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Routes
Cycling routes
United States
California
Santa Cruz County

Soquel

The best cycling routes around Soquel

4.6

(101)

2,670

riders

162

rides

Touring cycling around Soquel, California, offers diverse routes through redwood-filled mountains and along the Monterey Bay coastline. The region features a varied landscape, including dense forests, rolling hills, and scenic coastal paths. Cyclists can find well-paved roads and some unpaved segments, with routes ranging from easy rides to challenging ascents with significant elevation gains. This area provides a mix of natural beauty and varied terrain suitable for different cycling preferences.

Best touring cycling routes around Soquel

  • The most popular touring…

Last updated: May 5, 2026

30

riders

#1.

Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon Loop

50.5km

04:32

1,070m

1,070m

Challenge yourself on the 31.4-mile Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon Loop, a difficult touring cycling route through redwoods and orchards.

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Hard

2.0

(1)

6

riders

14.6km

00:52

120m

120m

Cycle the easy 9.1-mile Capitola Village loop, enjoying colorful Venetian cottages, ocean views, and charming shops along the coast.

Easy
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Popular around Soquel

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Tips from the Community

Traveler
May 26, 2025, Dead surfers memorials overlooking Steamer Lane

While there are more formal memorials to the sport of surfing a little ways south at the Lighthouse and north at the official Surfer Memorial Sculpture, this spot is more personal. Here along West Cliff Drive is the famous surfing spot known as Steamer Lane. For all its fame and pleasure, surf conditions, accidents and bad luck exact a fatal toll. An informal memorial up on the cliff remembers surfers who have died.-It's next to a staircase leading down to the beach. The wooden plaques are all custom, hand-routed tributes by friends or family. The carved messages, lacking biographical details (because they are well-known locals?) are sometimes adorned with flower arrangements and small keepsakes along the fence. While these memorials of surfer deaths are also sad, there is a somewhat relaxed atmosphere at this spot. The surfers were doing what they loved, and knew the risks.

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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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A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. There’s bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.

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Alex
February 19, 2024, Jade Street Park

Jade Street Park is a community park that offers children's play area, tennis courts, and sports fields for soccer and baseball.

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Capitola Village is a quaint town in Santa Cruz County. The downtown area offers 90 shops, restaurants, and lodging right on the beach. It's also the oldest beach resort on the West Coast.

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Alex
February 19, 2024, Pleasure Point Beach

For cyclists exploring Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point Beach on 38th Avenue beckons with its beauty and recreational opportunities. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the beach offers a picturesque setting. It is accessible via a brief walk from the road.

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Pleasure Point Beach is a popular surf spot and is part of Pleasure Point Park. The park also features restrooms, picnic tables, and offers great views.

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AaronLavanchy
February 19, 2024, Schwan Lake

Schwan Lake is part of Twin Lakes State Park and was originally known as Schwan Lagoon when it connected to the ocean. Harbor construction restricted the flow of water from the ocean, transforming it into a freshwater lake.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available in Soquel?

Soquel offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 150 different options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy coastal rides to challenging mountain ascents.

What is the overall difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Soquel?

The routes in Soquel are quite diverse. You'll find approximately 40 easy routes, around 70 moderate routes, and about 44 difficult routes. This variety ensures options for cyclists of all experience levels.

What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Soquel?

The touring cycling routes in Soquel are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 1,800 touring cyclists have explored the area, often praising the diverse terrain and scenic beauty.

Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Soquel?

Yes, Soquel has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. An example is the Pleasure Point Beach – Capitola Village loop from Capitola, which is just over 10 kilometers long and features minimal elevation gain on well-paved surfaces.

Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced cyclists in Soquel?

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon Loop offer significant elevation gains, climbing over 1,000 meters across its 50-kilometer distance. This route takes you through forested areas with demanding ascents.

Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Soquel?

Many touring cycling routes in Soquel are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Pleasure Point Beach – West Cliff Cycleway loop from Capitola offers a moderate 34-kilometer ride with coastal views, while the North Rodeo Gulch Road – Pringle Grove loop from Capitola provides a moderate 21-kilometer option through scenic groves.

What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling in Soquel?

Soquel's touring cycling routes offer a diverse range of landscapes. You can expect to ride through majestic redwood forests, along the stunning Monterey Bay coastline with ocean views, and across rolling hills. Areas like Isbel Grove and Pringle Grove provide lush green scenery, while routes near the coast offer refreshing sea breezes.

Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the touring cycling routes?

Yes, Soquel's routes often pass by or near several interesting landmarks and natural attractions. You might encounter towering redwood trees like the Fremont Tree or the Cathedral Redwoods. Coastal routes can lead you to beautiful spots like Pleasure Point Beach or Natural Bridges State Beach, offering scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Soquel?

Soquel offers several family-friendly options, particularly on its easier, well-paved routes. The coastal paths and routes with minimal elevation are generally suitable for families. Always check the route details for distance and terrain to ensure it matches your family's comfort level.

What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Soquel?

Soquel generally enjoys a mild climate, making touring cycling enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures and less crowded trails. Summer can be warm, especially inland, but coastal routes benefit from ocean breezes. Winters are typically mild but can bring rain, so checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.

Are there touring cycling routes that offer coastal views?

Many routes in Soquel provide stunning coastal views due to its proximity to Monterey Bay. The Pleasure Point Beach – West Cliff Cycleway loop from Capitola is a prime example, offering continuous ocean vistas. You can also find coastal scenery on the New Brighton State Beach – Pot Belly Beach loop from Live Oak.

Are there touring cycling routes through redwood forests in Soquel?

Yes, Soquel is a gateway to majestic redwood forests. While specific touring cycling routes might not go deep into the most rugged parts of the forests, many routes pass through or near areas like the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park or the Soquel Demonstration State Forest, offering glimpses of these towering trees and a cooler, shaded riding experience.

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