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2015 Map of Santa Cruz

Name: 2015 Topographic Map of Santa Cruz
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2015
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2015

About this map

University of California-Santa Cruz dominates the northern uplands of this coastal landscape, situated among complex gulches and wooded slopes above the city. The urban grid of Santa Cruz fans out toward Monterey Bay, showing the dense residential patterns of neighborhoods like Seabright and the elevated Allegro Heights. The interface between the developed city and the Pacific shoreline is marked by notable public and memorial spaces, including the Independent Order of Oddfellows Cemetery and the sprawling Evergreen Cemetery.

Natural drainage systems like the San Lorenzo River and Branciforte Cr cut through the eastern city, while the western coast remains more open, defined by the Wilder Ranch Coast Trail and protected waters like Younger Lagoon. Landmarks such as Lighthouse Field and the famous surf break at Steamer Lane illustrate the enduring relationship between the community and its coastal geography. The presence of the Bay Street Reservoir and Antonelli Pond highlights the local water management essential to this hillside and seaside environment.