Cotoni Coast Diary 9 + 3.5 miles elev.gain 1550 ft

We meet at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument Trailhead. It was open to public just in August 2025 and I never hiked there although stopped in vicinity couple times trying to figure out if any public trails exist there. Despite Preisdent Obama declared as National Monument nothing happened till recently when volunteers ( primary bikers) build first 9 miles that we'll hike on Sunday.
You may read history of this place in https://santacruztrails.org/blog/from-nuclear-plant-to-national-monument-the-history-of-cotoni-coast-dairies/
Our hike will consist of 2 parts: 1) 9 miles in Cotoni-Coast Dairies , we return to cars 2) 3.5 miles in remote area of Wilder Ranch park to enjoy ocean views and waterbirds and sea mammals.
Our route: Kaknui - Hawk trail east -> Huyaa tr -> Wildcat trail south -> Our return: Wildat trail north -> Huyaa Connector -> Huyaa trail west -> Kaknui - Hawk trail west to our cars and last section of hike: Cement rd to Davenport landing and loop inside Wilder Ranch with enjoying El Jarro point.
Our pace: 2.5 -2.8 per mile. Hike's length and elevation gain is based on AllTrails route estimate. Real one can be longer 1-2 miles .
It is good to have >2.5L water, sturdy hiking shoes , layers clothes , and lunch food.
It is not good idea to join the hike if you don't plan to complete full route.
Contact me using private meetup messages or comments in case you have questions. I may help with carpool options.