The best MTB trails around Morgan Hill
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Mountain biking around Morgan Hill offers diverse terrain within the Santa Clara Valley, flanked by the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east. The landscape features rolling hills, extensive oak woodlands, and open grasslands, providing varied conditions for mountain bike trails. El Toro Peak, a prominent hill, overlooks the town, contributing to the area's topography. This region provides a mix of elevation changes and scenic routes suitable for mountain biking.
Best mountain bike trails around Morgan Hill
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Coyote Lake, a 13.7 miles (22.1 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 9 minutes to complete. This route winds around the reservoir with varied terrain.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Flat Frog to Middle Ridge Loop, a moderate 10.4 miles (16.7 km) path. This trail traverses oak woodlands and offers views of the surrounding hills.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Arrowhead Loop Trail, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail leading through open grasslands, often completed in about 41 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Morgan Hill is defined by rolling hills, oak woodlands, and grasslands, with routes available for various ability levels. The region's diverse topography, including the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range, provides options from easy paths to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Morgan Hill are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 300 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Morgan Hill's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4.5
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22
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22.1km
02:09
410m
410m
This moderate 13.7-mile mountain biking loop at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch offers diverse terrain, scenic views, and 1350 feet of elevati
4.0
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20
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12.9km
01:29
440m
430m
The Bald Peaks and Longwall Canyon Loop offers a dynamic mountain biking experience through Rancho CaΓ±ada del Oro Open Space Preserve, blending shaded oak forests with open grasslands and panoramic views from Bald Peaks Viewpoint. This moderate 8.0-mile (12.9 km) route, with its 1428 feet (435 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic choice for riders seeking diverse terrain and a good workout, typically taking about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete. You'll encounter everything from smooth fire roads to challenging singletrack, including a notable steep climb, making it best suited for experienced mountain bikers.
Planning your ride, you'll find the trail accessible without general entrance fees or permits, though checking the park's official website for current conditions is always a good idea. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers comfortable temperatures for tackling the significant climbs. For the most enjoyable descent flow, many riders opt to complete the loop in a counter-clockwise direction.
What sets this route apart is its diverse character and the strategic riding direction that enhances the experience. The Longwall Canyon Trail is particularly praised for its
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3.0
(1)
10
riders
16.7km
02:00
620m
620m
Challenge yourself on the Flat Frog to Middle Ridge Loop, a 10.4-mile mountain biking trail with 2024 feet of elevation gain in Henry W. Coe
9
riders
6.38km
00:41
170m
170m
The Arrowhead Loop Trail offers a delightful mountain biking experience through the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, characterized by smooth single-track winding past rare serpentine rock outcroppings and through open grasslands. You'll ride beneath oak and California bay trees, enjoying scenic views from spots like the Coyote Valley Overlook, which provides panoramic vistas of Mount Hamilton and Mount Umunhum. This easy 4.0-mile (6.4 km) loop, with 553 feet (169 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick, engaging ride.
Planning your visit is straightforward, but be aware of the trail's unique rotating one-way system for bikes; always check the signage at the trailhead to know whether to ride clockwise or counterclockwise. The route is popular and family-friendly, making it a great option for mountain biking near Morgan Hill, CA. It's accessible year-round, but arriving early can help secure parking, especially on busy days.
Beyond the ride itself, the preserve is a haven for wildlife, with opportunities for birdwatching to spot red-tailed hawks and golden eagles, alongside deer and turkeys. During spring, the meadows burst with vibrant wildflower displays, adding another layer of beauty to your ride. This trail is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the Coyote Valley, offering a rewarding outing for riders of all skill levels.
4.9
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The Lisa Killough Trail β Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop offers a rewarding mountain biking experience through the varied landscapes of Rancho CaΓ±ada del Oro Open Space Preserve and Calero County Park. You'll navigate flowing singletrack through exposed grasslands and occasional oak groves, with the terrain shifting between unpaved paths and gravel sections. The highlight is undoubtedly "Lisa's Lookout," providing sweeping panoramic views of the Diablo Range and Santa Cruz Mountains, especially vibrant during seasonal wildflower displays in March and April.
Planning your ride means preparing for a difficult 22.7-mile (36.5 km) journey with 3169 feet (966 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring around 3 hours and 54 minutes. The Lisa Killough Trail itself has mild grades, but the full loop demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills. Remember that the Lisa Killough Trail in Calero County Park is one-way southbound for bikes, and it's advisable to carry bike tools due to potential isolation and poor cell reception.
This trail is a significant segment of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail, connecting two major open space preserves. It's considered a hidden treasure for local riders, offering diverse loop options by combining it with other trails. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the preserve permits hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, with specific yielding rules for trail users.
