The best cycling routes around Santa Cruz
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Touring cycling routes around Santa Cruz feature a diverse landscape, blending coastal scenery with redwood forests and mountain trails. The region offers varied terrain, from flat, paved coastal paths to rugged mountain routes and redwood-studded canyons. The Santa Cruz Mountains include bluffs overlooking the Pacific, coastal prairies, and oak- and madrone-covered hilltops. This combination provides a wide range of cycling experiences.
Best touring cycling routes around Santa Cruz
- The most popular touring cycling route is Greyhound Rock Beach loop, a difficult 39.8 miles (64.1 km) trail that takes about 3 hours 54 minutes to complete, offering expansive coastal views.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop, an easy 12.2 miles (19.7 km) path. This route follows a paved coastal path with ocean views and an urban riverwalk.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Bonny Doon Beach loop, a difficult 26.9 miles (43.3 km) trail leading through varied coastal and inland terrain, often completed in about 2 hours 57 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Santa Cruz is defined by coastal paths, towering redwood forests, and challenging mountain trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from leisurely rides to strenuous adventures.
- The routes in Santa Cruz are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 50 reviews. More than 1,900 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Santa Cruz's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
156
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64.1km
03:54
550m
550m
The Greyhound Rock Beach loop offers a spectacular touring cycling experience along the Santa Cruz coast, blending demanding climbs with breathtaking ocean vistas. You'll traverse dramatic cliffs, expansive sandy shorelines, and encounter massive offshore rock formations, including the iconic Greyhound Rock itself. The route provides a dynamic journey, moving from well-known paths like the West Cliff Cycleway to more secluded coastal stretches.
This is a difficult route, spanning 39.8 miles (64.1 km) with 1801 feet (549 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 53 minutes. It's best suited for cyclists with very good fitness levels, as some segments may be unpaved and challenging. The path directly to Greyhound Rock Beach can be steep and uneven, so plan accordingly if you intend to access the beach itself.
Notable for combining a rigorous cycling challenge with some of California's most stunning scenery, this loop integrates sections of the Pacific Coast Bike Route and the Coastal Rail Trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including potential whale sightings, as you pass through diverse landscapes from coastal bluffs to unique geological formations.
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The Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop offers an easy touring cycling experience that truly showcases the best of Santa Cruz. You'll start by cruising along the stunning West Cliff Drive, where the Pacific Ocean views are endless and you might spot surfers at Steamer Lane or even marine life. The route then transitions to the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, following the San Lorenzo River through downtown, providing a pleasant change of scenery with urban nature and tree-lined paths. It's a paved, mostly flat ride, perfect for a relaxed outing.
This 12.3-mile (19.7 km) loop, with only 184 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete, making it accessible for most riders. While the West Cliff Drive section can get crowded with pedestrians and other cyclists, the Riverwalk offers a smoother, less congested experience. You'll need to dismount your bike when passing through the busy Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk area, which connects the two main sections of the loop.
Beyond the scenic ride, the loop connects you to several key Santa Cruz landmarks. You'll pass the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, and reach Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its sandstone arch and tide pools. The San Lorenzo Trestle bike-ped bridge, part of the future Coastal Rail Trail, is also a notable feature, highlighting the area's commitment to cycling infrastructure.
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43.3km
02:58
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Cycle the difficult 26.9-mile Bonny Doon Beach loop in Santa Cruz, gaining 2329 feet through redwood forests and scenic roads.
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14.5km
01:11
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Cycle the moderate 9.0-mile Engelsman Loop Trail in Wilder Ranch State Park, enjoying coastal views and diverse terrain.
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49.5km
03:52
710m
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The Soquel-Aptos Creek Loop offers a challenging yet rewarding touring cycling experience through the lush redwood forests and along Aptos Creek in Santa Cruz County. You'll navigate wide dirt and gravel roads, transitioning from initial bumpy sections to smoother paths, all while tackling significant climbs that lead to stunning vistas like the View of the Santa Cruz Coast from Sand Point Overlook. This route is rated difficult, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a substantial workout.
Planning your ride on the Soquel-Aptos Creek Loop requires a bit of preparation. The trail is popular year-round, so you might encounter other users. Remember there's a day-use fee to enter The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which hosts a large portion of the route. Given the 2321 feet (707 metres) of elevation gain over 30.7 miles (49.5 km), ensure you're well-hydrated and fueled for the estimated 3 hours and 52 minutes of cycling.
Beyond the physical challenge, the Soquel-Aptos Creek Loop is rich in history and natural beauty. You'll cycle past historical plaques marking old logging sites, and the area is known for its vibrant wildflowers in spring. The route also provides access to the broader Soquel Demonstration State Forest trail system, offering even more advanced touring cycling routes for those looking to extend their adventure in this scenic part of California.
