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.

Join us for a spectacular Earth 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 Earth Day: On this Earth Day 2026 we celebrate one of the most inspiring conservation successes of our time. Just as the first Earth Day in 1970 sparked a nationwide movement that led to the creation of the EPA and landmark environmental laws, a remarkable coalition of community advocates, conservation groups, and the Trust for Public Land worked for decades to protect Cotoni-Coast Dairies. Their efforts preserved this 5,800-acre coastal treasure for future generations, a living reminder that when people come together, we can protect the wild places we love.

➤ Important Note: This is an independent hike organized by experienced leaders, not an official 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: Requesting a carpool in the comments is okay. Replies to the initial request are to be through private message to the sender only.

➤ 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, sparkling personality for potluck if you’re staying.

➤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.