear. enough water (at least 2 bottles each). well-used trail about 1 mile to the falls(do not hike up the "4 wheel You will pass an overturned red pick up truck on your Swimming holes provide a relaxing venue to take a dip in chlorine-free water all while taking in the jaw-dropping views that nature has to offer. Thank you! "Falls". the hill and come to a fork. confident. New privately owned camping facility and parking area opened to the The last time I went, there were some rowdy stoners who kept jumping off of the boulders, so I didn't get a chance to actually swim", "What: - Artificial lake reservoir in Santa Cruz - Hiking - Boating - Fishing - Island in the lake to which one can travel by boat More Info: - $4/car entrance fee (Free after 4pm) - Five car parking spots - Restrooms near the car parking spots - Several picnic areas with BBQ pits - Park", "Don't even bother reading other reviews. Share it with us so your neighbors can learn about it too! First of all, the water here isnt as deep as in other spots on the river. Casa Amarilla, Puerto de la Cruz is a protected area in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. a number of "switch saw hole in . Adrenaline junkies will enjoy cliff jumping, but theres also a sandy beach for basking in the sun, if R&R is more your speed. MAY READ ELSEWHERE. I really loved my private instructor and learned so much! Georgetown. 11. 13 miles east on RT 120 (toward area at the South Yuba campground. Many people will enter the State Park and pay the $10 fee, but a better option is to park right outside the Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great weekend option for Bay Area residents. You may also want to, Jet skiing is a true thrillwind in your hair, water spraying, and catching awesome waves. 10. Outfitted trips can be found all across the U.S. and, Getting your kids into the paddle sports is all about keeping the fun quotient high and the hassle factor low. YOU about half way on this road on your right. Try to go during the week and setup a hammock. Nightlife / From map) (accuracy: approximate) LINK There are cliffs of dark volcanic rock rising up on each side which make a dramatic contrast against the emerald green water. The left turn at the fork You will know you have gone the wrong way if the road is not clear. marker on the right as you enter the town). If you have safety tips to add, please drop a comment below so everyone can see. Anyone who recalls the rowdy days of the Trout Farm Inns pool and patio should consult the restaurants updated rules, listed on its website: no foul language or running at the pool; and no getting trashed either. Lightning over the Transamerica Pyramid caught live on air. Looking for a more quiet adventure? I'd skip the most popular hole and hike further upriver to find someplace quieter. Both are ideal for sunbathing. It even kind of looks like a biblical illustration of Adam and Eves first home. Cool. right at the gas station onto Squaw Valley Road After about a half mile hike, this lush oasis is a beautiful spot to spend the afternoon. up the South Yuba Trail at the end of the upper parking Parking: It has it's own parking lot, but the chances of you getting a parking space ( especially on a Saturday) are quite", "This is one of my favorites places where I would like to relax and enjoy the sun and the sound of the waves. None of the lakes nearby allow swimming. after walking a gently descending, one-third mile walk along the lower McCloud And up the stairs by the parking lot is a grass lawn with a barbecue where reservations can be made at 831.338.4144. Who says theres nothing to do in the Valley? Very confident. It The trail to the falls, is in No lifeguards. Updated 11/2013. National Geographic Islander II navigated along the island's eastern coast, heading south to Academy Bay. Shasta-Trinity National Forest is calling this summer. You This swimming hole is named Garden of Eden due to its unrivaled natural beauty, clear water, lush curtain of redwoods, and its often naked swimmers. lon=-122.11827 (source: There is a shallow Also known as Santa Paula Canyon Falls, these popular swimming holes in Southern California are worth the trek. 'A quarter of the children who left primary school in England in 2022 were unable to swim.' Photograph: Jon Santa Cruz/REX/Shutterstock. Just Some of the best spots to stand up and take, When youre new to kayaking, its best to pick spots that dont have rough waters and a lot of traffic. Easy hike, but gets very crowded on nice days. Road - 3. They all demand a little exploration to find. But once in awhile, I like to get out and spend some time outdoors. On sunny days, views from the campground allow you to see all the way to Monterey. parking area (at 36.3277,-117.5147). Panamint Springs, turn south (left) on an unsigned road (dirt but is . Snow, cold rain and storms from the Southwest to the Plains. The park is home to an array of hiking and biking trails, but the crown jewel of the park is the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is only a 1/4 mile in from the park's entrance. Events / From the South Bays Henry W. Coe State Park, youll start your 10-mile round-trip journey, but the challenging climb through chaparral and creek-side woodlands is worth the mid-hike reward: a secluded swimming hole with a small sandy beach and big, flat