Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain
Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain
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Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain
01:36
17.8km
370m
Mountain biking
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 5.18 km for 1.73 km
After 10.9 km for 1.73 km
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.51 km
Top of Eureka Canyon Road
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
5.16 km
Cusacks Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
7.01 km
Aptos Creek Fire Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
8.89 km
Santa Rosalia Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
9.94 km
Santa Rosalia Mountain
Highlight • MTB Park
14.6 km
Top of Eureka Canyon
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
17.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
10.3 km
7.44 km
Surfaces
7.44 km
6.36 km
3.07 km
898 m
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Elevation
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 22 August
29°C
16°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're ready for a truly demanding mountain biking experience that lives up to its 'difficult' rating, the Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain is calling. This 11.0 miles (17.8 km) route packs in 1216 feet (371 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 1 hour and 35 minutes, making it an excellent choice for advanced riders seeking a significant physical challenge and technical skill test.
What to expect on Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain
This loop offers a dynamic ride, blending the tight, technical singletrack of Cusacks Trail with the long, sustained climbs and descents of Aptos Creek Fire Road. You'll navigate challenging features like a rock garden and an erosion chute on Cusacks, which demands advanced riding skills and good fitness. The journey is almost entirely under the dense canopy of a redwood forest, providing welcome shade and a cool, moist atmosphere, even on warmer days. As you climb the Aptos Creek Fire Road, keep an eye out for a giant old-growth redwood near the top, and further along, the Sand Point Overlook offers rewarding views of Aptos and the Pacific Ocean.
Planning your visit
The Aptos Creek Fire Road is the main legal dirt trail for bikes within Nisene Marks State Park, making it a popular route for mountain bikers. While specific parking details aren't provided, access to the park is generally straightforward. Given the extensive redwood cover, this trail is particularly appealing on hot days when other routes might be too exposed. Be prepared for significant elevation changes, including sections where grades can exceed 10% and even reach 28% after Sand Point, so ensure your bike is in top condition and you carry plenty of water.
Trail details
- Distance: 11.0 miles (17.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 1216 feet (371 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 35 minutes
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