Classification: Easy to moderate
Distance: 1.4 miles from the entrance kiosk to George’s Picnic Area
Highlights - This trail is on property that was once part of the Aptos Rancho land grant awarded to Rafael Castro by the Mexican government in 1833. Along this route, you will travel through the cool and shady Aptos Creek Canyon.
From the Emmett Reed Picnic Area located adjacent to the entrance kiosk on Aptos Creek Road look for the trail sign announcing the Waggoner Overlook Trail that connects with the Aptos Rancho Trail a short distance further. The Waggoner Overlook Trail is ADA compliant and honors Jerry Waggoner, a long-term Ranger in the park and supporter of the Advocates for Nisene Marks State Park.
After a short distance, you will arrive at the overlook with a platform and picnic table located above Aptos Creek. From here, this section of the Aptos Rancho Trail goes to the right and is marked by a trail sign. Another section of the trail goes to the left and connects with Aptos Rancho Road in a little over a mile. The fern-lined path now parallels Aptos Creek as it winds through a water-loving creekside plant community of redwood trees, big-leaf maples, red alders, and willows. Soon you will arrive at an intersection with the Vienna Woods Trail which merges briefly with the Aptos Rancho Trail as you climb a short but steep hill. At the top, the Aptos Rancho Trail turns left near the Tillman Memorial Grove while the Vienna Woods Trail continues up to Aptos Creek Road.
After leaving the memorial grove, you will climb gradually for a short distance, then turn left at a trail marker. Within a few yards, you will come to the first of a few spur trails that lead down to Aptos Creek. The Aptos Rancho Trail continues to the right, winding along the canyon wall, then descends to the creek where it intersects with the Terrace Trail. Turning right, your trail climbs moderately, crossing a couple of seasonal creeks before arriving at the canyon rim. From here, the trail quickly crosses through the forest to Georges Picnic Area.
By Jeff Thomson, Historian, author of Explore the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Treasurer/Board member for the Advocated of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
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