All Mountain Ranges
Mountain Range
moderate
Santa Cruz Mountains
California
Elevation Range
500 ft - 3,800 ft
Notable Peaks
3
Coordinates
37.1820, -122.0645
About Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains are a coastal mountain range located in central California, running parallel to the Pacific Ocean. The range is characterized by rugged, forested terrain with steep canyons, ridges, and peaks. Elevations range from around 500 feet near the coast to over 3,800 feet at the highest summits. The landscape is dominated by second-growth redwood, Douglas fir, and mixed hardwood forests, providing a scenic natural backdrop for outdoor recreation.
Notable Peaks
Loma Prieta
3,786 ft
Mount Umunhum
3,486 ft
Skyline Ridge
2,600 ft
Activities
hiking
backpacking
camping
mountain biking
wildlife viewing
Best Seasons
spring
summer
fall
Gateway Towns
Santa Cruz, CA
Los Gatos, CA
Saratoga, CA
Data Source
Geographic data from USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). Descriptions generated with AI assistance.
