Easy hikes and walks around Twin Lakes
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2,780
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Hiking around Twin Lakes provides access to a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers, featuring two prominent alpine lakes nestled at the base of Colorado's highest peaks. The region is characterized by high alpine tundra, dense forests, and significant morainal deposits. This environment offers a variety of easy hiking trails suitable for exploring its unique natural features.
Best easy hiking trails around Twin Lakes
- The most popular easy hiking route is Schwan Lake Loop Trail, a 1.4 miles (2.3 km) trail that takes 36 minutes to complete. This route offers gentle gradients around the lake.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty Walk, an easy 1.7 miles (2.8 km) path. This trail provides views of the harbor and coastline.
- Local hikers also love the East Cliff Drive County Parkway, a 1.7 miles (2.7 km) trail leading through coastal scenery, often completed in about 42 minutes.
- Hiking around Twin Lakes is defined by glacial lakes, high alpine tundra, and surrounding peaks, offering diverse scenery. The network provides options for various ability levels, with a strong focus on easy hiking trails.
- The routes in Twin Lakes are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 130 reviews. More than 2,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Twin Lakes's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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2.30km
00:36
20m
20m
Hike the easy 1.4-mile Schwan Lake Loop Trail in Twin Lakes State Beach, offering diverse scenery, lake views, and abundant birdwatching.
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2.77km
00:43
10m
20m
The Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty Walk offers a delightful coastal experience, guiding you along a hard, level, and often paved surface. You'll be treated to expansive views of the Santa Cruz Harbor and Monterey Bay, with the iconic Walton Lighthouse marking the entrance to the harbor. The path is bordered by ice plant and small shrubs, and the air is filled with the sounds of chiming sailboats and crashing waves, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Keep an eye out for pelicans, harbor seals, and sea lions, which are frequently spotted in the area.
This easy 1.7-mile (2.8 km) walk, with a minimal 26 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 42 minutes, making it highly accessible for all, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. The route is dotted with benches and water fountains, and its proximity to restaurants and shops means you have plenty of options for refreshments. No special permits are needed, and the walk is enjoyable year-round, especially during pleasant weather.
This trail is part of the Marina Interpretive Walk, which features informative signs detailing the local fishing industry, marine environment, and history of the harbor. The Santa Cruz Harbor itself is a bustling hub within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, offering a unique vantage point to observe marine ecosystems. The 41.5-foot Walton Lighthouse, dedicated in 2002, serves as a prominent and picturesque landmark along your journey.
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2.70km
00:42
10m
20m
The East Cliff Drive County Parkway offers a delightful, easy coastal walk along the bluffs of Santa Cruz, perfect for a relaxed outing. This 1.7-mile (2.7 km) route, with just 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 41 minutes to complete, providing continuous views of Monterey Bay. You'll stroll past charming beach bungalows and world-famous surf breaks like Pleasure Point, often spotting seabirds and marine life.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is generally flat and accessible, suitable for a wide range of users. You'll find restrooms conveniently located at Pleasure Point or The Hook County Parks. Dogs are permitted on leash, making it a great option for family-friendly hikes or a quick, scenic break.
This pathway is a local favorite, known for being more sheltered from strong winds than other coastal routes, ensuring a comfortable experience. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see cormorants, otters, harbor seals, and even dolphins. The trail's proximity to surf culture and its easy nature make it one of the top rated hikes in Santa Cruz for a casual oceanfront experience.
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2.46km
00:38
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) loop from Twin Lakes offers a delightful coastal hike, perfect for a relaxed outing. You'll enjoy stunning ocean views of Monterey Bay, stroll along sandy beaches, and pass through meadows and shady groves of oak, Monterey pine, and eucalyptus trees. The route, which takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes with only 91 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to experience the Santa Cruz coastline.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as this is a family-friendly and dog-friendly trail (dogs must be leashed). Moran Lake Park, a key feature along the route, provides public restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers. While the trail is generally accessible, be mindful that sections near Schwan Lake can get muddy after rain or in winter, so plan accordingly.
Beyond the scenic beauty, the area is a haven for wildlife, especially around Moran Lake, a coastal lagoon known for birdwatching. The beaches along the loop are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your visit. This trail is a true hidden gem for those seeking a gentle, high-reward outdoor experience near Pleasure Point.
