The best traffic-free bike rides in Santa Cruz County
4.3
(80)
4,524
riders
28
rides
No traffic road cycling routes in Santa Cruz County offer a diverse landscape for cyclists, transitioning from the Pacific coastline to rolling hills and redwood forests. The region is characterized by varied terrain, including coastal paths, forested valleys, and agricultural lands. These physical features provide a range of experiences for road cyclists seeking routes without vehicle traffic.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in Santa Cruz County
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is West Cliff Cycleway –…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
27
riders
27.6km
01:36
650m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
45.9km
02:27
910m
910m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
35
riders
19.5km
00:59
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
19
riders
35.8km
01:56
660m
660m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
16
riders
12.8km
00:33
50m
50m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Santa Cruz County
Traffic-free bike rides in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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Other adventures in Santa Cruz County
Tips from the Community
Nice little lookout point well off the beaten parh.
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Granite Creek Road is a quiet local road between Scotts Valley and Soquel, with light traffic and a steady, manageable climb. The pavement is generally good, and it’s a practical way to connect to longer rides through the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s mostly shaded, which makes the ascent more comfortable.
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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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Redwood trees are some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. Towering up to 350 feet, these majestic trees can live for over 2,000 years. Found primarily along the coast of Northern California, redwoods thrive in the cool, foggy climate. Their thick, reddish bark provides protection from fire and insects, making them incredibly resilient. Walking among these giants is a humbling experience, with their sheer size and age creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park has reopened for limited day use following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Visitors can explore trails like Redwood Loop and Meteor Trail, where resilient redwoods stand alongside new growth. Parking is $6 per vehicle with a $2 reservation fee or $10 without reservations. Rancho del Oso, the park’s coastal area, requires no reservations or fees. Dogs, horses, and mountain bikes are welcome in designated areas, while drones are prohibited. Road biking is allowed on all roads.
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An excellent spot to take a break and enjoy the full breath of Lexington Reservoir. There is a Plaque dedicated to deputy Douglas B. Miller, who was fatally wounded while performing his duties.
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George Washington Memorial Grove, adorned with majestic spruce trees, invites cyclists to immerse themselves in its natural splendor. Offering a selection of scenic trails, it provides a refreshing biking experience amidst lush surroundings.
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George Washington Memorial Grove, adorned with majestic spruce trees, invites cyclists to immerse themselves in its natural splendor. Offering a selection of scenic trails, it provides a refreshing biking experience amidst lush surroundings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available in Santa Cruz County?
There are 13 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in Santa Cruz County featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult options to suit various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on no-traffic road cycling routes in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County offers incredibly diverse terrain for no-traffic road cycling. You can enjoy flat, scenic coastal rides along the Pacific, challenging climbs through forested valleys in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and routes winding through agricultural lands and natural preserves. Expect everything from ocean views to towering redwood forests.
Are there any easy, family-friendly no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, Santa Cruz County has several easy no-traffic road cycling routes suitable for families. Coastal paths like the West Cliff Cycleway – Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Santa Cruz or the Seacliff State Beach Shipwreck – Capitola Village loop from Capitola offer relatively flat terrain and beautiful scenery, perfect for a relaxed ride.
What are some challenging no-traffic road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes that venture into the Santa Cruz Mountains offer significant elevation gains. The Big Basin Redwood State Park loop from Big Basin Way & Hilton Drive is a difficult route that takes you through impressive redwood forests with substantial climbing.
What natural attractions can I see along these no-traffic road cycling routes?
Many routes offer stunning natural attractions. Along coastal rides, you might pass iconic features like Natural Bridges State Beach or enjoy views of Monterey Bay. Inland, routes can take you through magnificent redwood forests, such as those near Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. You can also find beautiful lakes and beaches like Moran Lake Beach and Park or Shark Fin Cove Beach.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic overlooks on the no-traffic road cycling routes?
Absolutely. Given the diverse landscapes, many routes offer incredible viewpoints. Coastal paths provide expansive ocean vistas, while rides through the Santa Cruz Mountains can lead to elevated spots like Turtle Rock Viewpoint or Ocean View Summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and coastline.
What is the best time of year to go no-traffic road cycling in Santa Cruz County?
Santa Cruz County's moderate climate allows for year-round cycling. While temperatures can vary between coastal areas and the mountains, you can generally find pleasant riding conditions throughout the year. Spring and fall often offer ideal weather with fewer crowds, but even winter can be enjoyable, especially on sunny days.
Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Santa Cruz County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the West Cliff Cycleway – Natural Bridges State Beach loop and the Branciforte Drive – Santa Cruz Riverwalk loop, providing convenient options for your ride.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Santa Cruz County?
The no-traffic road cycling routes in Santa Cruz County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 90 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning variety of scenery, from the peaceful redwood forests to the dramatic coastal views, and the opportunity to ride on dedicated paths away from vehicle traffic.
Are there any routes that pass by significant landmarks or points of interest?
Yes, several routes offer glimpses of local landmarks. The West Cliff Drive area, for instance, provides views of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the iconic Surfer Statue. Inland routes might take you near historic areas or natural preserves, offering a blend of scenic beauty and local character.
What are the typical distances for no-traffic road cycling routes in the area?
The no-traffic road cycling routes in Santa Cruz County vary in length to accommodate different preferences. You can find shorter, easy rides around 10-15 km, such as the West Cliff Cycleway – Surfer Statue loop, as well as longer, more challenging routes extending over 40 km, like the Big Basin Redwood State Park loop.
Most popular routes in Santa Cruz County
Most popular attractions in Santa Cruz County
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