boulders for lounging. Be the first to share your experience. To get to Arrowhead just go to Skinny Don't trust it. My favorite. (north) onto Magnolia Avenue, GoE is not a party place. There is a big sign and it is obvious. The day I went had lots of dooshy people. Managed by Wildlife Conservation Association. For more information visit http://www.bcrpd.org. The Environment | swimmable pools called, LAT, LON lat=37.4672, Top 10 Best Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in Santa Cruz, CA - January 2023 - Yelp Best waterfalls and swimming holes near me in Santa Cruz, California Sort:Recommended 1. You there are no other gas stations on route, so plan on gassing up in Follow it for 1.4 miles. Visitors to Main Beach and Cowell Beach have likely enjoyed a sand sculpture by local artist Bill Lewis. drop beyond this slide is treacherous. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is most famous for the 40-acre grove of towering old-growth redwood trees. To reach Garden of Eden, continue walking along the tracks until you see some signs and a trail on your left. Locals and tourists alike flock here to cool off while enjoying the spectacular views. the top of the falls. but this is the only trail down. But that's not going to happen. Nightlife / No list of the best swimming lakes in Northern California would be complete without the charming Whiskeytown Lake. After the long trek, youll be rewarded with a refreshing pool and rope swing for a playful, carefree afternoon. There is a grocery store in town here. 11. It is easy to miss and people need to note If you go by the The granite boulders that line its banks divine for sunbathing! After hiking a while you will reach There are some blue best view of the Canyon is about 0.2 miles from the North canyon Spur Enter at the more southern gate and follow it downhill, veering right toward the railroad tracks. Gusty winds and then storms slam communities from the Southwest to the Plains. This is a very popular day trip to beat the heat, so go early in the morning to score a parking spot in the small lot or along Highway 49. Not only is this, Californias lakes, rivers, and coastline all make for beautiful spots to enjoy paddleboarding. There is also a full day tour option for 50 USD that lasts 7 hours and takes you . There is a second blue From the Palomarin Trailhead in Point Reyes National Seashore, hike along the Coast Trail to reach Bass Lake. THE BLUE HOLE. See if you can spot any schools of tiny fishes. Giveaways / Caution: Lock your car and conceal your belongings at Rincons parking lot, as vandalism is sadly common. It is too steep to ride down -. Follow the trail to the right. (Laurence Parent/The City of Santa Rosa) Santa Rosa, New Mexico. We like Lower Falls for its easy access and wooden platform for jumping, but Middle and Upper Falls are just a short hike away. Three falls and two swimming Neighborhoods / The Old Swimming Hole Many people swimming in a natural pool in the San Lorenzo River, Boulder Creek, CA. straight. The water is a little too", Search swimming lakes in popular locations. Here the San Lorenzo turns flat, shallow and languorous. There are multiple pools at the Garden of Eden . Located in Little River Canyon in northeastern Alabama, this swimming hole requires you to hike about a mile from the Little River Canyon Falls parking lot, but it's totally worth it to frolic. 8 a.m. Evacuations underway in Felton Grove in Santa Cruz Co. due to . Park on the side of the road (arrive early to guarantee yourself a spot) and hike down the quick, steep trail to the water. We depend on financial support from individuals and . For some beautiful However, the hike is fairly easy walk down stream. lon=-119.6075 descends down into an old logging area. and the McCloud River Preserve. andcross the bridge. The trails are a good length, not too short, not too long. As you I would Santa Cruz County's department of Environmental Health Services provides recreational water quality to the public through their website and by calling 831-454-3188. . Please Take Ox Trail down the hill to the railroad tracks. In the 1960s, it offered drug-inspired self-discovery. difficulty. beach area in front of the falls and to the left side of the falls The first waterfall you will find when visiting the Blue Falls of Costa Rica. swimming hole San Lorenzo River Santa Cruz Mountains Your Mountain Dew moment awaits at this swimming hole a couple miles south of Felton. (Carl Ambrosini Collection) Dam Creek South Construction City Outdoor Collection The Boogang: Los Gatos Creek, south of the city. You proceed down That is, if environmentalists haven't managed to block construction of the summer dam that goes up every year. back-up water and food for your hike. and. Santa Cruz County has 770 miles of waterways (compared to 1,870 miles of roadways). ranges, and retailers, Its hard not to get a scenic vista when youre paddling. You'll have the whole area virtually to yourself and you can swim to your hearts content. To get to both spots, park in the roadside pulloff along Highway 9 just below Toll House Resort, 1.2 miles south of the entrance to Henry Cowell State Park. http://thetroutfarminn.net/. For more information visit http://www.parks.ca.gov. Here youll find deep holes and calm shallow areas of emerald waters surrounded by redwoods perfect for a cool dip. There are no markers along the way, swimming hole at the first falls. With approximately 30 miles of hiking trails, the incredible Garden of Eden swimming hole, and proximity to Santa Cruz - this campground is not to be missed! vehicle, you might drive down this road.). You'll find this beach on the western outskirts of the city of Santa Cruz. Living in a Prius: Secret swimming holes & Shenandoah National Park Nikki Delventhal 569K subscribers Subscribe 83K 5.6M views 1 year ago *SUPPORT through PATREON: Ad free early access to all my. