Skeggs Point – El Corte de Madera Creek Trail loop from Skeggs Point
Skeggs Point – El Corte de Madera Creek Trail loop from Skeggs Point
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Skeggs Point – El Corte de Madera Creek Trail loop from Skeggs Point
01:24
11.9km
420m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: March 24, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
5 m
Skeggs Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
653 m
El Corte de Madera Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
6.12 km
Methuselah Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
11.2 km
Morena Sierra
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
11.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.5 km
251 m
117 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
11.5 km
368 m
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Elevation
Highest point (710 m)
Lowest point (420 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 16 June
24°C
14°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Skeggs Point – El Corte de Madera Creek Trail loop from Skeggs Point is one of the most popular routes for cycling in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a moderate 7.4 miles (11.9 km) of varied terrain with 1363 feet (415 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 24 minutes. If you're looking for a scenic cycling route that blends challenging sections with rewarding views and a true forest immersion, this loop is definitely worth your time.
What to expect on Skeggs Point – El Corte de Madera Creek Trail loop from Skeggs Point
This loop takes you deep into the El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve, where you'll navigate through dense redwood and mixed evergreen forests. The trail offers a journey through changing terrain, from an initial steep fire-road descent to narrow singletrack that gently climbs hillsides. You'll pass by awe-inspiring old-growth redwood trees and unique sandstone formations, with creekside paths adding to the serene atmosphere. While the route is rated moderate, be prepared for significant elevation changes and potentially technical conditions with rocks and roots; good fitness is definitely an asset here. The highlight for many is the panoramic vista from Skeggs Point itself, offering views of the South Bay, East Bay hills, and even Mount Diablo on clear days.
Planning your visit
The loop starts from Skeggs Point, which offers parking for cyclists. Given the preserve's popularity, especially for cycling, arriving earlier in the day is often a good idea. Be aware that the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District enforces a 15 mph speed limit on trails, particularly on weekends, and helmets are required. Due to dense tree cover and the extensive multi-use trail system, navigation can be confusing, so carrying a map or GPS is highly advisable. Seasonal trail closures can occur due to wet conditions, deterioration, landslides, or flooding, so check conditions before you go. The heavily shaded trails make this a great destination on hot summer days.
Trail details
- Distance: 7.4 miles (11.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 1363 feet (415 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 24 minutes
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