Banana Slugs, tall redwood forests and peaceful verses along the walk to remind us of human kindness...I'll take it!! ....And...it's dog friendly (on leash of course) which is a great bonus for us.
You can find all of this at the Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, CA. A local gem for people in the Santa Cruz, Soquel, Capitola and Aptos area. It is not a state or county park, but it is free. There is a suggested $5 donation, but not required. Parking is somewhat limited, but has never really been an issue as it is usually not too crowded. It is a retreat resort so there are guests staying there on site, but the walking and hiking trails are not too busy or overcrowded. If you can not find parking in the lot, there are a few parking spots available along the entry road.
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| Bloo & Marley |
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| Welcome sign |
I really like it here because of how peaceful it is. Also, even if it is really hot out, the trails are mostly shaded and cool because of the tree cover and redwoods. It is also a good spot for an easy walk or hike that is filled with interesting things to look at. There are prayer wheels to look at and touch or spin, statues spread out around the grounds to view at and read about, a temple, yurts, a koi pond, flora, banana slugs (although they tend to show up mostly when it is damp or cool out, after a rain, not so much when hot/dry), and the 8 verses trail which has stations with signs that show and explain the Eight Verses of Thought Transformation. There is a bench at most of the signs so you can sit, rest and reflect if desired.
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| Prayer wheel |
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| Cartoony trail map - located by the door of the gift shop/welcome desk |
We hiked the 2-mile loop trail through the Enchanted Forest. To get to the 2-mile loop, you actually begin at the 8 verses trail entrance and you stay on that trail for about 1/4 - 1/2 mile before the trail splits off to the 2-mile or 6-mile loop trail. Most of the 2-mile loop trail is gradual or rolling terrain, but the first switchback is a little bit of a steep incline. Once past that, it flattens out a bit or is gradual uphill and then the very last leg of the trail, back down to the 8 verses, is quick a steep downhill incline. Nothing an average hiking can't handle, but it is a little tough on the knees. Luckily that part of the trail does not go for very long. My only word of advice is to make sure you pay attention to the Y-split in the trail for the 2-mile/6-mile trail split off. It is not overly obvious, but the trail split is marked with overhead prayer flags. If you miss the left hand turn for the 2-mile loop trail, you could find yourself on a much longer hike through Nisene Marks State Park before you realize you missed the turn.
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| Git & Marley |
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| In the redwoods - on the 2 mile loop trail |
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| Sun trickling through the redwoods |
The trails and grounds are well maintained. There were a few roots and fallen trees along the 2-mile loop trail, but nothing you can't get around. Occasional spotting of poison oak along the trails edges, so be sure to wear long pants or keep an eye out for it.
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| Buddha statue with prayer wheels |
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| Meditation gong bell |
Have Fun and Happy Hiking!!!
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