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. The water is cool and brackish. this is not an easy swimming hole to find. It is about 0.4 miles. Thank you!. The water is cool but not frigid, the sand is soft and warm, and alders, cottonwoods and big leaf maples provide respite from the hot midday sun. before the highway bridge over the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. OK, well if you're going to be reckless then, in the interest of harm reduction, here's a few tips: 1. hike to the confluence, at the 2nd wooden bridge. left. IS PERMANENTLY NOT ALLOWEDAT THIS LOCATION, NO MATTER WHAT Swimming in Santa Cruz on YP.com. At the clearing you will be tempted to go Can be relaxing but prepare for blasting music and loud drunk people unless you hike far away from the popular spot. Note that there are bathrooms here. Just bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a towel, and a picnic to enjoy a day of relaxation. Just a 31-mile drive from Santa Fe, in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the lake is surrounded by sandstone hills and covers 121 surface acres with a 90 . Ben Lomonds shrimp-sized aquatic center offers swim lessons, pool rentals and public swim three mornings a week. Many species native to the park can pick up the scent of dogs days or even weeks after they are gone, so even if you clean up after your dog defecates, you are likely preventing wildlife from traveling to water or needed food sources. You may have to enter the water. The upper to the parking. Go east 1:00. The Santa Paula Punch Bowls are alluring pools and cascades located between two Los Padres National Forest Campgrounds. yellow gate; 200 feet past the gate, continue straight on the fire road Pack your trash out! The Rincon Fire Trail Starts at a small dirt parking lot next to CA-9 and traverses down the mountain to the San Lorenzo River Connecting with the Pipeline Trail. follow this road with the flume on your right for about 0.5 pick up truck on your right as you proceed further down to the bottom That's what would happen if every dog in Santa Cruz County gathered at the only off-leash beach in Santa Cruz. The State of California only assesses about 15% of the 211,513 miles of streams and rivers in California. Unofficial clothing-optional status notwithstanding, the Garden of Eden is popular with water-loving folk of all ages. Best 10 "swimming lakes" results in Santa Cruz, California, "Plenty of shade, plenty of trails to choose from, and on a hot day, you can even visit Garden of Eden, which is seriously the most beautiful swimming hole I've seen. The last time I went, there were some rowdy stoners who kept jumping off of the boulders, so I didn't get a chance to actually swim and submerge myself. trail to (looking at the falls). From This is just before the road to Cherry Lake/Sweetwater Camp on the It is under 1/4 of a mile Last summer, numerous visitors were injured by falls onto the exposed or shallow rocks at the swimming hole some seriously. degree in biology. Loch Lomond is open Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays) from March 1st through Labor Day and then only on the weekends through mid October. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, and camping on more than 4,650 acres of forested and open land. Next time I come, I wanna get in a morning hike before it hits noon (hottest time of the day), then jump into the swimming hole. Swim Guide is a free service that helps to connect millions of people just like you with local beaches and swimming holes. Garden of Eden swimming hole: Social media brings problems to Santa Cruz Mountains oasis About a 1 mile (each way) canyon hike leads to a series of trail leads up toward the lip of the falls. Geologists say these rocks formed deep underground, probably in the roots of an ancient system of volcanoes that resemble the Cascades or Andes. in and didn't walk. What did people search for similar to swimming lakes in Santa Cruz, CA? on RT 193 to Georgetown. The hike is 10-15 minutes to the water. will pass a pile of gravel also. waterslides and swimming holes. It is a three mile hike one and proceed up the right bank to get as close as possible to the falls. from this 3:07. The 3 main water slides are just below. Hours are 7 a.m. to Sunset ( check the Loch Lomond website for specific closing times month by month; all boats must be off the water one hour before closing). The Best Swimming Holes Near San Jose; WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Beautiful series of low falls, People whove been here know its the perfect place to bring the kids, a dog or a fun-loving date. Turn right at the tracks and follow them until you reach a brown no campfire sign, where youll turn left. Very can park in this top lot. A large yellow gate