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.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
30
riders
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.
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.

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5.0
(4)
77
riders
34.0km
02:07
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
36
riders
22.4km
01:25
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
14
riders
54.9km
04:26
640m
640m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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. Thereβs 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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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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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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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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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.
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.
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.
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 β Capitola Village loop from Capitola, which is just over 10 kilometers long and features minimal elevation gain on well-paved surfaces.
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.
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 β West Cliff Cycleway loop from Capitola offers a moderate 34-kilometer ride with coastal views, while the North Rodeo Gulch Road β Pringle Grove loop from Capitola provides a moderate 21-kilometer option through scenic groves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Many routes in Soquel provide stunning coastal views due to its proximity to Monterey Bay. The Pleasure Point Beach β 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 β Pot Belly Beach loop from Live Oak.
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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