The best traffic-free bike rides in Santa Cruz County

There are over 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz County featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult challenges, ensuring a diverse experience for cyclists looking to avoid vehicular traffic.

Santa Cruz County's no-traffic routes offer a stunning variety of landscapes. You can expect to cycle through serene redwood forests, along dramatic coastlines with ocean views, and across rolling hills and grasslands. Routes like the Harshaw Road Trailhead – Harshaw Creek Road (Gravel) loop from Patagonia often combine forested sections with more open terrain, providing a rich visual experience.

While many routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, Santa Cruz County generally offers family-friendly options on its extensive network of car-free paths. For example, the West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz is a relatively flat, paved path perfect for families, though not explicitly listed in this guide's specific routes. When choosing a route, consider the distance and elevation gain to match your family's comfort level.

The best time for touring cycling in Santa Cruz County is generally spring and fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be warm, especially inland, but coastal routes often benefit from ocean breezes. Winters are typically mild but can bring rain, so checking the forecast is always recommended. The diverse landscapes mean you can find comfortable riding conditions almost year-round, depending on your chosen route and elevation.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Alto loop from Patagonia and the El Plomo loop from El Plomo, which offer convenient circular journeys through varied terrain.

Along the no-traffic touring cycling routes, you can discover several interesting points. For instance, you might pass through the settlement of Patagonia or encounter historical sites like the Harshaw Townsite. The routes themselves often utilize scenic paths such as Harshaw Creek Road (Gravel) and Apache Road (Gravel), which are highlights in themselves for their natural beauty and car-free environment.

The no-traffic touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of cycling away from cars, the stunning natural beauty of the redwood forests and coastal views, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable and immersive experience.

While this guide features routes primarily rated moderate to difficult, Santa Cruz County offers many accessible car-free paths that are great for beginners. For example, the Coastal Rail Trail (sections of which are complete) and paths within state parks like Wilder Ranch offer gentler terrain. When using this guide, look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances if you're just starting out.

For a no-traffic touring cycling trip in Santa Cruz County, it's advisable to bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and layers of clothing as coastal weather can change quickly. A basic bike repair kit, a map or GPS device (like komoot's app), and a fully charged phone are also essential. If cycling through redwood forests, consider a light jacket even on warm days as temperatures can be cooler under the canopy.

Rules for e-bikes can vary by specific trail and park management. Generally, Class 1 (pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph) and Class 2 (throttle-assisted, up to 20 mph) e-bikes are often permitted on paved and unpaved trails where regular bicycles are allowed. However, Class 3 e-bikes (pedal-assist up to 28 mph) may have more restrictions. Always check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to ride, especially in state parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods or Wilder Ranch, to ensure compliance.

While many of the no-traffic routes venture into more natural and secluded areas, you can often find cafes and eateries in nearby towns or along more urban sections of the county's cycling network. For instance, routes that pass near Patagonia or other settlements will have amenities. It's always a good idea to plan your food and water stops in advance, especially on longer or more remote routes.