Quail Hollow

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Quail Hollow is a nature preserve located in Santa Cruz County, California.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors who are interested in hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species.

One of the main attractions at Quail Hollow is the hiking trails that wind through the preserve. The trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, including oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian habitats. Along the way, hikers can spot a variety of wildlife, such as deer, coyotes, and bobcats.

Another popular attraction at Quail Hollow is the interpretive center, which offers educational exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. The center is a great place to learn about the history and ecology of the area.

Interesting facts about Quail Hollow include its designation as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, as well as its importance as a breeding ground for the endangered red-legged frog. The preserve is also home to several rare and threatened plant species, such as the Santa Cruz tarplant and the Ben Lomond spineflower.

The best time of year to visit Quail Hollow is in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers something to see and do in every season.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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