Emma McCrary and U-Con Trail

The full route, combining both the Emma McCrary and U-Con Trails, is rated as moderate. The Emma McCrary Trail itself is largely beginner-friendly with smooth, undulating singletrack. However, the U-Con Trail presents a more intermediate challenge with narrow, twisty sections and some rocky terrain.

Based on the tour data, hiking the full 9 km (5.6 miles) route typically takes around 2 hours and 35 minutes. This duration can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The Emma McCrary Trail connects downtown Santa Cruz, making it accessible from various points. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, accessing the trail from the downtown area or near the Pogonip Open Space Preserve entrance points would be your best bet. The trail also provides access to the UC Santa Cruz campus.

The Pogonip Open Space Preserve, where these trails are located, generally allows dogs. However, it's crucial to check the specific regulations for Pogonip regarding leash requirements and any restricted areas before your visit.

The trails wind through lush redwood groves and mixed woodlands, offering beautiful scenery year-round. However, for the most comfortable hiking experience, spring and fall typically offer mild temperatures. Winter can bring rain, making some sections muddy, while summer can be warm, especially in the more open areas.

No, there are generally no permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within Pogonip Open Space Preserve, including the Emma McCrary and U-Con Trails. It is a public open space managed by the City of Santa Cruz.

You'll experience diverse scenery, transitioning from open, sunlit areas to lush groves of redwood trees and mixed woodlands. The Emma McCrary Trail features shady hillsides, redwood ravines, and a charming wood bridge. Look out for a uniquely shaped redwood known as the 'Celery Tree' in the latter half-mile of the Emma McCrary Trail. The U-Con Trail also winds through a verdant forest.

Yes, this route is a key connector within the local trail network. The Emma McCrary Trail links downtown Santa Cruz to Wilder Ranch State Park via the U-Con Trail. The U-Con Trail, in turn, connects the Emma McCrary Trail and the Rincon Trail directly to the UC Santa Cruz campus and its associated fire roads. The Komoot tour also passes through sections of the Emma McCrary Trail, Cowell-Wilder Regional Trail, Rincon Trail, and Fuel Break.

Yes, both the Emma McCrary and U-Con Trails are popular multi-use paths. You can expect to encounter hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Awareness of other trail users is important, especially on the narrower, twisty sections of the U-Con Trail, where bikers descending quickly can pose a hazard.

The Emma McCrary Trail is a smooth, undulating singletrack with grades generally not exceeding 7%, making it quite flowy. The U-Con Trail is also singletrack but is narrower, twistier, and includes some rocky sections and rock gardens, though bypass options are available. It involves a 7-12% climb in parts.

Beginners will find the Emma McCrary Trail very accessible and enjoyable. However, the U-Con Trail is more challenging with steeper grades and rocky sections. If you're a beginner, you might consider hiking just the Emma McCrary Trail or being prepared for a more strenuous effort on the U-Con section.