Garden Of Eden Climbing and Bouldering

Had heard of this spot during my time at UCSC but hadent figured out how to get there from campus. This year my friend drove us to the campground area and we just walked from there Short walk and flat. Very beautiful area ! It was nice to sit with lunch and enjoy the scenery. Wish we had gone when it was warmer to enjoy swimming !

Great spot if you want to relax by the water and take a swim. It was hard finding this place, since the trail was hidden and there was no sign. We actually past it the first time, but luckily we saw some people going down the trail. It’s one of the less crowded trails, which was nice. If I were to go again, not sure if I’ll be able to find the trail again.

I absolutely love this hike! It’s shaded all the way, super easy, only ~15 minutes and the end is so worth!
– DIRECTIONS –
Start at the Ox trail head (toward the right side) and walk down till you see railroad tracks. Turn right and follow tracks for ~15 min. You’ll see a sign that says no diving /​no drinking etc on the left side and turn in there. Once you walk down you’ll see the main pool of garden of Eden.
Trains do run on the track so just make sure to step to the side when you hear the horn!
– PARKING –
You can find parking on the side of the road, just anywhere you find dirt and can fit your car in is fine. If there’s no room in the main lot just drive about 30 seconds further and you’ll find more space. I’ve never had a problem finding parking and I’ve only come on weekends.
– TIPS –
+ If you follow the stream away from the main pool it will be less crowded. The water is slightly filled with algae but is relatively clean.

Went to the garden over the weekend. The hike there was pretty easy and short. From the parking lot, it probably only takes about 20 minutes to get to the swimming area. The place is great. It’s a good option to have if you think the SC beaches are going to be crowded. Beach is a bit dirty however with human trash.
All the directions listed are good and will get you there, but in case you want some more detail on how to get there, you can always check out these directions, I attached some pictures:
Apple maps will direct you to the right spot, its listed. I couldn’t find it on google maps.

Be sure to visit before it gets overrun! A beautiful location for hiking, swimming and bouldering; a little bit of something of everyone.
To get to Garden of Eden from Santa Cruz, drive up Highway 9 for about 3 miles. If you park at the first lot you see, go through the green gate and turn left where the path splits. Don’t go down past the sign towards the river just yet. You’ll wake for about 20 minutes along the railroad tracks. As you keep walking, the sound of the stream becomes louder. There will be a sign on your right that says «No campfires». You’ll want to turn right there and head down towards the water.
There are a number of bikers and the train does run, so prepare to dodge those while you make your way there. There is also poison oak.
Since we got there early, there was not too many people there, maybe 20. By the time we left, more and more people showed up and even more walking towards it as we made our way out. It seems to be getting more and more popular, so I hope that people clean up after themselves. We did see a couple piles of trash along the way, and some cans around the swimming hole.
Sincerely hoping that Garden of Eden does not become overrun with people taking pictures and leaving messes so that everyone can enjoy it.

Get ready to risk your life! No, I’m just kidding. My friends and I set out on our little excursion to the Santa Cruz mountains on a Monday afternoon. We were expecting to take a nice dip in the water hole that we’ve been researching up on trip advisor!
The location of this beautiful oasis is in the Henry Cowell State Park — Felton, CA.
Enter at the Ox Trail head which is just about a 5 mile drive from the original Henry Cowell entrance/​pass all the «fake camping» RV resorts. Parking is free along the street.
Once you start walking on the wide trail, keep following it until you reach the train tracks and then turn right. You’ll continue along the train tracks until you find the break in the trees with signs that indicate that there is «no alcoholic beverages» or campfire beyond that point on your left. This area is swarming with teens and families that have the same idea as you do ~ to escape this summer California heat.
The water is dirty… but what do you expect? The dirt clings to your body hairs so beware! And people can jump into the water hole from higher elevations. (I wouldn’t advise this because the water levels are low and you can get injured.)
We stayed in this area for about an hour just enjoying the cool water on our skin and then decided to suit up and continue along the railroad tracks. Which is where we finally found probably the «safest» route down the cliff to the REAL Garden of Eden. The trip down can be a little tricky if you’re not careful. The trail wasn’t intended to be there so you must use your resources (rocks, tree roots, and branches) to bring yourself down safely. I felt like death was among us, but we made it down safely. What you end up seeing is probably worth your trip… so don’t knock it before you try it! Extremely beautiful. The way up is probably much easier because you’re practically bouldering your way up, but again TAKE PRECAUTION and be safe.
Great workout, awarding views, and an awesome way to be one with nature!

