Bonny Doon Spring, Felton, California, 95018

## Overview Bonny Doon Spring is a beloved public drinking spring located along Empire Grade Road in the hills above Santa Cruz, California. Nestled in the rugged, redwood-studded landscape of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this continuously flowing spring has earned a loyal following among local water enthusiasts who prize its exceptionally clean taste. With a reported TDS (total dissolved solids) reading of approximately 35 ppm — remarkably low, indicating very pure, lightly mineralized water — visitors have described it as tasting better than any commercially bottled water available. The spring sits at an elevation in the coastal mountains where fog drip and seasonal rainfall percolate through layers of sandstone and shale, naturally filtering the water before it emerges at the surface. The surrounding area is characterized by mixed evergreen forest and the open grasslands typical of the Bonny Doon region, with a limestone quarry located roughly 50 feet from the spring. The spring is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and flows continuously year-round. It has long been a popular stop for hikers, cyclists riding Empire Grade, and residents who prefer to collect their own spring water. ## Directions 1. From **Santa Cruz**, head north on **Empire Grade Road** (accessible via Bay Street or High Street, which becomes Empire Grade as it climbs into the mountains). 2. Continue along Empire Grade Road as it winds through the forested hills above the UC Santa Cruz campus. 3. Watch for the **Bonny Doon quarry** on the right-hand side of the road. The spring is located approximately **50 feet from the quarry entrance**. 4. There are **parking spots on both sides of the road** near the spring — pull off carefully, as Empire Grade is a narrow, winding mountain road. 5. The GPS coordinates **37.031121, -122.104288** will bring you directly to the location. The nearest address reference is **5106 Empire Grade, Santa Cruz, CA 95060**. *Note: Empire Grade Road has limited lighting and can be foggy, especially in the evenings. Use caution if visiting after dark.* ## What to Expect Bonny Doon Spring is a roadside spring with a continuous flow, making it easy to fill containers directly. The water emerges clear and cold, and visitors have consistently reported that it tastes exceptionally clean and refreshing. The very low TDS reading of approximately 35 ppm suggests minimal mineral content, which contributes to its notably smooth, pure flavor. The spring is right off Empire Grade Road, so no hiking is required — you can park and walk just a short distance to access the water. Parking is available on both sides of the road, though spaces are informal pull-offs rather than a designated lot. The nearby quarry serves as a helpful landmark when locating the spring for the first time. The surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains scenery is beautiful, with towering redwoods, Douglas fir, and open meadows depending on the stretch of road. Empire Grade itself is a popular route for scenic drives and cycling, so the spring makes a natural stopping point. Bring your own containers for collecting water. While this spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals and visitors alike, water quality can vary with seasonal conditions, and the water is not officially tested or treated by any municipal authority.