The best MTB trails in Calero County Park

Calero County Park offers a network of nearly 40 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult. This includes a mix of winding doubletrack and singletrack paths.

The park is open year-round, but early spring is particularly stunning for mountain biking, as wildflowers transform the hills into a vibrant display of California poppies, lupines, and buttercups. The weather is generally pleasant, making for enjoyable rides.

Yes, many trails in Calero County Park are suitable for beginners, especially those in the Rancho San Vicente addition. The Lisa Killough Trail is noted for its gradual gravel incline and gentle terrain, perfect for new riders to test their skills.

You'll find a diverse range of terrain, from grassy hills and sparse oak woodlands to riparian plant communities. Trails include both winding doubletrack and singletrack, with some flowy sections, balanced ups and downs, and more challenging climbs like those found on the Bald Peaks Trail.

The trails offer scenic views of the Calero Reservoir, which is a central feature of the park. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the southern Santa Clara Valley from various points, such as Lisa's Lookout. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including burrowing owls, coyotes, and nesting bald eagles.

Yes, while many trails are beginner-friendly, there are options for more experienced riders. Trails like the Bald Peaks Trail and sections with 'roller coaster' climbs and steeper sections, such as 'The Wall,' provide more demanding challenges. For a longer, difficult ride, consider the Lisa Killough Trail – Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance.

Yes, Calero County Park is dog-friendly, and dogs are permitted on many of its trails. Please ensure your dog is on a leash and you follow all park regulations.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Calero County Park are loops. A popular moderate option is the Bald Peaks and Longwall Canyon Loop, which covers 8 miles (12.9 km) with varied terrain. For an easier, shorter loop, try the Longwall Canyon Trail loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 150 reviews. Reviewers often praise the park's diverse trail network, scenic views of the Calero Reservoir, and the mix of terrain that caters to different skill levels, from gentle inclines to more challenging climbs.

Yes, Calero County Park's extensive trail network connects to other preserves, such as the Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. This allows for longer, more expansive rides, like the challenging Lisa Killough Trail – Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop from Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Entrance.

Yes, several points within the park offer excellent vistas. Lisa's Lookout, for instance, provides expansive views of the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains, the southern Santa Clara Valley, and the Calero Reservoir. Many trails, particularly those in the southeastern end of the park, offer scenic backdrops of the reservoir.

The park is a diverse habitat with elevations ranging from 400 to 1500 feet, supporting a variety of animals. You might spot burrowing owls, coyotes, ground squirrels, ducks, geese, cormorants, mule-ear deer, bobcats, and even nesting bald eagles. Red-tailed hawks are also frequently observed circling overhead.