The wait is over — the new trails at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument are now open! Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and designed in collaboration with local trail stewards, this project shows what’s possible when public land managers, volunteers, and advocates work together to create trails that protect the land while inviting people to experience it. SCMTS did some amazing work here.

This is a model for environmentally sensitive access — narrow, thoughtfully routed singletrack that blends into the landscape, minimizes erosion, protects habitat, and keeps riders, hikers, and equestrians on designated paths. Rather than having large swaths of public land closed or defaulting to wide, road-like trails, Cotoni-Coast Dairies demonstrates how careful planning, community input, volunteer and professional trail builders can deliver sustainable recreation and conservation at the same time.

The result?

• More connection — to nature, to community, and to the coast.
• More protection — sensitive habitats remain intact and respected.
• More inspiration — for future projects that balance recreation and resource stewardship.

This is the kind of thinking we need from all open space managers: acknowledge that people will seek out ways to experience nature, and channel that energy into designed-for-purpose trails that guide visitors through the land in a way that’s safe for both people and the environment.

It’s proof that multi-use, narrow singletrack, built right, is part of the solution.

More Projects Like This Are Possible — On This Side of the Hill

Santa Cruz has again set the example. We think it’s time to bring that same vision to this side of the hill — creating sustainable, narrow singletrack that both protects our open spaces and invites people to connect with them.

The trails open this weekend – go check it out — and imagine what could happen if all our local land managers embraced this same model for balancing access and conservation.