The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Land of Medicine Buddha–3 mile trail loop, 4 sights
9.1 mi · ▲ 1,599 ft · 3 hr 50 min
Land of Medicine Buddha–3 mile trail loop, 4 sights is a 9.1-mile out-and-back in The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park near Soquel, CA. The route reaches Land of Medicine Buddha. It climbs 1,599 ft, with sections as steep as 23% grade. It scores 75/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: genuinely wild.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Land of Medicine Buddha–3 mile trail loop, 4 sights
9.1 mi · ▲ 1,599 ft · 3 hr 50 min
Elevation 195–1,020 ft
Out & Back · The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
Trailhead: connector · 37.01121, -121.93427
Weather Aug 4: sunrise 6:16 AM · sunset 8:13 PM
Toilets at the trailhead · Parking lot at the trailhead
- Start at the trailhead, heading W.
- 50 ftPass Land of Medicine Buddha.
- 4.2 miBear right onto 3 mile trail loop, heading SW.
- 0.3 miBear right onto Eight Verse Trail Loop, heading S.
- 50 ftReach Land of Medicine Buddha, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 50 ftBear left onto 3 mile trail loop, heading S.
- 0.3 miBear left onto 6 mile trail loop, heading NE.
- 4.2 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.4 mi in (~84 min). Leave by 6:29 PM for the 8:13 PM sunset. Back at your car by 9:28 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Toilets at the trailhead
- Parking lot at the trailhead
Other ways to reach this destination
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