Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
600.00 ft (182.88 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.60 mi (5.79 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Alec Canyon Trail is a 3.2-mile there-and-back hike with an optional trip to Triple Falls for an additional 0.4 miles. This is a steep and moderately strenuous hike on an old logging road. Along the way you can look forward to some great views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Central Valley. 

From the informational kiosk near the Waterfall Loop Trailhead it's just a short distance to the beginning of the Alec Canyon Trail. Heading left at this junction, there are a series of steep switchbacks that quickly rise 400 feet in elevation. The trail breaks out of the tree canopy and levels off briefly where Manzanita Point is located. A viewing bench can be found if you wish to rest and appreciate this beautiful landscape. 

Continuing on, the trail descends back down and into the cover of the trees. At this point you can choose to take the 0.4-mile trail to Triple Falls. Water may or may not be flowing down these falls, as it is dependent on the seasonal water runoff of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is still a worthwhile trip, however, as it is a short, moderate hike with plenty of shade. 

Once you are back on Alec Canyon, it is a short distance to the end of the trail. If you're itching for more hiking, the Contour Falls Trail and the Waterfall Loop connect to this trail. 

 

 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

General Day Use Fee

Pros

Great views. Dog friendly. Water at the trailhead.

Cons

Low water flows.

Trailhead Elevation

1,100.00 ft (335.28 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

05/20/2018
May 20, Triple Falls is mostly dry. The main waterfall loop still has a good amount of water in it though.
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