Garden of Eden is stunningly beautiful, and I hope all who visit will do their best to keep it that way. I live about a mile from the park and serve as a volunteer. Part of my work is picking up trash at Garden of Eden. Please, if you pack it in, pack it out. The state park does not provide any trash service here (the consequence of drastic budget cuts), so any trash left behind must be picked up by volunteers. If you visit, consider bringing a trash bag and helping to haul out trash left by others.
And I want to remind everyone that dogs are NOT allowed at Garden of Eden. There are many reasons for this rule (punishable by a $ 300 – 500 dollar ticket if the rangers catch you), but let me offer the one most people don’t consider: Dogs are predators, of course, and their paws, when they come in contact with dirt or sand, leave a strong scent that tells many of our native animals to stay away. Many species native to the park can pick up the scent of dogs days or even weeks after they are gone, so even if you clean up after your dog defecates, you are likely preventing wildlife from traveling to water or needed food sources.
On summer weekends, the Garden gets very crowded, but if we all respect each other (no publicly heard music, no smoking of anything, no fires-​duh!) and follow all the rules, this beautiful but fragile ecosystem will remain a jewel on the central coast. GoE is not a party place. It’s peaceful place for reflection, respect, and reverence.

AWESOME PLACE!
My friend recommended going after reading the review… wish I knew about this place sooner. We never found the dirt parking lot that is available according to the park services woman in the booth but that’s okay. We parked along the road where all the other cars were park, the road was closed but I went around the sign and park with the other cars that was there. We used the direction from an online review, they were perfect. You do have to go down a hillside trail. I’m clumsy, so I was very nervous even though there were people in flip flops going down like they had on sneakers. Once you get down it’s a matter of finding seating. We sat in the sand on the right but their are rocks you can sit on. We sat in the shaded area, be mindful that people bring all types of stuff that may limit a spot for to actually enjoy the area. When I went someone had brought a table, ice chest and a few other pinic/​bbq type items that forced us to go further away from the sunny area. The water is not that deep (this is coming from someone who can’t swim) but there are rocks on the bottom that you make hit with your foot, so walk carefully. I loved the time we spent there, it was great. Wish I got there earlier so we could have explored the the trails. The train is active so if you walk on the railroad be mindful, it’s not super fast because they are for sighting seeing and want the people on-​board to view the area. People did bring dogs, had alcohol, and people left trash. FYI, there are no trash cans down so if you come with food, drinks or whatever take it back up with you.

Very cool little spot! If you have questions or need directions call +1 (831) 335‑4598. The state park folks will happily direct and help you. The garden of Eden hole is definitely neat, but there are plenty of other deep pools if you want a little more privacy. Once your down the ox trail Turn right at the train tracks and follow them for awhile. You’ll see some signs that say «no diving while within state park system.» Make a left and head down, there you go! Kid friendly too!
Enjoy! Please do your part in keeping it beautiful. Bring out what you bring in! :)

Wonderful place in the woods. Great scenery, awesome swimming hole, spots to cliff jump, rock climbing, mountain biking
and hiking all within driving distance of the Bay Area.
I was blessed to have been a local of the area for a few years and lived nearby and was down there a lot. People do like to skinny dip here which is totally fine but just don’t be surprised. Also, saturday and Sunday Rangers will come down to the area to bust people for dogs (500 dollar ticket) as well as for alcohol. If you’re there for the weekday you probably will not encounter any Rangers.
I do recommend outsiders make sure they don’t leave trash which is somewhat becoming a problem so please pack your trash and keep it beautiful. It’s great for families and it’s also great for couples or anyone wanting a fun day outdoors. Also beware, people will be drinking and smoking weed so you’ll have to be willing to accept that when you go down.

This is located near my families cabin we build from the ground up in the 60s. I am disgusted at the number of cans, bottles, trash, cigarette butts that are here now. People have no regard for the environment. Who do you think picks up after you. These aren’t items that biodegrade easily anyways, but to leave it in a place that is under sever drought conditions is even worse. Be responsible. Don’t come here if you can’t take everything out with you!

One of the best hikes I have ever had the chance in partaking. It’s hidden and you have to find where to park and climb down. There are different entrances to the different trails but we took the one where you have to walk down steep hills.
Travel deep enough through the trail, follow the railroad track and enter another trail, you will find a river to swim in! It was my first time coming here and I will definitely visit again.

One of my favorite spots in high school back in the home town. Tucked away off hwy 9 (I believe) and in the woods, you’re transported into another world here. If you go down far enough you’ll meet a river & swimming hole. Such a gem.