Hotels in Felton for Santa Cruz Trail Run
Sorted by distance to the start line — each room priced against Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Trip.com and Hotels.com
What is Santa Cruz Trail Run?
Giant redwoods dominate the landscape in our Santa Cruz Trail Run. Aside from coiling single-track that opens up to expansive roads and paths–and even sand–participants will enjoy the ocean breezes pouring in from the Santa Cruz coast. This race delivers everything from river crossings to high ridges with aid stations every 5-6 miles for refueling before tackling the next beautiful, albeit strenuous, section. This is a perfect race for family and friends to attend. They can cheer, enjoy Henry Cowell park, and consume post-race food fit for a trail running king or queen!
Time Limit: There is a 6 hour time limit for the race. All runners must be off the course by 2:30 PM.
Capacity: The Santa Cruz Trail Run has a capacity of 330 runners, across all distances.
Parking: Parking at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is $10.00. There is limited parking along Highway 9 outside of the park. To save some money, we recommend you carpool from Felton (minutes away from the park) or Santa Cruz.
Description from runsignup.com.
Which hotels are closest to the start line?
The closest bookable hotel to Felton for Santa Cruz Trail Run is Fern River Resort, about a 19-minute walk (1.43 km) from the start line. Live nightly prices for 22 August 2026 are on the booking page, compared side-by-side with Booking.com and Expedia.
Fern River Resort
California Cottage < 4 Mi to Redwood Hiking Trails
Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley
Fairview Manor Bed and Breakfast
Jayes Timberlane Resort
Econo Lodge Ben Lomond
Quality Inn & Suites, Santa Cruz Mountains
Which nights should you book for Santa Cruz Trail Run?
Book the night before the race — Friday, 21 August 2026 — as race morning begins before dawn and you’ll need to be near the start line in Felton. Also book the night after — Saturday, 22 August 2026 — to rest and recover; travelling home immediately after a marathon is physically demanding and not advisable. If you’re arriving from farther away or want extra buffer time, consider arriving Thursday night, but that is optional and not required by the event schedule.
How do you get to Felton?
All listed hotels are within 5 km of Felton, but only Fern River Resort is under 2 km from the venue — and therefore closest to the start line. Road closures on race morning (22 August) will affect car access, so rely on walking, bike, or ride-share drop-off if staying nearby. Public transport options are not specified; services thin out late — check the last departure before you go. None of the hotels are described as having shuttle service to the start.
Where do you eat and drink after the race?
Felton has small cafés, casual restaurants, and local breweries within easy reach of the venue. Most close by 10 pm, so plan accordingly if finishing later in the day. No specific post-race food or drink venues are listed, but the town centre is walkable from all nearby accommodations.
What is the area around Felton like?
Felton is a quiet, forested community in the Santa Cruz Mountains, surrounded by redwood groves and hiking trails. It has a small-town feel with limited nightlife, focused on outdoor recreation and local charm. The area is hilly and rural — expect narrow roads and limited street lighting. There are no major shopping centres or chain restaurants nearby, but basic amenities like gas stations and convenience stores are present.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the start line from the hotels?
Fern River Resort is 1.43 km from the venue — the closest option. All other listed hotels are between 3.55 km and 4.78 km away. Distances are measured to the venue in Felton, which is where the race starts.
Can I get breakfast before an early start?
Fern River Resort, California Cottage, and Fairview Manor Bed and Breakfast are lodging properties — some may offer breakfast, but none are confirmed to serve it early. Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley and Quality Inn & Suites are hotel brands more likely to have breakfast service, but timing is not specified. A room with a kettle is not confirmed for any property.
Is late checkout possible after the race?
Late checkout is not mentioned for any of the listed hotels. You should contact the hotel directly to request it — especially important after completing a marathon, as showering and resting before travel is essential.
Will road closures affect getting to my hotel on race morning?
Road closures on race morning will affect car access in Felton, particularly near the start line. If you’re staying at Fern River Resort (1.43 km away), walking or biking is feasible. For hotels farther out, plan for delays or use ride-share — driving yourself may be impractical or prohibited in parts of the area.
Event details are sourced from the venue's public calendar and may change — always confirm with the official ticket seller. Hotel availability and prices are live on the search page.