Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The Mystery Spot Redwood Preserve is a 134-acre protected area located near Santa Cruz, California, managed by the Sempervirens Fund. The preserve features primeval coast redwoods along with a mixed conifer forest environment that supports a variety of plant and wildlife species native to the northern California coast. The topography includes steep hillsides and ridges that provide scenic views of the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains. The preserve is named after the nearby Mystery Spot, a renowned gravitational anomaly and roadside attraction in Santa Cruz, though the preserve itself focuses on natural preservation and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy peaceful hiking through old-growth redwood groves and witness fern-covered slopes and moss-draped trees characteristic of the coastal redwood ecosystem. The preserve is rich in biodiversity with species like banana slugs, spotted owls, and black-tailed deer inhabiting the area. Recreational opportunities include low-impact hiking and wildlife watching on well-marked trails. The preserve serves as an important link in conserving redwood forests and connecting with nearby protected lands, helping build a larger network of wildlife corridors and protected habitats. Its proximity to Santa Cruz makes it accessible for day trips and educational outings focused on environmental conservation. The Mystery Spot Redwood Preserve is a quiet, lesser-known destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a pristine redwood forest experience with moderate trail options and rich ecological value.
