The best running trails in Rockview Drive County Park
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2,821
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Jogging in Rockview Drive County Park offers a diverse landscape for runners, characterized by coastal paths, lakefront trails, and beachside routes. The region features gentle elevations, with most running routes remaining below 100 meters of ascent. This area provides a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, suitable for various running preferences.
Best jogging routes in Rockview Drive County Park
- The most popular jogging route is Schwan Lake β Twin Lakes State Beach loop from Live Oak, an 8.8 milesβ¦
Last updated: October 19, 2026
79
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
13.1km
01:22
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
37
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
runners
5.32km
00:33
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Trestle Bridge provides access to many of Santa Cruz's most popular attractions. Including, but not limited to Santa Cruz beach, the boardwalk, and downtown Santa Cruz.
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A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. Thereβs bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.
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For cyclists exploring Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point Beach on 38th Avenue beckons with its beauty and recreational opportunities. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the beach offers a picturesque setting. It is accessible via a brief walk from the road.
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Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile of sandy shoreline for swimming and picnicking, situated near the Santa Cruz Harbor. Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak preserves and coastal grasslands, ideal for dog-walking and bird watching. The day-use area operates from sunrise to sunset.
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The Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail crosses the river on the San Lorenzo River Railroad Bridge. You are right next to the actual tracks and get a pretty cool view up and down the waterway.
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Pleasure Point Beach is a popular surf spot and is part of Pleasure Point Park. The park also features restrooms, picnic tables, and offers great views.
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Moran Lake Beach is part of the 9.2-acre Moran Lake Park. The beach stretches about a mile long and is a popular surf spot. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers.
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Schwan Lake is part of Twin Lakes State Park and was originally known as Schwan Lagoon when it connected to the ocean. Harbor construction restricted the flow of water from the ocean, transforming it into a freshwater lake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Rockview Drive County Park?
Rockview Drive County Park offers a wide selection of running routes, with over 130 trails to explore. These range from easy jogs to more challenging runs, catering to various fitness levels.
Are there any easy jogging routes suitable for beginners or families in Rockview Drive County Park?
Yes, the park features 19 easy running routes perfect for beginners or families. These trails typically have gentle elevations and a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces. While specific family-friendly routes aren't detailed, the easier options are generally suitable.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the jogging trails in Rockview Drive County Park?
Runners in Rockview Drive County Park will find a diverse landscape, primarily characterized by coastal paths, lakefront trails, and beachside routes. The terrain generally features gentle elevations, with most routes staying below 100 meters of ascent, and offers a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces.
Are there any circular running routes in Rockview Drive County Park?
Many of the popular running routes in the park are circular, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. For example, the Schwan Lake β Twin Lakes State Beach loop from Live Oak is an 8.8-mile loop, and the Cliff Vista β Schwan Lake loop from Live Oak is a moderate 6.4-mile circular path.
What are some interesting places to see or landmarks along the running routes?
The running routes in Rockview Drive County Park offer scenic views and pass by several notable points. You can enjoy views of Schwan Lake, Twin Lakes State Beach, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Other routes take you past Esplanade Park, Pleasure Point Beach, and viewpoints like The Hook and Soquel Point, providing beautiful coastal scenery.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Rockview Drive County Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 26 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse coastal, lakefront, and beachside scenery, as well as the variety of routes suitable for different ability levels. Over 1900 runners have used komoot to explore the park's varied terrain.
Are there any challenging running routes for experienced runners?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, Rockview Drive County Park offers 20 difficult running routes. An example is the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk β Schwan Lake loop from Capitola, a 9.9-mile trail with nearly 100 meters of elevation gain, providing a more strenuous workout.
What is the best time of year for running in Rockview Drive County Park?
Given its coastal location, Rockview Drive County Park generally offers pleasant running conditions year-round. Spring and fall often provide mild temperatures, while summer can be popular for beachside runs. Winter running is also feasible, though checking local weather conditions is always advisable.
Are there any routes that offer views of the ocean or coastline?
Absolutely. Many routes in Rockview Drive County Park feature stunning ocean and coastline views. Trails like the Esplanade Park and Viewing Point β Pleasure Point Beach loop from Live Oak and the Viewpoint of The Hook β Soquel Point loop from Opal Cliffs are excellent choices for experiencing the beautiful coastal scenery.
What are the typical distances and durations for running routes in the park?
Running routes in Rockview Drive County Park vary significantly. You can find shorter runs, such as the 4.2-mile (6.8 km) Esplanade Park and Viewing Point β Pleasure Point Beach loop from Live Oak, which takes about 42 minutes. Longer options include the 8.8-mile (14.2 km) Schwan Lake β Twin Lakes State Beach loop from Live Oak, typically completed in about 1 hour 32 minutes.
Most popular routes in Rockview Drive County Park
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