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    Byrne-Milliron Forest

    4.1 (17 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Byrne-Milliron Forest Photos

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    Carmen V.

    So happy that I went yesterday and was still possible to visit the forest! From today to August 10th is going to be undergoing serious road repairs (damaged after the heavy storms last winter and spring). As someone pointed out, this is a forest of not so easy access, so be prepared to go with a car that can handle unexpected encounters, since dealing with one direction only roads. That was part of the adventure but was really scary, especially when passing by the damaged areas. Other than that, this is a magic forest indeed! I found about it thanks to be a hoarder of all those free magazines about 'things to do' that you get at coffee shops, etc. In this case I found about the Byrne-Milliron forest existence thanks to a 'things to do around Santa Cruz' mag, and not from the VIA mag that AAA send to its members (I wonder how come I passed this jewel, as I devour that magazine as well:). If you are celebrating the spirit of 'Summer of Love '67' like i am doing...this is your hippie flower power forest! You can tell it was well taken care for 25 years by someone I presume was an awesome dude very loved and of course remembered, as he left the whole forest filled with trinkets, funky items, cool stuff, notebooks to write or draw in and little pieces of joy. The views are great and remember to bring tons of water as the ways up are too steep. I brought my poles, they make a difference for sure, especially on the way down will help your knees tremendously. In case you forget those, there is one of those milk cans at the entrance with some wood ones. I am amazed about the generosity of visitors or even this now deceased (but with his spirit alive in the forest) caretaker: you can open one of these old mailboxes and get the binoculars to observe the birds and landscape. It was a pleasure. Next time will visit the white redwood...got too tired this time.

    Emily L.

    Just opened to the public last summer (2020), thanks to tik tik, I now have a new place to go hiking. Takes about 45-50 mins from San Jose to get here. It's in the middle of no where, so be prepared to get lost and intuned with nature. Directions via Apple map is very accurate. There are no fees to park and pretty reliable signal once at the preserve. Dogs are allowed on and off leash. Parking lot fits about 20 cars. I came with my bf and his cousin for a New Years hike to start off the year. The last park getting to the place is a left turn into what seems like private property. It is. Keep going. It then turns into what looks like a one way, but it's for two cars. Two cars don't fit, so drive slow and be patient with cars coming in the opposite direction. This part does get scary. I went on New Years and it was jam packed with people. Even at 1pm!!!! Again, park lot fits about 20 cars. We got lucky when arriving and waited for parking. There's a porter potty for bathroom needs before starting your hike. There is a check in you need to do either by paper or the internet. It's quick and easy. Onto the trail you go. Aj's point of view has a newly built deck, which is why I came. Probably going to go viral soon and many people will flock to see the view. I wish my future backyard looked like that!!!! Amazing view. The ocean reflecting in the back against the sun just is indescribable. If you take Byrne to rattlesnake, but be aware, ITS ALL UPHILL. 1 mile of straight brutal uphill. My calves were tight the whole way up and I kept cursing in my head. Yes, we were all hung over from the night before so we were all sweating up a storm and sweating our hang over off. It was good but intense. Even without being hung over, it is quite a steep trail. The elevation gain is quick. After what seemed like forever, we made it to aj's point of view. Hung out. Took a few pictures and headed down. We wanted to go to the beach so we didn't hit the other trails. Going down was easy. 5 mins and we were down. Running and skipping all the way down. Can't wait to come back to explore the other trails!

    Ann L.

    We finally went to Byrne-Milliron Forest which is a part of Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. I saw it mentioned in the VIA Magazine and friend went there before me. From Hayward where I meet my friends it was 1hr30min drive on Veterans Day 11/11/15. Using GPS we didn't get lost. FREE parking, there is 1 porta potty in the parking lot. We Went up Byrne Trail on the Left to Milliron Trail where we saw the "Great White" Redwood Tree. We couldn't do the Great White Loop due to Winter Trail Conditions. There is a steep section on the Milliron Trail but they put a rope next to it so we used it go down then up. We backtracked to Milliron Trail - Bryne Trail - down a bit to Ridge Top Rd, then we continued to AJs Point of View where you get a view of Pajaro Valley and Monterey Bay, plus the Pacific Ocean. Back to Ridge Top Rd - Porcupine Hollow - missed out on the wooden artwork for Eagle On Stump which should be near the sign. We went to Cathedral Rest Spot where the bench has a cross on it. Did the Leonard Bartle Trail, near it on the Left is Three Bears Artwork, back down to Byrne Trail. I'd go back if I can get someone to take me.

    Just got off phone with Land Trust... BM is NOT closed forever, just during the Winter months due to rain damage, etc. They are hopeful it will re-open in April 2020. Look forward to getting out there again and enjoying the great trails and scenery!

    Jackie S.

    We found out about Byrne-Milliron Forest through the VIA magazine. We went on Black Friday, November 27, 2015,and also #OptOutside. It was peaceful and quiet as we were one of the few guests in the area. The trinkets along the trails were fun. Love the views of the Santa Cruz mountains. We loved the idea of guests writing in journals at various viewpoints. In the beginning of the trail, pick up a copy of the trail map so you won't get lost. We went through the Byrne Trail, Rattlesnake Trail, and saw spots like AJ's post, Eagle on Stump, Bathtub, etc. Follow the directions from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz website. You will drive uphill until you reach a parking lot. http://www.landtrustsantacruz.org/category/protected-lands/byrne-milliron-forest/ One portable toilet is at the parking lot. Don't forget to bring water and snacks for the hike.

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    6 years ago

    I love this place but the Land Trust is closing it as of 1/2/20 due to the challenges of its upkeep. This makes me very sad.

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    9 years ago

    This is a fantastic local hike. Trails are wide and clear (unpaved roads) the views of Corralitos farmland and Monterey Bay are spectacular.

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    Ask the Community - Byrne-Milliron Forest

    Review Highlights - Byrne-Milliron Forest

    I love this place but the Land Trust is closing it as of 1/2/20 due to the challenges of its upkeep.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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