Natural Bridges State Beach – Wilder Ranch Bike Path loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)

Natural Bridges State Beach – Wilder Ranch Bike Path loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)

Moderate

3.1

(16)

riders

Natural Bridges State Beach – Wilder Ranch Bike Path loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)

03:14

52.1km

430m

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 16, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 19.5 km for 54 m

After 34.2 km for 54 m

After 45.0 km for 249 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

110 m

Santa Cruz Boardwalk

Highlight • Structure

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest surviving amusement park. This 24-acre park was founded in 1907 and offers old-fashioned carnival games and food booths.

Tip by

5.19 km

Natural Bridges State Beach viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Overview 20 minutes parking from the entrance of Tassajara

Tip by

5.25 km

Natural Bridges State Beach

Highlight • Beach

Superb Natural Bridge Beach, known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved out by time, water and winds.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8.59 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.

Tip by

9.76 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 …

Tip by

19.5 km

Bonny Doon Beach

Beach

25.7 km

Vista

Viewpoint

33.5 km

Shark Fin Cove Beach

Highlight • Beach

A few yards off Hwy 1, this overlook offers amazing views of the beach cove, featuring a natural arch and the eponymous rock standing in the waves.

Tip by

36.0 km

Panther Beach

Beach

45.3 km

Wilder Ranch Bike Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Wilder Ranch Bike Path is an entirely paved trail away from the nearby busy highway. The path helps connect Wilder Ranch State Park to Santa Cruz and is open to runners and walkers, too.

Tip by

51.8 km

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Highlight • Beach

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest surviving amusement park. This 24-acre park was founded in 1907 and offers old-fashioned carnival games and food booths.

Tip by

52.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types