has been Paddleboarding Made EasyGet Started Now! having to hike back almost Bring sturdy shoes and watch for poison oakthis is not a trail for flip flops. It's fed underground by a river from one end and ocean water from the other. You can see the entire canyon. There is a marker sign and the in Georgetown because all the trucks and motorcycles park in the middle Our swim lessons in Santa Cruz County can be taught one-on-one or as a group whatever your preference. Next door in Felton is Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can ride a steam locomotive through the forest. The Rainbow Pool turnoff is on the right just These are some lakes with a large number of reviews in Santa Cruz, CA: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (539 reviews), Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA (268 reviews), Loch Lomond Recreational Area (84 reviews). The first steep descent will require you to "hike a bike" if you biked It was once a hidden gem that many had kept a secret but even more just passed on by without finding it. Deep in a green vale, this spot is blessed with giant granite boulders, wedges of beach and gurgling rapids. Walk past the bright Go left onto Main St. (you will know you are The trail then bends left. What are some highly rated lakes in Santa Cruz, CA? During my evening dip, it was just me, my birthday suit and an early owl. wheel drive" sign, take a turnoffto the right tosmall Stay real is basically a few slabs downstream and easy to get to from Skinny Dip. Getting There: day use parking off Highway 9 in Felton, hike Ox Fire Road next to railroad tracks for about 0.75 miles to swimming hole; Why We Recommend It: sandy beach and calm pools surrounded by redwoods; Picture a sunny swimming hole along the San Lorenzo River in Henry Cowell State Park surrounded by redwoods and Douglas fir trees. Verified by Tim Hoyt's Crossing, Yuba County: Discover this swimming hole after a 1.2 mile hike to a beach and former river. Attractions / I'm so surprised no one has written a review for this hidden gem in Boulder Creek, but at least they posted pictures.". LAT, LON (of trailhead) lat= Climbing an aerial obstacle course through the redwoods of Mount Hermon is a great way to experience the thrill of climbing and being in the trees. In a bit less than a mile, youll Attractions / Now it is a lovely town park, a sanctuary with picnic tables, educational signs and a sandy beach. From waterfalls to lakes and pools, here are seven of the best swimming holes in New Mexico where you can beat the heat on a hot desert day. In reference to the article, this is NOT a dog friendly area. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Drive 7.5 miles up Highway 9 and look for it on the right. We promote competitive swimming through education, training, goal setting, and water safety. The 651 sq. Get the StepOutside Newsletter specially curated by Outdoor experts. the cross bridge then take the fork on the right.", Search waterfalls and swimming holes in popular locations. trail forks. sculptured granite. The fault is no longer active; experts estimate that most of its movement occurred more than 5.9 million years ago. The road goes steeple However, it is a long way to the Canyon floor. All Rights Reserved. Youll soon see where the Environment | The place is stunningly beautiful, and I hope all who visit will do their best to keep it that way. For more information visit http://www.scparks.com. Minutes from the heart of downtown Santa Cruz lies a quiet oasis on the San Lorenzo River, away from the crowds of weekend tourists. LON Polar bear killed a woman and a boy after chasing residents in Alaska town. For genuine swimming holes, I know of only one that is worth Continue Reading 6 Steven D. Hartman Lived in Santa Cruz, CA (1949-2005) Author has 74 answers and 18.4K answer views 4 y My personal opinion is the swimming hole in Ben Lomond. These are some hiking with a large number of reviews in Santa Cruz, CA: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (539 reviews), Forest of Nisene Marks State Park (208 reviews), Garden Of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (94 reviews), Fall Creek - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (91 reviews), Garden Of Eden - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Fall Creek - Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. 7 Charming Small Towns Near Napa Valley That Arent, You Know, Napa, This Is Not a Drill: Fans Can Now Rent That Stunning Italian Villa from The White Lotus on Airbnb, This Southern California Town Is a Total Hidden Gem (and Nows the Best Time to Visit), I Will Never Forget the Room Service Pizza: My Night at Brooklyns The William Vale, The 30 Coziest Winter Weekend Getaways from NYC, The 8 Best Places to Travel in February 2023, Old Highway 49 Bridge, Nevada City (nevada County), Garden Of Eden, Felton (santa Cruz Mountains), Natural Bridges, Vallecito (calaveras County), Bass Lake, Bolinas (point Reyes Seashore), Rainbow Pools, Groveland (tuolumne County), Standish-hickey State Recreation Area, Leggett (mendocino County), China Hole, Henry W. Coe State Park (santa Clara County), Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness (el Dorado County), North Fork American River, Colfax (placer County), Lower Falls, Mccloud River (shasta County). Then, at the "pack your trash" signs, proceed down Eden trail. 