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This is a trail down into the redwood forest along Aptos Creek in Forest of Nisene Marks State Park.


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Map Key

1.0

Miles

1.6

KM

87%

Runnable

391' 119 m

High

116' 35 m

Low

80' 24 m

Up

275' 84 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek

Forest of Nisene Marks State Park has a day use fee ($8.00 in 2017). Multi-day passes can also be purchased.

Description

The Vienna Woods Trail west trailhead is on Mesa Grande Road, a quiet residential street. From here the trail enters the dense woods and gradually descends as it traverses a hillside behind houses on the right (south) for about 0.2 miles. Between the trail and houses is a seasonal creek valley. As the trail slowly descends, giant, magnificent redwood trees become abundant. About 0.5 miles from the trail start, the well marked Terrace Trail junction is reached. Go straight here to stay on Vienna Woods Trail.

Shortly after passing the well marked Terrace Trail junction, a very noticeable BUT unmarked 4-way trail junction is reached. Go right (south) here to continue on Vienna Woods Trail. The trail continues to descend in the lush redwood forest for a short ways to reach Aptos Creek. Without crossing the creek yet, the trail runs next to the water for about a quarter mile to where it comes to the creek crossing.

After crossing Aptos Creek, Vienna Woods Trail climbs the creek bank to meet Aptos Rancho Trail at a giant old-growth redwood that must be about 6 feet across. This trail junction is not marked. Turn left (north) onto Aptos Rancho Trail, and then at the next unmarked side trail on the right, go right (east) to continue on Vienna Woods Trail. Follow this short side spur up to Aptos Creek Road at the east Vienna Woods trailhead that is well marked.

Flora & Fauna

Oaks grow in the higher area near the trail start. Redwoods, firs, ferns, and other dense vegetation grow in the rest of the park.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joan Pendleton

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#13094

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1,334

in California

#13,094

Overall
17 Views Last Month
942 Since Dec 4, 2017
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Photos

Aptos Creek crossing on Vienna Woods Trail
Dec 6, 2017 near Aptos, CA
Giant old growth redwood at the Aptos Rancho/Vienna Woods trail junction. About 6 feet across, this redwood dwarfs other huge neighboring redwoods.
Dec 6, 2017 near Aptos, CA
A creek valley drops off to the right (south side) of  Vienna Woods trail in the redwood forest
Dec 5, 2017 near Seacliff, CA
Vienna Woods Trail weaves its way through a clump of giant, stately redwoods, as it approaches Aptos Creek that is in the valley behind these redwoods.
Dec 6, 2017 near Aptos, CA
Aptos Rancho Trail travels through the redwoods of Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Dec 5, 2017 near Aptos, CA

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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 49 days ago
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