Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Santa Cruz Mountains have a reputation for being a step back in time, a network of off-the-beaten-path places where people can disappear from society. At Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, hop aboard a steam-powered trip through these hilly nooks and crannies, launched from a re-created logging town circa 1880s. When not on board the train, enjoy some barbecue, blacksmithing or gold panning in town. The trains run every day except on Christmas, and routes take either a three-hour round trip down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or a one-and-one-quarter-hour route up into the redwoods to Bear Mountain.
The Santa Cruz Mountains have a fertile coastal climate for vineyards anywhere from 400 to 3,200 feet above sea level. More than 70 wineries dot the area, most of them run by families, and many offering stunning views of the Pacific. A few are conveniently located off highway 9, making the scenic route that more robust. In Felton, Hallcrest Vineyards invites wine tasters to bring a picnic and spread out on the lush grounds to relax in the coastal sun. Pull off at Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards in Saratoga for a tour and tasting, where the Cabernet Franc plantings date back nearly a hundred years. At Cinnabar Winery in Saratoga, kids can sip grape juice while fine wine is paired with locally produced gourmet snacks for the adults, and a selection of natural gifts lures shoppers.
It can seem unbelievable that so much unspoiled wilderness exists so close to such densely populated areas, but Castle Rock State Park is the place to get lost. Thirty-two miles of hiking and horseback trails snake through the park that's still largely in its wild state. The only camping consists of primitive sites for backpackers. But an even greater draw than the mossy madrone forest is the wealth of coveted spots for rock-climbing enthusiasts. The boulders and slabs provide dozens of challenging climbing sections ranging from 10-feet to 120-feet high. Because of the temperate weather in the region, climbing is great year-round.
As Route 9 meets up with State Route 35, you'll find a 1,540-acre playland designed just for the hiking and biking enthusiasts. Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve is an attractive blend of sandstone outcroppings, grassy knolls and Douglas-fir forest through which a 1.2-mile trail winds. The preserve welcomes equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers, but is not pet friendly and does not have a camping area. It's a perfect place to get out, stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the hills.