
Vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains
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Redwood Ridge Tree Fort VRP#181501
A Magical Glamping Retreat – Escape to a dreamy tree fort nestled high among majestic redwoods, where rustic charm meets modern comfort. Fall asleep to the sounds of crickets and a bubbling creek, and wake up to peaceful birdsong and fresh mountain air. Relax in the hammock or gather around the fire pit while taking in stunning views. Enjoy hassle-free camping with all the comforts of home, including electricity, a cozy queen bed, a full bathroom with hot water, and a fully equipped kitchenette.

Santa Cruz A-Frame
This unique A-Frame cabin, in a quiet mountain neighborhood with private creek access, was handbuilt in 1965 and remodeled in the summer of 2024. Now a little slice of heaven on the creek in the redwoods. *5-10 min to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Roaring Camp Railroad, Loch Lomond Recreation Area, the Trout Farm Inn, Quail Hollow Ranch + Felton stores. *20 min to Santa Cruz, beach + Boardwalk. *1 min to Zayante Creek Market (EV charger) Find us on social: Insta @SantaCruzAFrame

Private Guest-House in the Redwoods
Our custom built guesthouse was completed in 2016. It is situated on 5 redwood-covered acres, 10 minutes south of Los Gatos and 20 minutes from Santa Cruz. We have easy access to hiking and biking trails, world-class wine-tasting, microbreweries, shops, amazing dining, and more! There is something for everyone in our area! We are surrounded by a 35 acre tree farm, so it's very private, yet close to the silicon valley! Our property has a standby generator so we are not affected by power outages.

Treehouse , San Jose
250 sq ft treehouse with stairs leading to 2 lofts with beds overlooking the most gorgeous view of the Silicon Valley. The treehouse opens to a deck 14 foot high nestled in between 3 sycamore trees.Custom made stained glass window and spiral staircase leads up into the tree. Includes full functioning bathroom , kitchenette w sink , cooking stove, mini fridge . Sleeps 4 people. ( 1 queen bed in each open loft) You are living with a live tree in nature so think glamping - an amazing experience .

Sanctuary in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
Nestled in the Sierra Azul Mountain Range in Los Gatos, the Sanctuary combines rustic country decor, steampunk original art, state-of-the-art technology with a unique spa experience, providing the perfect private retreat. Surrounded by numerous hiking trails, many friendly animals, and vast wild forest all around us to explore to your liking, along with this exclusive unit serves to provide a refreshing, rejuvenating space to reconnect with your loved one, yourself and of course Mother Nature!

Cozy Coastal Redwood Cabin
Rest and connect in this warm, cozy, and private cabin that is nestled in the redwoods. Only minutes away from Henry Cowell State Park, where you can enjoy world class mountain biking trails, hiking, or swimming in the river. Or, enjoy the beach 15 minutes away. This is a perfect place to refresh in the magic of the Coastal Redwoods. Music fills most nights either from the Felton Music Hall or from the chorus of frogs. And wake up in the mornings to the mist in the trees when the fog rolls in.

Whiskey Hollow A-Frame: As feat'd in Condé Nast!
Featured in Condé Nast's "30 Cozy A-Frame Cabins for Cold-Weather Getaways", Whiskey Hollow is a romantic retreat! View majestic Redwoods from the loft bed, luxuriate in the oversized bathtub by candlelight, cozy up in front of the wood fireplace, or cook a meal in the fully appointed kitchen. Nestled in the woods, you would never guess that it's only 2 miles to downtown Felton, 1.5 miles to Henry Cowell State Park, 15 min to downtown Santa Cruz, and 20 min to the beach (Permit #191282).

Whiskey Creek: Roaring Camp+Redwoods+Dogs+UCSC
Whiskey Creek (Permit #231409) is the newest property brought to you by the folks who created Whiskey Hollow, featured in Condé Nast Traveler's "30 Cozy A-Frame Cabins for Cold-Weather Getaways" in 2023! This cozy cabin sits on 1/2 acre and includes: - covered spa - indoor wood burning stove - outdoor fire pit - two decks - A/C Felton Music Hall, Roaring Camp, Henry Cowell, world-class mountain biking and the beach are minutes away. Well-behaved dogs (up to 2) are welcome. You'll love it!

Coastal Redwood Cabin | Hot tub | Private Creek
Welcome to our cozy cabin nestled in the serene beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains! Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of towering redwoods surrounding our charming studio-style cabin. Whether you're seeking a peaceful getaway or craving an adventure-filled retreat, our cabin offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. Follow us @thecoastalredwoodcabin We welcome one small pet (dogs only) to join in on the fun!

