The best cycling routes around Santa Cruz

Touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz offer a diverse blend of landscapes. You can experience stunning coastal paths with ocean views, such as those along West Cliff Drive, and venture inland into majestic redwood forests like those found in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. The region also features varied rural terrain and expansive parklands like Wilder Ranch State Park, providing a mix of elevations from sea level to forested hills.

While many routes offer varied terrain, the region provides options suitable for different skill levels. For a more leisurely experience, coastal paths like West Cliff Drive are relatively flat and paved, offering scenic ocean views. For a moderate challenge, consider the EN2 Kilometer 670 Milestone loop from Azinhal, which is 19.0 miles (30.5 km) long and takes about 2 hours to complete.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Santa Cruz offers several difficult routes. The Rocha dos Soidos – Germano Bikes loop from Montes Santiago is a difficult 20.4 miles (32.9 km) path with significant elevation changes. Another challenging option is the Rural Gravel Road – Dirt Road Between Fields loop from Almodôvar, which spans 27.4 miles (44.1 km) through rural landscapes.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the EN2 Kilometer 670 Milestone loop from Azinhal, the Rocha dos Soidos – Germano Bikes loop from Montes Santiago, and the Rural Gravel Road – Dirt Road Between Fields loop from Almodôvar. These routes offer diverse scenery without the need for a return trip.

Santa Cruz is generally pleasant for cycling year-round. The coastal areas offer mild temperatures, while inland redwood forests provide cooler, shaded environments, especially welcome during warmer months. Winter cycling is also possible, though some trails might be wetter. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Depending on the route, you might encounter various wildlife. Coastal routes offer opportunities for marine life viewing, including migrating whales and monarch butterflies in winter at Natural Bridges State Beach. Inland routes through redwood forests like Henry Cowell or Nisene Marks State Parks are home to diverse forest animals and birds.

Yes, Santa Cruz offers several interesting landmarks and attractions. Along coastal routes, you can see the Santa Cruz Surf Museum and Natural Bridges State Beach. Inland, you might encounter ancient redwoods in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Some routes also pass by points of interest such as the Alto do Malhão, the Santo Amaro Hermitage Viewpoint, or the Main Church of Ameixial.

For a less crowded experience, consider exploring the extensive trail network within The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, which offers 30 miles of trails. Wilder Ranch State Park also provides over 30 miles of diverse trails across coastal bluffs, meadows, and woodlands, offering a mix of paved and unpaved options away from the busiest spots.

For families, relatively flat and paved paths are ideal. West Cliff Drive is a popular choice for leisurely rides with children, offering safe, scenic ocean views. The San Lorenzo Riverwalk also provides a paved path through downtown, blending urban and natural scenery suitable for a family outing.

Parking availability varies by location. Many state parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Wilder Ranch State Park, and The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offer designated parking areas, often with a day-use fee. For coastal routes, street parking or paid lots may be available near popular access points like West Cliff Drive. Always check specific park or route information for detailed parking instructions.

Yes, especially on coastal routes and those closer to urban areas. West Cliff Drive, for example, is near the Santa Cruz Wharf and downtown, offering numerous cafes and eateries. Routes through towns or near popular attractions often have amenities nearby. For more remote trails, it's advisable to carry your own refreshments.

Komoot features a selection of touring cycling routes in the Santa Cruz area, with a total of 5 routes currently highlighted in this guide. These routes range in difficulty from moderate to difficult, offering diverse experiences for cyclists.

The touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz vary in length and duration. For instance, the Alto do Malhão – Buddhist Stupa of Caldeirão loop from Malhão is 15.1 miles (24.4 km) and takes about 1 hour 47 minutes. Longer routes, like the EN2 Kilometer 670 Milestone loop from Almodôvar, cover 24.9 miles (40.1 km) and can take over 2 hours 40 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.