After decades of efforts by local preservationists, two large Areas of scenic North Coast land have been permanently closed to development, and are now open to outdoor recreational activities.
At the north end of Cement Plant Road out of Davenport, where it crosses Highway 1 to become Davenport Landing Road, is a new parking lot and trailhead for the Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, which just today opened several trails to the public. SCMTD bus 40 will get you (and your bike) to Davenport, about 1.5 miles from the multi-use trailhead.
The other large public-land acquisition is not right on the coast, but inland from the former cement plant outside of Davenport, accessible from Empire Grade Road. The Santa Cruz-based Trust For Public Land led a coalition that acquired the large tract now known as San Vicente Redwoods in 2011, and has opened the first 8.5 miles of planned public multi-use trails into the area. For now, the only access point is a parking area on Empire Grade Road, 12.5 miles up from UCSC, so not accessible car-free except to the hardiest bikers (bus 41 only goes as far as Bonny Doon). Trail pass registration (free) is required. Hikers/horseback riders/mountain bikers can sign up at TPL.