Magical Tree House
Nestled in a cathedral of Old Growth Redwoods on 72 acres of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Treehouse is one of a kind, for the quiet, nature loving adventurers . Lofty ceilings and solar string lights. oak spiral staircase leads you to your "nest", a queen sized bed with fresh linens and pillows provided. Down stairs is a tiny porch with bistro dining set for sipping wine from a local winery as you gaze out at the moonlit pond and meadow, the dappled light in the trees.

Redwood Cottage & Hot Tub
Enjoy this quaint, peaceful redwood retreat tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains. This small private cottage comes with a private hot tub, outdoor shower, propane fire pit and hammock. You'll be 10 minutes to downtown Felton and 25 minutes to Santa Cruz beaches. The cottage is on a shared property and next door to the main house. Please note there is no indoor shower (outdoor only) and the road is one lane with a steep driveway. Permit #211304

Mountain Top Yurt in the Redwoods
Peaceful, clean, spacious, beautifully decorated and quiet 24' Yurt completely surrounded by Redwoods on top of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Spend a couple days meditating, reading or writing the next chapter of your memoir. Walking distance to Mount Madonna Retreat Center (open now through reservation only). County Park hiking and horseback riding trails located within 3 miles. Ideal place for photography and mountain/road biking.
Popular amenities for Santa Cruz Mountains vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Santa Cruz Mountains

The blue house at the beach

Mount Hermon Creekside Cottage

Countryside Container Home

Evergreen Escape | Beach, Hiking, HotTub, GameRoom

New! Luxe Glamping Cabin Near Big Basin State Park

Gorgeous Cabin in Mount Hermon

Either Way Hideaway

Monterey Bay Farm Getaway - near Santa Cruz
Your guide to Santa Cruz Mountains
All About Santa Cruz Mountains
From the San Francisco Bay to the coastal community of Santa Cruz itself, the Santa Cruz Mountains are a collection of more than 125 peaks and adjoining ranges that rise from the coastal waters and head inland toward San Jose and the California interior. Due to its proximity to the humid coastal climate of the Pacific Ocean, many of the low-lying valleys contain temperate rainforest ecologies, with stands of old-growth forest in nearby state parks. These forests are also home to deer, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, cougars, and the only marsupial native to North America, the Virginia opossum.
With hundreds of miles of trail systems that cross several state parks and preserves, there are opportunities to hike, bike, and play along the coastlines, among the forested valleys, and on top of Loma Prieta, the tallest mountain in the range. When deciding where to stay, there are numerous options. San Francisco to the north provides a more metropolitan feel, while San Jose in the east is a more sprawling suburban landscape. If you’re itching for a small-town experience, consider the beach community of Santa Cruz, where surfers and outdoor enthusiasts congregate.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains encompass several microclimates with unique seasonal characteristics and variations. May through October provides the warmest temperatures and the lowest levels of rain. If you’re looking to take full advantage of outdoor opportunities, looking for cabins in Santa Cruz during these summer months may prove to be a good option. Seasonal variations in weather are minor, with only slight drops in temperature and moderate upticks in overall precipitation during the winter. Despite being only a few miles apart, the oceanside parks may have different climatic conditions from the higher peaks or inland valleys. Be sure to research the areas you intend to visit and plan accordingly.
Top things to do in Santa Cruz Mountains
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is home to some of California’s most majestic old-growth redwoods. Hiking trails and picnic areas amid the tall trees make for a great day of exploring the forests. Some of the park’s trees are more than two millennia old, and among the tallest living trees on earth. The Redwood Grove Loop Trail is one of the more popular trails in the park, with a wheelchair-accessible hike that is less than a mile long and takes visitors through some of the oldest redwoods in the area.
Felton Bridge
At more than thirty-five feet tall, this 1892 covered bridge is located on San Lorenzo River in the southern bounds of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 15 minutes from Santa Cruz, and is said to be the tallest of its kind in the United States. After visiting the bridge and surrounding county park, the lumber town of Felton is worth exploring before heading back into the mountains. Check out some of the town’s mills, logging sites, and the mysterious Bigfoot Discovery Museum before crossing back over the bridge.
Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
The Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve encompasses more than 19,000 acres of rugged wilderness in the eastern interior edges of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Miles of trails allow for the exploration of an ecological community that is quite distinct from the areas closer to the Pacific. The drier climate here provides conditions ideal for chaparral stands, sprawling grasslands, and oak forests that stand in contrast to the humid rainforest conditions found in the western reserves.
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