Nestled deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains is this 300-acre historic horse ranch and nature preserve, home to 15 habitats and 4.5 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. In the center of this tear-drop shaped valley one will find the ranch complex consisting of the visitor center housed in a historic ranch house, picnic areas, horse barns and turnouts, lawn area, orchard, and parking lot, with basic amenities including bathrooms and drinking fountain.

Free walks, classes, and workshops about the natural and cultural history of the park are offered on Sundays and occasional Friday evenings. In addition educational birthday parties, science enrichment programs, field trips, and a summer day camp are offered for a fee. The site can be rented on Saturdays for special events like weddings and horses are boarded on site using self-serve capacities with a monthly lease.

Hours
Quail Hollow Ranch County Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. The visitor center is open Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed when the site is rented for a special event or when staff is out on trails or running errands.

Park Rules

Please remain on established trails. Sandy soils are easily eroded and sensitive species are easily trampled. No dogs or bikes on trails. Dogs marking the trails disrupt canine wildlife activity, and bikes accelerate erosion on the many sandy trails. Dogs are allowed in the ranch complex on a leash. Keeping dogs on a leash prevents them from harassing wildlife and horses. Fishing is not allowed. This protects the riparian habitat. Collecting plants, animals, or minerals is prohibited. Leaving this material where you found it, will give others a chance to discover it too and will add to the health of the ecosystems. Take only photos and leave only footprints. Your light touch on the land will keep it healthy so that others can enjoy it for generations to come.