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Tips from the Community
Bald Peak provides great views of Santa Clara Valley, the Diablo Range, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Hikers and mountain bikers can access the peak via trails like Hidden Springs and Coyote Peak, which offer moderate to steep climbs. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for enjoying cooler temperatures in hot summer months. The trails are well-maintained and scenic.
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Arrowhead is really the only trail in Coyote Valley but it's rideable in both directions. There are enough switchbacks, and viewpoints to keep things interesting over multiple visits.
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This length of singletrack is absolutely stunning. Running through a mixture of small trees and open scrubland, and on a good quality surface, it can't get much better than this.
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In amongst the trees there is a picnic bench, perfect for taking a break off of the bike. With plenty of shade and good views, it's a good spot for a picnic.
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The views from the Bald Peak Trail are fantastic, with arid scrubland mixed in with lush trees and vegetation. The elevated position of this trail gives it a really special feeling.
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From the high knoll you get a 360 degree view of all the South Bay. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring.
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The small extra distance traveled down this spur from Arrowhead Loop Trail is well worth it for a beautiful view to the north, east, and southeast. Ideal for a snack break!
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Rancho del Oro is an open space area preserved by the Santa Clara Open Space Authority, with 5428 acres of natural areas, rolling hills, and wildlife habitat. The Rancho offers recreation areas with picnic tables and multi-use paths that allow hiking, biking, and horse-riding. Dogs are not allowed inside the Rancho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mountain bike trails can I find in Morgan Hill?
Morgan Hill offers a diverse range of mountain bike trails, from easy, relatively flat paths to challenging routes with significant elevation gains. The landscape includes rolling hills, oak woodlands, and open grasslands, providing varied conditions. You'll find a mix of singletrack and doubletrack options across the region's parks.
Are there easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Morgan Hill has several easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Arrowhead Loop Trail is a 4.0-mile route through open grasslands, often completed in about 41 minutes, making it a great option for a less strenuous ride. There are 5 easy tours available in the area.
Where can I find challenging mountain bike trails in Morgan Hill?
For more experienced riders seeking a challenge, Morgan Hill offers several difficult routes. One notable option is the extensive Bald Peaks Viewpoint β Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop from Baird Ranch Reserve, which covers over 46 miles with significant elevation changes. Overall, there are 5 difficult mountain bike tours in the region.
Are there any mountain bike trails that are loop routes?
Yes, many mountain bike trails in Morgan Hill are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore the area. Popular loop options include the Flat Frog to Middle Ridge Loop, a moderate 10.4-mile path traversing oak woodlands, and the Arrowhead Loop Trail.
What are some scenic viewpoints accessible by mountain bike in Morgan Hill?
Morgan Hill's diverse topography, including the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range, provides many opportunities for scenic viewpoints. You can find stunning vistas at the Coyote Valley Overlook and the Coyote Lake Overlook. The Bald Peaks also offer panoramic views after a challenging climb.
Can I bring my dog on the mountain bike trails in Morgan Hill?
Dog policies vary by park and specific trail within the Morgan Hill area. While many county parks allow dogs on leash, it's always best to check the specific regulations for the park or preserve you plan to visit, such as Henry W. Coe State Park or Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, before heading out.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Morgan Hill?
Morgan Hill's climate is conducive to year-round outdoor activities. However, the spring and fall months generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for mountain biking. Winter can also be a good time, especially after rains, which can make the trails less dusty and bring out lush greenery, though some trails might be muddy. Summers can be hot, so early morning rides are recommended.
Are there any waterfalls or natural monuments to see near the mountain bike trails?
Yes, the region boasts beautiful natural features. Uvas Canyon County Park, for instance, is known for its waterfall loop trail, especially impressive after winter rains, featuring Granuja Falls. You can also find reservoirs like Uvas Reservoir and Calero Reservoir, which add to the scenic beauty of the area.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Morgan Hill?
The mountain biking routes in Morgan Hill are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 50 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the diverse terrain, scenic views of the Santa Clara Valley, and the variety of trails suitable for different skill levels.
How many mountain bike trails are available around Morgan Hill?
There are over 15 mountain bike trails available around Morgan Hill, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels to suit various preferences and skill sets.
Are there any specific parks known for mountain biking in Morgan Hill?
Morgan Hill is surrounded by excellent parks for mountain biking. Key areas include Henry W. Coe State Park, which offers over 250 miles of trails, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park with its diverse terrain, and Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. These parks provide a variety of singletrack and doubletrack options.
Where can I find more information about outdoor activities in Morgan Hill?
For more general information about outdoor activities, sports, and parks in the Morgan Hill area, you can visit the official tourism website: visitmorganhill.org/sports or visitmorganhill.org/parks.
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