5. proceed down the trail it gets better. The road gets progressively rougher Trail Take your pick from kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding.but, Just because Old Man Winter is rearing his balaclava-covered head, doesn't mean you have to hang up your paddle. road at the 19-mile mark. If youre the thrill-seeking type, there are cliffs for jumpingand the nearby river rafting is good here too. Of course they are. And even at its chilliest, the water is never as cold as the ocean is around these parts. A little upstream, theres another stunning little spot, where a flat sandy beach faces a glorious ridge of green. junior there. To A still, cool and deep stretch of river, its located in a deep oxbow gorge where the San Lorenzo makes a sweeping left turn around an island and hits a ridge. marked with blue arrows at the clearing. Most of the trail is dirt, though the end becomes very sandy. Would recommend checking those out instead. of main street. trail since it parallels the road to the campground which you will see Surrounded by redwood panoramas out of an Ansel Adams photograph, this picturesque island has plenty of space for a picnic. It does get busy (which is easy for this quaint cozy park) on weekends but I've always come up before folks start coming home from work on the weekdays and its been fine. Why I Love Las Grietas It's just not set up for that. (If you reach the Toll House Resort, turn around because youve gone too far. via the South Yuba trail (South Yuba lat=41.11312, Behind the soccer field and jungle gym of Ben Lomonds Highlands Park is a system of trails, a picnic area, and a small waterfall. The swimming area starts right near the second truck. correct hiking road is wide and clear and should not require anything Bear Creek Office 831-703-4135 In the 1800s, when logging was at its heyday, early townspeople escaped the dust from horses and wagons. The swimming hole was crowded but it was pretty and I enjoyed myself ~. backtracks to climb up the northern slope of Santa Ysabel gorge. Best 10 "waterfalls and swimming holes" results in Santa Cruz, California, "I don't usually go hiking often because it can get very tiring. Henry Cowell boasts a popular swimming hole known as the Garden of Eden, as well as trails for hiking and horseback riding. At the point you can visualize the falls, the Beautiful I was referred to The Swimming Swan by a close friend and I'm so grateful for that! Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. The swimming hole known as "Garden of Eden" is clearly marked. the 11.9-mile mark, turn right at the sign for "Ah-di-na" campground obvious. hole listing is by swimming hole Lagoon, 660 metres northwest; Parque Urbano el Laurel Park, 750 metres west; . Keep your distance from other people. lat=36.32077, lon=-117.5245 (source: web site) of Partially verified, 11/2013. The spur trail does not look like a trail since it is Get the specialized attention you need, or grab a few friends and turn your swim lessons into a fun group activity. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! for less than a half-mile (if the gate is open and you have the correct The swimming holes are what happen when the water pauses on its own and, entering into some felicitous arrangement with the rocks and soil, renders a space wide and deep enough to hold some. 1. Officials say people should stay out of the water because of life-threatening swimming and surf conditions. This could be a beautiful place as the name makes you think, but there are so many people, and since there are no trash cans (and even if there were) people leave beer cans and other trash lying around. However, it is still legible. All the falls are can pick We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. Swimming Holes Santa Clara County Slugs Silicon Valley Vintage Santas Lexington Historical Photos Flood The Boogang : Los Gatos Creek, south of the city. Bloomfield road to Edwards Crossing. from the trail. Swimming holes in the San Lorenzo River It's the soul of summer, a chance to cavort with crawfish, not concrete. Updated 8/10. It disappeared with the construction of Lexington Dam. You proceed to the right. Bye. You can even go scuba diving here! It's a very steep walk down a dirt path to Santa Cruz's most famous swimming hole, but the descent pays off when swimmers reach the rocky beach deep in the towering forest of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. This is where youll find Yankee Jims bridge and swimming hole, named after a miner who found gold a few miles away from this spot in 1850. point there are picnic tables, but no real view. not water There is also a tree marked with blue wording, that says This lake is located off Highway 511 (or Highway 539) in Navajo Dam. Be warned: Its a 6.7-mile hike in, but a water taxi shortens the trip. The hike is long (10 miles) but the payoff is worth it! Please explore responsibly! From the trail head The top falls is the most photogenic. The trail is From sea kayaking along warm,, A boat, even if its a small used one, can be a big purchase. Are the beaches of Santa Cruz too cold to swim in? ofRamona, turn left Park at Ox Trail turnout on Hwy. cross a foot bridge and follow the sign to the preserve, which you'll I was afraid about going in, says Otto.