Where is Scotts Valley, California

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Scotts Valley is a small city in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Central California and part of the Santa Cruz metropolitan area. Located about 6 miles north of Santa Cruz, the city sits among redwood forests and rolling hills. It is known for its scenic mountain setting, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and its location along the route between Santa Cruz and Silicon Valley.

Location Map of Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, California

Where is Scotts Valley Located in Santa Cruz County, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz County, in the U.S. state of California.

Scotts Valley Map, California

About Scotts Valley Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz County, California. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Scotts Valley Located?

Scotts Valley is a city located in Santa Cruz County, California, the United States. It lies in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Santa Cruz and the communities of the San Lorenzo Valley. The city is about 6 miles north of Santa Cruz, 30 miles south of San Jose, and roughly 35 miles from Silicon Valley. Scotts Valley is located at 37.0511° North latitude and 122.0147° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 12,224 residents. The city covers about 4.7 square miles (12.2 square kilometers), with most of its area consisting of land. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of the best-known attractions nearby, with towering redwoods, hiking trails, and mountain scenery. A unique feature of Scotts Valley is its position in a wooded mountain valley that provides a natural transition between the Santa Cruz coast and the inland Bay Area.

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Scotts Valley City Facts

FactDetails
CityScotts Valley
StateCalifornia
CountySanta Cruz County
CountryUnited States
RegionSanta Cruz Mountains, Central California
IncorporatedJanuary 2, 1966
Founded1850s
Total Area4.7 sq mi (12.2 sq km)
Land Area4.7 sq mi (12.2 sq km)
Water Area0.0 sq mi (0.0 sq km)
ElevationAbout 479 ft (146 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 12,000
Population (2020 Census)12,224
Population DensityAbout 2,600 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (PST/PDT)
ZIP Codes95066
Area Code831
Major HighwaysCalifornia State Route 17, Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley Drive
Public TransitSanta Cruz Metropolitan Transit District bus service
Major AttractionsHenry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Glenwood Open Space Preserve, Roaring Camp Railroads
Official Websitehttps://www.scottsvalley.gov/

Distance from Scotts Valley, CA to Nearby Cities

  • Santa Cruz, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • Capitola, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
  • Scotts Valley, CA – 0 miles (0 km)
  • Felton, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
  • Ben Lomond, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
  • Boulder Creek, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Watsonville, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Los Gatos, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • San Jose, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Gilroy, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Monterey, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Salinas, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Mountain View, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Sunnyvale, CA – 32 miles (51 km)
  • Santa Clara, CA – 32 miles (51 km)
  • Fremont, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 70 miles (113 km)

Top Attractions in Scotts Valley, California

  • Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park – A nearby state park known for its old-growth redwoods, hiking trails, picnic areas, and the scenic San Lorenzo River.
  • Roaring Camp Railroads – A historic railroad attraction in nearby Felton offering train rides through redwood forests and mountain scenery.
  • Glenwood Open Space Preserve – A protected natural area with grasslands, oak woodland, wildlife habitat, and hiking trails.
  • Mount Hermon – A nearby wooded community offering outdoor recreation, trails, and access to the Santa Cruz Mountains.
  • Big Basin Redwoods State Park – A historic redwood park west of Scotts Valley with extensive forest landscapes and hiking opportunities.
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk – A famous seaside amusement park and beachfront attraction located about 7 miles from Scotts Valley.
  • Natural Bridges State Beach – A coastal park near Santa Cruz known for its natural rock arch, tide pools, beach, and monarch butterfly habitat.
  • Wilder Ranch State Park – A coastal state park north of Santa Cruz featuring hiking trails, open grasslands, cliffs, and historic ranch buildings.
  • Santa Cruz Mountains – A broad mountain region surrounding Scotts Valley with redwood forests, vineyards, hiking trails, and scenic roads.

Airports Near Scotts Valley, California

  • San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) – 35 miles
  • Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 45 miles
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 65 miles
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 70 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Scotts Valley city website and local government records.

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