While Santa Cruz is globally recognized for its surf culture, there’s another thrilling outdoor activity rapidly gaining popularity and international acclaim: mountain biking. This Californian city is emerging as a premier destination for mountain biking, boasting ideal year-round riding conditions and world-class trails conveniently located near urban centers and tourist accommodations. Whether you’re a complete novice eager to try mountain biking or a seasoned pro seeking challenging terrains, Santa Cruz offers a diverse range of trails to suit every skill level.
To guide you through the best mountain biking experiences Santa Cruz has to offer, we’ve consulted local experts. Emma Ussat from the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC), Roxy Lo, a frame designer at Ibis Bikes, and Alexis Morgan, Vice President of Girls Rock, share their insights on favorite trails, how to get started in mountain biking, and essential tips for responsible trail riding in the Santa Cruz area.
Top Beginner-Friendly Mountain Biking Trail: Emma McCrary Trail
Located within Pogonip Open Space, just a stone’s throw from downtown Santa Cruz and the University of California Santa Cruz, the Emma McCrary Trail is an excellent starting point for beginners. This trail meanders through a scenic blend of oak and bay forests, tracing alongside a gently flowing creek crossed by two sturdy wooden bridges. The path gradually ascends into a cool redwood forest, eventually connecting to more challenging trails like Rincon and U-con at higher elevations.
Alexis Morgan recommends Emma McCrary as “a fantastic beginner route for an out and back that’s very accessible. It’s a lot of fun and very user friendly.”
This flow trail is designed to be forgiving and enjoyable, minimizing the need for constant pedaling. Remarkably sustainable, it accommodates around 80,000 trips annually while maintaining its integrity. Constructed in 2012 by over 300 volunteers contributing more than 3,500 hours, the trail features berms, jumps, and rollers, all integrated with effective drainage to combat erosion.
Emma Ussat enthusiastically states, “Every time I ride Emma McCrary I like it even more. It’s just super awesome, super fun, and flows really well. I love how you can have fun going uphill and downhill because it’s not super steep.”
For absolute beginners or those preferring less challenging terrain, the initial 4.5 miles of the Aptos Creek Fire Road in Nisene Marks State Park offer a flat, easy doubletrack option. Alternatively, the Old Cove Landing Trail in Wilder Ranch State Park presents stunning coastal views alongside a gentle ride.
Best Mountain Biking Trail for Advanced Riders: Soquel Demonstration State Forest
While most Santa Cruz mountain biking trails are shared with hikers and equestrians, the Flow Trail in Soquel Demonstration State Forest is predominantly favored by mountain bikers. Rated as the #1 flow trail in the U.S. by Singletracks, a prominent mountain biking review site, this trail delivers a thrilling, rollercoaster-like experience.
Prepare for demanding climbs and technically challenging drops, though Emma Ussat reassures riders that these can be avoided if necessary. The trail is packed with berms, jumps, and rollers, making it a popular destination for experienced mountain bikers. This location showcases why Santa Cruz bikes are so often seen on challenging trails.
Mountain Biking Trail with the Most Breathtaking Views: Wilder Ridge Loop
The 4-mile Wilder Ridge Loop in Wilder Ranch State Park rewards riders with spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Ascending through coastal grasslands adorned with wildflowers, this trail provides a visually stunning mountain biking experience. For longer rides, it connects to trails like Baldwin Loop and the Enchanted Loop.
Most Diverse Mountain Biking Trail Experience: The Old Cabin Classic
The Old Cabin Classic, technically a race route held annually in May rather than a dedicated trail, starts on the coastal side of Wilder State Park near a historic dairy ranch. This 11-mile ride traverses diverse landscapes including chaparral, oak woodlands, open coastal prairie, and shaded redwood forests, offering a rich and varied riding experience.
Alexis Morgan highlights Wilder Ranch’s diversity: “Wilder incorporates challenging climbing, beautiful vistas, and really fun, challenging drops and turns that go through the Enchanted Loop (my favorite trail).”
The Enchanted Loop, while lacking expansive views, provides a serene and shaded ride through lush redwood clover beneath towering Sequoia trees. In 2016, MBOSC rerouted a section of the climb to improve ride quality and address erosion.
Emma Ussat describes the Enchanted Loop section: “It has a really fun technical descent that goes through towering bay trees and madrones down into the valley. Then you go through the fern gulley and you take this really mellow, beautiful climb back to the top.” Riding here truly exemplifies the versatility of Mountain Biking Santa Cruz Bikes are built for.
Other Santa Cruz Mountain Biking Trails to Explore
Beyond these highlighted trails, Santa Cruz offers numerous other mountain biking locations:
- Henry Cowell State Park: Offers fire roads suitable for biking.
- DeLaveaga Park: Features trails for various skill levels.
- University of California Santa Cruz: Provides fire roads for biking.
For a comprehensive list of legal trails, pump tracks, and bike parks in Santa Cruz County, visit the MBOSC website.
Guided Mountain Biking Tours in Santa Cruz
For those who prefer guided experiences, several options are available in Santa Cruz. Ride the Redwoods offers guided tours tailored to different preferences, from cross-country rides with ocean views to adrenaline-fueled technical descents. They also provide skills development instruction for individuals and groups.
The Ride Guides, with over 20 years of experience, specializes in customized mountain biking tours led by professional guides and coaches. They cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned riders, and are passionate about showcasing Santa Cruz’s natural environment.
For social riding opportunities, Girls Rock organizes monthly public rides, weather permitting. MBOSC also hosts Dig Days, which are excellent for meeting fellow mountain bikers and contributing to trail maintenance.
Mountain Bike Rentals in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a hub for mountain biking, home to renowned manufacturers like Santa Cruz Bicycles, Ibis, Juliana, and Specialized. For bike rentals, consider:
- Epicenter Cycling (Aptos)
- Another Bike Shop (Westside Santa Cruz)
- Spokesman Bicycles (Downtown Santa Cruz)
- Family Cycling Center (Pleasure Point)
Current eBikes offers electric mountain bikes for those seeking pedal-assist options. However, be aware that e-bike access is restricted on some trails, so verify regulations beforehand. Choosing the right bike, especially Santa Cruz bikes known for their quality, can significantly enhance your mountain biking experience.
Responsible Mountain Biking Practices in Santa Cruz
To ensure a positive and sustainable mountain biking culture in Santa Cruz, it’s crucial to ride responsibly:
Stay on Legal Trails: Not all online trails are legal. Adhere to designated trails to support the local mountain biking community and trail maintenance efforts. MBOSC actively works to expand legitimate trail access.
Check Trail Conditions: Trails may be temporarily closed due to weather, maintenance, or prescribed burns. Check MBOSC’s website or local bike shops for current trail status.
Avoid Riding in Wet Conditions: Riding muddy trails damages the trails, causes erosion, and is detrimental to your bike. Opt for alternative activities during wet weather.
Be Prepared: Mountain biking in forests requires self-sufficiency. Ride with a buddy, carry a map, and be aware that cell service can be unreliable on trails.
Be Respectful: Santa Cruz trails are multi-use. Be courteous to all trail users, including hikers and equestrians.
By following these guidelines, you can contribute to preserving Santa Cruz’s exceptional mountain biking environment for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are riding a Santa Cruz bike or any other brand, responsible riding is key to a positive experience.
