Construction Begins Soon on New Parking Area and Easy Access Loop Trail
Published May 7, 2026
More access is coming to Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Beginning in May, construction crews will start building a new parking area, providing direct access to the four miles of Phase II Trails.
The trails, opened in October 2024, explore the northeast segment of the preserve, winding through an array of grassland, redwood and riparian habitats. The new parking area serves as a critical gateway to the recently expanded trail system.
By adding this secondary parking area and trailhead, parking demand on the existing Alma Parking area will be alleviated, which often fills up on weekends, creating backups on Bear Creek Road.
The new lot is designed to accommodate 44 standard parking spaces and six equestrian trailer spaces, all constructed on permeable concrete. The design allows equestrian stalls to be temporarily repurposed for shuttle buses or up to nine additional standard parking spaces during special events. Additional amenities include a two-stall vault toilet, bike racks and picnic tables.
To support Midpen’s climate goals, the site also features four Level 2 EV charging stations with the infrastructure to double that capacity in the future. Throughout the design process, staff prioritized resource protection by shifting the layout to preserve mature trees and implementing passive bioswales for natural stormwater treatment.
Through careful design, the final site plan has been refined to minimize environmental and visual impact. The project team shifted the location of the site in the original concept plan approximately 270 feet east to a flatter area, which increases visual screening from the road using existing trees and requires fewer retaining walls. Additionally, the current plan has a smaller footprint and less impervious surface than the original concept.
In addition to the new parking area, Midpen’s expert trail building crew have started on a new half-mile Easy-Access loop trail. Specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and those seeking a less strenuous outing, the gently sloped path will feature interpretive signage and a scenic overlook with a bench.
To ensure the safety of both visitors and construction crews during this heavy equipment work, several trail closures will be in effect. Closed routes include the Toad Hollow and Myotis trails, as well as parts of the Beaver, Oak Knoll, and Lower Pete Siemens trails.
This project represents the next chapter in the 2017 Preserve Plan, creating a more sustainable and highly accessible portal into one of the Santa Cruz Mountains' most storied landscapes. The parking area and trail are expected to open by the end of the year.