Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Shark Fin Cove Beach loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)
Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Shark Fin Cove Beach loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)
4.8
(8719)
12,629
riders
Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Shark Fin Cove Beach loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)
05:10
115km
1,000m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Swanton Pacific Ranch (Limited Access)
Greyhound Rock Fishing Access
Cloverdale Coastal Ranches
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
110 m
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
4.42 km
Natural Bridges State Beach Trail, Creek, Butterfly Preserve
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
18.2 km
Shark Fin Cove Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
19.7 km
Davenport Pier Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
29.4 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
56.7 km
Downtown Pescadero
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
63.2 km
Cloverdale Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
66.5 km
Gazos Creek Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
109 km
Wilder Ranch Bike Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
115 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
61.4 km
24.6 km
20.5 km
8.30 km
230 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
102 km
11.6 km
1.67 km
119 m
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Elevation
Highest point (150 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 26 June
22°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 28.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly rewarding challenge on two wheels, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Shark Fin Cove Beach loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz) is a premier road cycling route that delivers. This difficult 71.4-mile (115.0 km) loop packs in 3285 feet (1001 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 9 minutes. It's best suited for riders with very good fitness who crave both demanding climbs and spectacular coastal scenery.
What to expect on Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Shark Fin Cove Beach loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)
This route is a journey through the diverse landscapes of the Santa Cruz area, starting with the lively atmosphere of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk before transitioning to the rugged beauty of the Highway 1 coastline. You'll experience continuous ocean views along much of the coastal stretch, leading to the dramatic Shark Fin Cove, known for its distinctive rock formation and sea caves. Be prepared for a significant physical test, especially on Cloverdale Road, which features sustained climbs with average grades of 7-8% and short, steep bursts reaching up to 15%. While the route is predominantly on well-paved surfaces, including dedicated cycleways, a few short unpaved segments might require you to push your bike. The effort is amply rewarded with panoramic ocean vistas and the chance to ride through areas with coastal bluffs and even redwood stands.
Planning your visit
The loop conveniently starts from Beach Station in Santa Cruz, making it accessible for those using public transport or looking for parking near Santa Cruz Boardwalk for bikes. Given the challenging nature and duration of this ride, it's wise to start early, especially if you plan to enjoy the scenic viewpoints on the Shark Fin Cove bike loop. While the route is generally suitable for road bikes, be aware of the few unpaved sections. This is a fantastic option for advanced cycling options Santa Cruz to Shark Fin Cove, offering a quintessential California coastal experience.
Trail details
- Distance: 71.4 miles (115.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 3285 feet (1001 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 9 minutes
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