Cotoni-Coast Dairies Natl Monument

Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument

Hike Date:  Saturday, July 11, 2026

Coleaders:  Sam Kaufman

Leader email:  geogrman@yahoo.com

Leader phone:  510.599.4056

SF Meeting Location Whole Foods @ 2001 Market St. Meet on the Dolores St. side. (There's parking on the street or below the building.m)

SF Meeting Time:  8:25 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Whole Foods if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART station. Meet at the bottom of the escalators. (There's free and ample parking)

East Bay Meeting Time:  8:15 AM (departure shortly thereafter)

NOTE: Please only show up at Rockridge BART if you have arranged for a ride ahead of time.

Rating: Level 3

Mileage: 9.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 1380'

Description: This park was authorized in 2017 and opened to the public in 2025. It's diverse habitat includes coastal scrub, redwood and doug fir glens, rocky montane lilac and manazanita and ranch grasslands. Wildflowers remain abundant into summer thanks to the marine influence. Ocean and coastal views are plentiful. Cattle are present in the lower elevations. The route consists of three connecting loops so those wanting a shorter hike (e.g. 4.5 miles) can eliminate the last loop and spend a few hours on the beach or Santa Cruz boardwalk. 

Bring/Wear: Please bring water, lunch, hat and sunscreen for the sunny portions (60% of the hike). Poles will be helpful on the rocky ascent and descent although it's mostly gradual.

Rain Policy: Cancelled in the event of rain. 

Dogs: Dogs ARE NOT ALLOWED on the full loop, but are allowed on a shorter 4 mile loop.

Trailhead Meeting Place: Cotoni-Coast Dairies main trailhead, from CA-1 South, 1/2 mile past Swanton Berry Farm, left turn on Cement Plant Rd. (opposite Davenport Landing rd) Follow the road 1/4 mile to a dirt parking lot. From CA-1 North, 1.3 miles past Davenport, right on Cement Plant Rd. Google Maps link. 

Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Round Trip driving mileage: 126 miles from Whole Foods; 160 miles from Rockridge BART.

Passenger Carpool Fees: $16 (SF); $22 (Rockridge BART)