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Other adventures around Santa Cruz
Tips from the Community
Stunning Natural Bridge Beach is known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved by time, water, and wind. The beach is also known for being home to a colony of monarch butterflies, with over 150,000 coming to live here for the winter. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales!
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You can easily go down the beach through a sidewalk, There is a nice creek running through the beach
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The Santa Cruz Riverwalk runs along the San Lorenzo River levee from the Highway 1 Bridge to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, providing easy access to downtown Santa Cruz.
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Hikers, runners, and bikers often frequent this 340-foot bridge, which spans Hagemann Gulch and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's an ideal spot to pause and appreciate the scenery at a leisurely pace.
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Companion Bakeshop is an organic bakery specializing in brick oven sourdough breads and rustic pastries. They also have a community gathering space that hosts live bluegrass music, baking classes, and a mandolin workshop series.
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This trail provides a pleasant, steady incline that meanders through Wilder Ranch State Park. The area boasts stunning wildflowers, and you'll encounter a pleasant mix of shade and open fields along the way.
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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest surviving amusement park. This 24-acre park was founded in 1907 and offers old-fashioned carnival games and food booths.
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The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is dedicated to educating the public about marine science research and ocean conservation. It offers the world's largest displayed whale skeleton, 14 aquarium tanks, a shark pool, and a large auditorium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Santa Cruz?
There are over 85 touring cycling routes around Santa Cruz, offering a wide range of experiences from easy coastal rides to challenging mountain trails. The komoot community has explored these diverse paths over 1,900 times.
What makes Santa Cruz a unique destination for touring cyclists?
Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of stunning coastal scenery, majestic redwood forests, and challenging mountain trails. Cyclists can enjoy everything from flat, paved coastal paths with ocean views to rugged routes through ancient redwood groves and up bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Santa Cruz?
Yes, Santa Cruz has over 20 easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop, an easy 12.2-mile path that follows a paved coastal route with ocean views and an urban riverwalk, passing landmarks like the Santa Cruz Surf Museum and Natural Bridges State Beach.
Where can I find more challenging touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz?
For those seeking a challenge, Santa Cruz offers over 30 difficult touring cycling routes. The Greyhound Rock Beach loop is a difficult 39.8-mile trail with expansive coastal views, while the Bonny Doon Beach loop is a difficult 26.9-mile trail leading through varied coastal and inland terrain, both offering significant elevation changes.
What natural attractions can I see along touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz?
Many routes in Santa Cruz pass by beautiful natural attractions. You can cycle past Natural Bridges State Beach, known for its tide pools, or explore redwood forests like those near Cathedral Redwoods. Coastal routes also offer views of unique rock formations like Needle Rock and Old Cove Landing Trail at Wilder Ranch State Park.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz?
Yes, many touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Greyhound Rock Beach loop, the Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop, and the Engelsman Loop Trail, which offer diverse scenery from coastlines to redwood forests.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Santa Cruz?
The touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, from breathtaking ocean views along coastal paths to the serene beauty of redwood forests, and the variety of options for all skill levels.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz offers excellent cycling conditions year-round due to its mild climate. Spring and fall generally provide the most pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter can still be good, though some higher elevation trails might be affected by rain, while summer offers warm, sunny days perfect for coastal rides.
Are there any touring cycling routes that pass by lakes or beaches in Santa Cruz?
Absolutely. Santa Cruz's coastal location means many routes offer stunning beach views and access. You can cycle near Moran Lake Beach and Park, Twin Lakes State Beach, or even spot unique formations at Shark Fin Cove Beach. For freshwater, Antonelli Pond is also accessible.
Are there specific parks or areas known for their touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz?
Yes, several parks are renowned for their cycling opportunities. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park feature trails winding through ancient redwood groves. Wilder Ranch State Park offers extensive trails traversing coastal bluffs and grasslands. For a mix of urban and natural, the San Lorenzo Riverwalk and Arana Gulch Multi-Use Trail are popular.
Can I find routes that combine coastal views with redwood forest experiences?
Yes, Santa Cruz is unique in its ability to offer routes that transition seamlessly between coastal and forest environments. Many trails, particularly in areas like Wilder Ranch State Park, allow you to experience both breathtaking ocean vistas and the tranquil shade of redwood canyons within a single ride.
Are there any routes that are easily accessible from the heart of Santa Cruz?
Yes, several routes are easily accessible from the city center. The Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop starts right in the city, offering immediate access to coastal views and the urban riverwalk. Pogonip Open Space and DeLaveaga Park also offer multi-use trails within close proximity to downtown Santa Cruz.
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