The best road cycling routes in Uvas Canyon County Park
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Road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park offers routes through varied terrain in Santa Clara County. The region features rolling hills, reservoir views, and challenging climbs, characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills. Road cyclists can expect routes that traverse open spaces and provide access to scenic natural areas. The landscape is defined by its mix of forested sections and expansive vistas.
Best road cycling routes in Uvas Canyon County Park
- The most popular road cycling route is Rio Del Mar Beach – Seacliff State Beach loop from Summit Conservation Easement, a difficult 39.9 miles (64.3 km) trail that takes 3 hours 35 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation changes and coastal views.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Calero Reservoir – View of Chesbro Reservoir loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance, a moderate 41.8 miles (67.2 km) path. This route offers views of multiple reservoirs and passes through open country.
- Local road cyclists also love the Calero Reservoir – Old Santa Cruz Highway loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance, a 102.5 miles (165.0 km) trail leading through diverse landscapes including reservoir areas and sections of the Old Santa Cruz Highway, often completed in about 9 hours.
- Road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park is defined by challenging climbs, scenic reservoir views, and routes through open spaces. The network offers options for different ability levels, including advanced road biking in Uvas Canyon County Park.
- The routes in Uvas Canyon County Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.7 stars from a few reviews. More than 100 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Uvas Canyon County Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 16, 2026
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35.0km
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630m
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The Eureka Canyon – Top of Eureka Canyon loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain offers a classic Santa Cruz Mountains road cycling experience. You'll climb through serene redwood forests, enjoying the quiet as you ascend, with views eventually opening up to rolling hills and distant coastal glimpses. The route follows a sweet little creek in its lower sections, transitioning to oak woods higher up, providing a diverse and immersive natural journey.
This moderate 21.7-mile (35.0 km) ride involves a substantial 2054 feet (626 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 9 minutes. Be prepared for varied road surfaces on Eureka Canyon Road, which can be rough with potholes in places. While the route name mentions Santa Rosalia Mountain, the viewpoint itself is generally on unpaved fire roads, so stick to the main paved loop for road cycling.
This loop is a staple for local cyclists, known for its challenging yet rewarding profile. It's considered one of the most epic road bike climbs in the region, offering a long, mellow-to-moderate ascent followed by rolling sections and a highly regarded descent on well-maintained roads. The remote feel and diverse scenery make it a memorable ride for those seeking a true test of their climbing legs.
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The Calero Reservoir – Old Santa Cruz Highway loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance is a demanding road cycling route that takes you through a stunning variety of ecosystems. You'll pedal past the panoramic views of Rancho Cañada del Oro's oak-sprinkled hillsides, enjoy the tranquil waterside scenery of Calero Reservoir, and then face the significant climbs of Old Santa Cruz Highway, which winds through beautiful redwood forests. This 104.3-mile (167.9 km) journey with 7590 feet (2313 metres) of elevation gain is a true test of endurance.
To tackle this difficult route, plan for a full day in the saddle, as it typically takes around 9 hours and 8 minutes. The ride starts from the Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance. Spring, from March to May, is an excellent time to visit, as Calero County Park is known for its vibrant wildflowers during these months, offering a colorful backdrop to your ride.
This road cycling loop is notable for connecting three distinct natural areas, offering continuous visual interest from open grasslands to dense redwood forests. It's a fantastic option for experienced cyclists looking for a substantial challenge in the San Jose area, combining scenic beauty with some of the region's most demanding climbs. You'll traverse parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, linking these diverse landscapes.
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26
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117km
06:29
1,830m
1,830m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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39.7km
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530m
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
A scenic stop just off the winding roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Lexington Reservoir County Park is a great spot to catch your breath and enjoy the view. The smooth pavement along Alma Bridge Road makes it a popular stretch for cyclists, with rolling terrain and minimal traffic. There's parking, restrooms, and shaded areas if you need a break. From here, you can loop toward Los Gatos or push deeper into the climbs of Highway 17 and Old Santa Cruz Highway.
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Shannon Road starts with a gentle climb from Los Gatos Creek to Blossom Hill Park, then transitions into a steeper ascent as it leads into a rural area. The summit below Blossom Hill offers a rewarding challenge and connects to other routes in the area.
