Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Swift Halt

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Swift Halt

Moderate

5.0

(2335)

17,142

riders

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve – Needle Rock loop from Swift Halt

01:39

23.5km

160m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 14, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wilder Ranch State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.35 km

Wilder Ranch Bike Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Great paved dedicated bike trail several yards away from busy Highway 1, from Santa Cruz to Wilder Ranch State Park.

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2.85 km

Wilder Ranch State Park Entrance

Highlight • Rest Area

A narrow single track turns coastside off the main biketrail away from the highway the becomes wider along a now disused former dirtroad to the ranch houses.

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4.33 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Nature Reserve

4.48 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Highlight • Beach

Wide and wild beach preserve closed to the public. Park info at parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549
Good gravel and dirt trails lead out to and along the cliffs. Several coves to the west …

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7.82 km

Needle Rock

Highlight • Natural Monument

This cool rock spire eroded out of the coastal bluffs by the Pacific Ocean waves is best visible along the Ohlone Bluffs Trail in Wilder Ranch State Park. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549
The …

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9.47 km

Ohlone Bluff Trail 🌊 Wilder Ranch SP

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Sweet hard-packed dirt trail meandering atop coastal cliffs with terrific beach and Pacific Ocean views. Some of the State Park land is still leased to farmers, so depending on the …

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12.4 km

Four Mile Beach

Highlight • Beach

Beautiful path on the cliff… paradise!

Translated by Google •

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17.8 km

Railroad gravel road and Old Cove Landing Trail

Highlight • Trail

An alternative to the busy Hwy 1 is to stay along the abandoned railway line. It is fairly decent smooth at the beginning, but then gets a bit courser gravel …

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18.5 km

Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve

Highlight • Historical Site

Well-preserved operating historic dairy farm with ranger-led demonstrations in Wilder Ranch State Park on the pacific coast south of Santa Cruz. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=549

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23.5 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types