Entry No. 38 — the Santa Cruz file — filed under: ruins

Pogonip Historic Lime Kiln

Dating back to the late 19th century, these massive stone kilns were built by industrialist Henry Cowell's workers to process limestone into lime for San Francisco's early buildings. Today, the towering, moss-covered masonry structures stand abandoned in a dense redwood forest, slowly being reclaimed by nature. Visitors can admire the impressive ruins and read an educational placard from the safety of the public trail.

The move: Hike the scenic Lime Kiln Trail to photograph the moss-draped stone ruins, then continue up the path to explore the nearby whimsical rock labyrinth and peaceful koi pond.

📍 Before you go Located along the Lime Kiln Trail in the publicly accessible Pogonip Open Space, the ruins are fenced off with a wooden barrier to protect their structural integrity, but they are fully visible from the trail.

• 📍 Santa Cruz
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Lime Kiln Trail, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: sfgate.com · weirdca.com · cityofsantacruz.com

last checked: 2026-07-20