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Bamboo Giant Nursery is a peaceful nursery garden with 60 different varieties of non-native bamboo and other species of plants, with some bamboos 50 feet tall. The nursery offers picnic areas, benches and gazebos surrounded by a beautiful garden and small ponds.
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La Selva Beach is a small community north of Watsonville. It is mostly known as home to Manresa State Beach, but it also has a post office, corner store, fire department, library, and a few shops.
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Manresa State Beach is known for its sweeping views of bluff-backed sand and sea. Visitors can enjoy surfing, boogie boarding, flying kites, walking the beach, or sunbathing.
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Rancho San Vicente Open Space Trailhead is a nice place to take a break on a run and use the restroom or enjoy the views of nature. There are plenty of trails that you could extend your run onto in the area with most of them being well marked and pretty smooth.
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Uvas Creek was dammed in 1957 to create this reservoir, which is used to provide water for the residents and industry in the area. The reservoir and surrounding area form the Uvas Reservoir County Park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the general difficulty level for road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park is primarily characterized by challenging routes. Most of the available routes are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes and demanding climbs, typical of the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills. There is also a moderate option for those seeking a slightly less strenuous ride.
What are the typical distances for road cycling routes in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Routes in Uvas Canyon County Park vary significantly in length. You can find shorter, challenging rides like the Mount Umunhum Road – Mount Umunhum loop from Almaden Reservoir at approximately 22.7 km, up to very long, demanding tours such as the Calero Reservoir – Old Santa Cruz Highway loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance, which spans about 165 km.
Are there any loop routes for road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Yes, several road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Rio Del Mar Beach – Seacliff State Beach loop from Summit Conservation Easement offers a challenging 64.3 km loop with coastal views, and the Calero Reservoir – View of Chesbro Reservoir loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance is a moderate 67.2 km loop passing by multiple reservoirs.
What kind of views can I expect while road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Road cycling routes in Uvas Canyon County Park offer diverse and scenic views. Cyclists can expect expansive vistas of rolling hills, picturesque reservoir views (such as Calero, Chesbro, and Uvas Reservoirs), and sections that traverse open country as well as forested areas. Some routes even extend to offer coastal views.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the scenic reservoir views, and the opportunity to ride through varied terrain, including both open spaces and forested sections.
Are there any advanced road biking options in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Absolutely. Uvas Canyon County Park is well-suited for advanced road cyclists. Many routes feature significant elevation gains and long distances, providing a substantial challenge. The Calero Reservoir – Old Santa Cruz Highway loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance, for instance, is a difficult 165 km route with over 2,200 meters of elevation gain, ideal for experienced riders.
What is the best time of year to road bike in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Given the region's climate, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Uvas Canyon County Park, with milder temperatures. Summer can be warm, especially in open areas, while winter might bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain, though cycling is often possible year-round.
Are there any road cycling routes that pass by multiple reservoirs?
Yes, several routes offer views of multiple reservoirs. The Calero Reservoir – View of Chesbro Reservoir loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance is a popular moderate route that specifically highlights views of both Calero and Chesbro Reservoirs. Another option is the Calero Reservoir – Uvas Reservoir loop from Corralitos, which connects these two significant water bodies.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Uvas Canyon County Park?
The terrain in Uvas Canyon County Park is varied, offering a dynamic road cycling experience. You'll encounter rolling hills, challenging climbs characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills, and routes that traverse both open spaces and forested sections. The landscape provides a mix of exposed areas and shaded stretches.
How many road cycling routes are available in Uvas Canyon County Park?
Komoot currently features a selection of road cycling routes within Uvas Canyon County Park, including options that cater to moderate and difficult skill levels. These routes showcase the diverse landscapes and challenges of the region.
Are there any road cycling routes that offer coastal views?
Yes, some routes extend towards the coast, providing beautiful ocean vistas. The Rio Del Mar Beach – Seacliff State Beach loop from Summit Conservation Easement is a difficult 64.3 km route that specifically features coastal views as part of its journey.
Most popular routes in Uvas Canyon County Park
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