The best MTB trails around Santa Clara
4.1
(52)
608
riders
74
rides
Mountain biking around Santa Clara offers a diverse landscape, characterized by a mix of flat bay trails, scenic lakeside paths, and gentle hills. The region features routes along reservoirs and sloughs, providing varied terrain for cyclists. Elevation gains are generally modest, making many areas accessible for different skill levels.
Best mountain bike trails around Santa Clara
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Vasona Reservoir β Camden Ponds loop from Bascom, a 14.3 miles (23.0 km) trail that takesβ¦
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.0
(2)
30
riders
26.2km
02:17
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
40.2km
02:36
430m
430m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.0
(1)
14
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
15
riders
19.8km
01:03
70m
70m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
34.0km
02:13
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Los Gatos Creek Trail offers a safe paved trail for walkers, joggers, cyclists, skaters, and nature lovers. Spanning multiple jurisdictions, it runs from San Jose through Campbell and Los Gatos, managed by agencies from these areas. The Campbell section has some nice shady spots, a gazebo, and an exercise circuit near Campbell Park; the whole trail spans about 10 miles.
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Stevens Creek Reservoir spans 87 acres and is surrounded by a 1,063-acre park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and limited fishing. Seasonal boating for low-power boats is available from mid-April to mid-October. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, with vehicle entry fees collected year-round at the Chestnut parking lot. Visitors can explore natural beauty and historic remnants like the Villa Maria orchard.
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Fremont Older Open Space Preserve, also known as Fremont Older Preserve, is a 739-acre preserve. The preserve has various trails that venture through the hills and offer far-reaching vistas of the surrounding towns.
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Too many cleavages, and easy to have accidents
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Vasona Reservoir, located on Los Gatos Creek, is surrounded by the 152-acre Vasona Lake County Park. Built in 1935 as one of six original reservoirs approved by voters in 1934. Vasona Reservoir holds 495 acre-feet of water and spans 57 acres. The park offers picnicking, catch-and-release fishing, and human-powered boating. Swimming is not permitted. It's a great spot for photography and sunrises.
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This nature preserve is home to a number of waterfowl and shorebirds. Keep an eye out for cormorants, pintails, snowy and great egrets, black-necked stilts, and more.
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Forbes Mill Museum, housed in a two-story building of the original 1854 flour mill, offers a glimpse into Los Gatos' history. Built by James Alexander Forbes as California's first commercial flour mill, over the years, it served various roles, including a power plant and a PG&E substation. Saved from demolition in 1982, the building now features historical exhibits as part of New Museum Los Gatos.
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The Tonyon and Bayview Trails converge at this point to offer a great view across the bay.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Santa Clara?
There are over 65 mountain bike trails around Santa Clara, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails in Santa Clara?
The region features a diverse landscape, including flat bay trails, scenic lakeside paths, and gentle hills. You'll find routes along reservoirs and sloughs, providing varied terrain with generally modest elevation gains.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Santa Clara?
Yes, Santa Clara offers many beginner-friendly mountain bike trails. Approximately 22 routes are rated as easy, such as the San Francisco Bay Trail β San Francisco Bay Trail loop from Crossman, which is 18.5 miles long with minimal elevation gain.
Where can I find more challenging mountain bike trails in Santa Clara?
For those seeking a moderate challenge, there are 33 routes available. Consider the Saint Josephs Hill summit β Camden Ponds loop from Bascom, which covers 21.1 miles and includes over 1,100 feet of elevation gain, offering a more strenuous ride.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in Santa Clara?
Many of the easier routes are suitable for families. Trails with flat terrain and scenic views, like the San Tomas Aquino Creek β Baylands Gravel Trail loop from Santa Clara-Great America, are great options for a family outing.
What are some scenic mountain bike trails with good viewpoints in Santa Clara?
Trails along the San Francisco Bay and around local reservoirs offer beautiful views. The Vasona Reservoir β Camden Ponds loop from Bascom provides scenic vistas of the reservoirs and surrounding natural areas.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Santa Clara?
The mountain bike trails in Santa Clara are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, from bay trails to gentle hills, and the accessibility for different skill levels.
Are there mountain bike trails that form a loop in Santa Clara?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Santa Clara are designed as loops. Examples include the Shoreline Lake β Charleston Slough loop from Orchard, which is a 31.6-mile moderate route, and the Vasona Reservoir β Camden Ponds loop from Bascom.
What can I see along the mountain bike trails in Santa Clara?
Along the trails, you can explore natural features like San Tomas Aquino Creek and various lakes such as Stevens Creek Reservoir and Vasona Lake County Park. You might also encounter facilities like Alum Rock Park.
What is the best season for mountain biking in Santa Clara?
While mountain biking is possible year-round, spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions with mild temperatures. Summers can be warm, and winters may bring rain, so checking the weather forecast is always recommended.
Are there less crowded mountain bike trails near Santa Clara?
To find less crowded trails, consider exploring routes slightly off the main paths or riding during off-peak hours, such as weekdays. Many of the 65+ routes offer a chance to find a quieter experience away from the most popular spots.
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