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Tips from the Community
A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. Thereβs bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.
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For cyclists exploring Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point Beach on 38th Avenue beckons with its beauty and recreational opportunities. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the beach offers a picturesque setting. It is accessible via a brief walk from the road.
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Pleasure Point Beach is a popular surf spot and is part of Pleasure Point Park. The park also features restrooms, picnic tables, and offers great views.
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Moran Lake Beach is part of the 9.2-acre Moran Lake Park. The beach stretches about a mile long and is a popular surf spot. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers.
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Pleasure Point Beach, off of 38th Avenue in Santa Cruz, is a beautiful beach that great for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There is a short hike down from the bluff that is covered in plants. There is little to no parking near this local beach so be prepared to walk or carpool.
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If you want something fun to look at on your run, you could do a lot worse than jogging past this cliffside vantage point over The Hook, a popular year-round wave that tends to draw a lot of surfers.
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There are some nice trails with views over the water on top of this bluff, and stairways leading down to the beach on either side. This whole area is a hot spot for local surf culture. Please stay away from the edge of the bluffs for obvious reasons β they can crumble unexpectedly underfoot.
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Officially this double-headed point is called Soquel Point. The views across the water are just fantastic, and it's a great spot to watch surfers in action too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available around Twin Lakes?
There are over 120 easy hiking trails around Twin Lakes, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. In total, the area features 184 routes, with the majority being classified as easy.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Twin Lakes?
The trails around Twin Lakes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse coastal scenery, the accessibility of the routes, and the pleasant walks along the harbor and beaches.
Are there any easy loop hikes around Twin Lakes?
Yes, there are several easy loop hikes. A popular choice is the Schwan Lake Loop Trail, which is 1.4 miles (2.3 km) long and offers gentle gradients around the lake. Another option is the Pleasure Point Beach β Moran Lake Beach and Park loop from Capitola.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I see on easy hikes in Twin Lakes?
Easy hikes around Twin Lakes offer views of various natural features. You can explore coastal scenery, beaches, and lakes. Notable highlights include Pleasure Point Beach, Moran Lake Beach and Park, and Schwan Lake. Some trails also pass by unique natural monuments like the Fremont Tree or the Cathedral Redwoods.
How long do easy hikes typically take around Twin Lakes?
The duration of easy hikes around Twin Lakes varies. For example, the Schwan Lake Loop Trail typically takes about 36 minutes to complete, while the East Cliff Drive County Parkway can be completed in about 42 minutes. Most easy routes are under 2 miles and can be enjoyed in under an hour.
Are there family-friendly easy hikes in Twin Lakes?
Yes, many of the easy trails in Twin Lakes are suitable for families. Routes with gentle gradients and scenic views, such as the Schwan Lake Loop Trail or the Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty Walk, are excellent choices for all ages.
What are some easy trails with good viewpoints in Twin Lakes?
For scenic viewpoints, consider trails that offer coastal vistas. The Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty Walk provides views of the harbor and coastline, while the East Cliff Drive County Parkway leads through beautiful coastal scenery.
Are there any easy hikes that pass by lakes or ponds?
Absolutely. The Schwan Lake Loop Trail directly encircles Schwan Lake. You can also find trails near Moran Lake Beach and Park and Antonelli Pond, offering pleasant waterside walks.
What is the best time of year for easy hikes in Twin Lakes?
Twin Lakes generally offers pleasant hiking conditions year-round due to its coastal climate. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for enjoying the beaches. Even winter can be suitable for easy coastal walks, though it's always wise to check local weather conditions.
Are there any easy trails that are less crowded?
While popular spots can attract visitors, exploring some of the slightly longer easy loops or visiting during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) can help you find quieter experiences. Many of the 120+ easy trails offer opportunities for peaceful walks away from the busiest areas.
Are there any easy trails that are suitable for beginners?
Yes, Twin Lakes is an excellent destination for beginner hikers. All the routes classified as 'easy' are suitable, featuring minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths. The Schwan Lake Loop Trail and Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty Walk are particularly good starting points.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around Twin Lakes?
Easy hikes around Twin Lakes primarily feature flat or gently rolling terrain. You'll find paved paths, boardwalks, and well-trodden dirt trails, especially along the coastline, beaches, and around lakes. Elevation changes are minimal, making these routes accessible and enjoyable.
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