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Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
California
Santa Cruz County
Aptos

Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop from Seacliff State Beach

Routes
Mountain biking trails
United States
California
Santa Cruz County
Aptos

Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop from Seacliff State Beach

Moderate

4.9

(7866)

7,867

riders

Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop from Seacliff State Beach

01:52

19.4km

350m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.55 km

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

2

2.56 km

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

Highlight • Forest

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park provides a picturesque backdrop for (trail) running enthusiasts. The park offers a network of diverse trails, weaving through redwood groves and along the Aptos Creek.

Tip by

3

2.56 km

Tillman Grove

Highlight • Forest

A peaceful escape surrounded by nature, the towering redwood forest of Nisene Marks' Tillman Grove offers mountain bikers a scenic ride under its lush canopy. Coasting along soft dirt trails, …

Tip by

4

2.64 km

Bench by Aptos Creek

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Aptos Creek Road winds through The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. It is worth parking up your bike and spending some time here to explore the network of trails through Redwood forests and along Aptos Creek.

Tip by

5

6.60 km

Aptos Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Aptos Creek Trail is well marked and easy to follow. It follows the creek for several miles, with easy access to the watercourse.

Tip by

6

9.64 km

Top of the Incline

Highlight • Viewpoint

At just under 1,000 feet, the aptly named Top of the Incline viewpoint rewards riders with panoramic vistas. From here, the ascent becomes gradual, giving you a chance to pause and appreciate the sweeping coastal views.

Tip by

7

16.3 km

Terrace Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

One of several natural-surface multi-use trails in these woods, occasionally butting up against Aptos Creek as they wind through the (relatively) young redwoods.

Tip by

B

19.4 km

End point

Bus stop

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.0 km

4.39 km

494 m

491 m

Surfaces

18.4 km

799 m

185 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (280 m)

Lowest point (20 m)

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Weather

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Today

Thursday 25 June

19°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a rewarding mountain biking experience that blends coastal access with deep forest immersion, the Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop from Seacliff State Beach is a fantastic choice. This moderate 12.1-mile (19.4 km) route, with 1162 feet (354 metres) of elevation gain, offers a solid workout in about 1 hour and 51 minutes, making it perfect for riders seeking a diverse and engaging ride without being overly technical.

What to expect on Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop from Seacliff State Beach

The journey takes you from the coastal vibe of Seacliff State Beach into the serene embrace of The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park. You'll navigate varied terrain, from soft dirt paths and wide fire roads to some challenging single-track sections, all beneath towering redwood forests. Expect to encounter redwood roots and some erosion chutes, especially on fire roads that narrow to feel like singletrack. The climb to the 'Top of the Incline' viewpoint is primarily on a fire road, offering a steady ascent that rewards you with peaceful forest views, making this route ideal for intermediate riders comfortable with mixed surfaces.

Planning your visit

The trailhead for this mountain biking adventure is accessible from the Seacliff State Beach area, which typically offers ample parking. While specific permit information for this exact loop isn't detailed, be aware that The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park may have fees or specific rules for mountain biking, so it's wise to check ahead. This trail is enjoyable year-round, but conditions can vary, especially after rain when some sections might be muddy or have increased erosion.

Trail details

  • Distance: 12.1 miles (19.4 km)
  • Elevation gain: 1162 feet (354 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 51 minutes

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