Highway 9 Horse Trough Springs

## Overview Highway 9 Horse Trough Springs is a beloved natural spring tucked into the forested hills along Highway 9 near Santa Cruz, California. The spring earns its name from the two horse troughs that catch water flowing from a pair of pipes — a nod to the area's rural heritage when travelers and their horses relied on roadside springs for refreshment. Located near the Paradise Park Masonic Club in the San Lorenzo River valley, this spring has long been a popular stop for locals and passersby alike. The water emerges naturally from the surrounding forest and has historically been used as a drinking water source by area residents. Several travelers regularly stop here to fill containers. However, the water has not been formally tested for purity or contamination, so visitors should be aware that its safety cannot be guaranteed. ## Directions 1. From downtown Santa Cruz, head north on **Highway 1**. 2. Just before crossing the **San Lorenzo River**, turn left onto **River Street**, which becomes **Highway 9**. 3. Continue along Highway 9 and watch for the **wooden railroad bridge** on your left — this is a key landmark. 4. The spring is located just a short distance past the railroad bridge, near the **Paradise Park Masonic Club** area (211 Paradise Park, Santa Cruz, CA 95060). 5. You will need to pull over and step out of your car to locate the spring, as it sits off the road in the trees. Look for the two pipes feeding into the horse troughs. 6. If you have trouble finding it, locals in the area are familiar with the spring and can point you in the right direction. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.0080096, -122.048023 ## What to Expect The spring is a simple, rustic setup: two pipes channel water from the hillside into a pair of old horse troughs. The flow is steady enough that multiple visitors can fill containers without long waits. The surrounding area is shaded forest typical of the Santa Cruz Mountains — redwoods and mixed evergreens create a cool, pleasant atmosphere even on warm days. The spring is roadside but not immediately visible from Highway 9, so plan to park safely and walk a short distance to find it. There are no formal facilities, signage, or designated parking at the site. The terrain is generally easy to navigate on foot, though it can be muddy during the rainy season. This is a well-known local water collection spot, so don't be surprised to encounter other visitors filling jugs. The spring flows year-round, though flow rates may vary seasonally. Because the water has not been officially tested, visitors who choose to drink it do so at their own discretion — many locals have reported using it daily for years.