Cotoni-Coast Dairies, California Coastal National Monument

➤ Hike Description: Moderate – 8.4 miles, 1,325 feet of elevation gain, barbell-style double-loop hike. Leisurely to moderate pace (approximately 2-2.5 mph with breaks), well maintained single-track trails; some steep downhill on uneven terrain. This hike blends beautiful scenery, rich natural history, and a compelling conservation story.

Join us for a spectacular International Leopard Day 8.4-mile exploration of Cotoni-Coast Dairies (pronounced “Chuh-toe-knee” Coast Dairies) one of California's newest and most beautiful coastal conservation successes. This 5,800-acre property was protected in 2014 after decades of community advocacy, preserving a rare stretch of undeveloped coastline, working agricultural lands, and vital wildlife habitat within the California Coastal National Monument.

You’ll walk through rich transition zones, from windswept coastal bluffs with sweeping Pacific views to quiet redwood canyons and open grasslands. Coastal prairie meets coastal scrub and redwood forest, creating rich habitat for an abundance of wildlife. You’ll share the meadows with cows fitted with radio shock collars, part of an innovative rotational grazing program that helps maintain the coastal prairie and native wildflowers. The cattle are calm and accustomed to hikers. The ocean breeze and panoramic views make this one of the most scenic coastal hikes in the region.

➤ About Cotoni-Coast Dairies: For over a century, the Coast Dairies operated on this spectacular coastal property. When the land came up for sale in the 1990s, a remarkable coalition of conservation groups, government agencies, and community advocates worked for nearly two decades to protect it. In 2014, the Trust for Public Land completed the purchase, transferring the property to the Bureau of Land Management as part of the California Coastal National Monument.

The name “Cotoni” honors the Indigenous Cotoni people, a tribelet of the Ohlone, who were the original stewards of this land for thousands of years. Today, the site represents a new model of conservation that honors both Indigenous heritage and agricultural legacy while protecting vital habitats.

➤ About International Leopard Day: May 3 is International Leopard Day, an official observance dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of leopards, powerful apex predators that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems worldwide. Like many big cats, leopards face serious threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The day highlights the importance of protecting wild lands and the delicate balance between wildlife and human activity.

On today’s hike at Cotoni-Coast Dairies we celebrate that same spirit of coexistence. Here the cows serve as the “apex grazers” of the landscape, calmly sharing the meadows while helping maintain the coastal prairie and native wildflowers through an innovative rotational grazing program. You'll experience firsthand the successful coexistence of wild and working lands.

➤ Important Note: This is an independent hike organized by experienced leaders, not a Sierra Club outing. All participants are responsible for their own safety and should ensure they have appropriate fitness levels for this moderate 8.4-mile hike.

➤ Post-Hike Potluck: Join us for a relaxed potluck lunch at the picnic table adjoining the parking lot. We'll provide pizza, succulent smoked salmon, fruit, and refreshing drinks. This is a wonderful opportunity to share trail stories, discuss what we observed, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. Salads, desserts, or side dishes are especially welcome if you'd like to contribute. Bring a sit-upon or camp chair so you can kick back and enjoy the ocean air while sharing trail stories.

➤ Route:
· Hawk Trail West: 1.2 miles
· Tree Trail West: 0.6 miles
· Connector Trail: 0.4 miles
· Wildcat Trail North: 2.5 miles
· Wildcat Trail South: 1.2 miles
· Connector Trail: 0.4 miles
· Tree Trail West: 0.6 miles
· Hawk Trail East: 1.5 miles

A route map is provided in the photos along with some of the 4/5/2026 scouting pictures. If you have an account you can view and download the route map on GAIAGPS or AllTrails.

➤ Directions/Parking: We meet at the Cotoni-Coast Dairies parking lot. Parking is free.

GPS: 37.0220885, -122.2081131 (37°01'19.5"N 122°12'29.2"W)

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➤ Restrooms: Vault toilets (open at 9:00 AM) at the trailhead. No water available. No services along the route.

➤ Exposure: 25% covered under second growth redwoods, 75% exposed on hard packed single-track trails. Weather forecast at WeatherForYou.

➤ Cell Phone Coverage: Poor coverage through most of the park.

➤ Carpools: We’ve set up a dedicated carpool page to make ride-sharing simple and convenient. Please visit: https://groupcarpool.com/t/h90zfj to offer or request a ride.

You can also post a request in the Meetup comments if you prefer, but please reply privately to the person offering.

➤ Park websites: Cotoni-Coast Dairies

➤ Bring: Snack, water, sun and wind protection, a sit-upon for lunch, warm layers, sturdy boots and poles if you use them. Optional: a dish to share for the potluck and a sense of humor always welcome.

➤Safety: Both leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and Basic Life Support providers. We will hold a safety meeting prior to the hike. Nearest emergency services are Santa Cruz County Sheriff and CalFire (Davenport area). In case of emergency, call 911.