Cave Gulch Spring, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

## Overview Cave Gulch Spring is a natural spring nestled in the forested hills above Santa Cruz, California, and is believed to be the headwater source of Wilder Creek. Situated within Cave Gulch — a narrow, shaded ravine on the boundary between UC Santa Cruz campus lands and Wilder Ranch State Park — this spring feeds the creek that eventually flows through Wilder Ranch and empties into the Pacific Ocean. The spring emerges from beneath a natural rock canopy, making it a striking and somewhat hidden feature of the landscape. One visitor who collected a water sample from the source and examined it under a microscope reported finding only trace amounts of microorganisms, describing the water as remarkably clean. Historically, the spring has been considered a source of high-quality water by those who have visited it, though water quality can vary with season and conditions, and independent testing is always advisable before consumption. ## Directions 1. **Starting point:** Head to the UC Santa Cruz campus area near Heller Drive (100 Heller Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 is the nearest address). 2. **Find the trail:** Look for the unnamed path that connects the **Engelsmans Loop Trail** (within Wilder Ranch State Park) to the lower UCSC properties. This trail is visible on Google Maps and is popular with both mountain bikers and hikers. 3. **Follow the water:** As you travel along the trail through Cave Gulch, pay attention to the creek bed. North of the spring, the creek bed is dry and rocky, littered with fallen trees. As you move south, you'll notice the creek bed begins to carry water — this is your signal that you're approaching the spring. 4. **Locate the spring:** The spring itself is on the **right side** of the trail (when heading south). Look for a rock formation that creates a natural canopy over the water source. The spring emerges from beneath these rocks. **GPS Coordinates:** 36.985111, -122.071694 ## What to Expect Cave Gulch Spring is a backcountry water source in a rugged, wooded setting. The surrounding terrain is characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains — a mix of coast live oak, redwood, and bay laurel, with steep, shaded ravines. The trail through Cave Gulch serves as a valuable connector between Wilder Ranch State Park and the UCSC campus trail network, making it a well-traveled route for mountain bikers and hikers alike. The spring is partially concealed beneath a natural rock overhang, giving it a cave-like appearance that fits the gulch's name. The contrast between the dry, rocky creek bed to the north and the flowing water to the south makes the spring's location relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for. The trail is not officially named and can feel remote, so be prepared for uneven terrain, fallen trees, and limited signage. Seasonal conditions may affect both trail accessibility and water flow — the spring is likely most robust during and after the rainy season (roughly November through April). Visitors have reported the water appears clean and clear at the source, but as with any natural spring, conditions can change, and the water has not been officially tested or certified by any public agency.