Santa Cruz County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and cycling is one of the best ways to experience its stunning landscapes. From scenic coastal routes to more challenging mountain trails, there’s a bike path for every skill level and interest. This list features family-friendly and easily accessible urban bike paths that provide scenic views as well as great opportunities for exercise. Here’s a guide to the best bike paths in Santa Cruz County for those looking to explore the area on two wheels.
1. West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive is arguably the most iconic bike path in Santa Cruz. This relatively flat, 3-mile stretch runs along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the coastline. The path is wide and smooth, making it ideal for casual cyclists, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely ride. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous Santa Cruz Surf Museum, Steamer Lane (a world-renowned surf spot), and Natural Bridges State Beach. While a portion is currently closed for construction, there are easily accessible detours that add even more diversity to the scenic views this bike path provides. There are plenty of benches and scenic stops along the way, perfect for a break to soak in the views.
Highlights: Coastal views, surf watching, picnic spots
Skill Level: Easy
Distance: 3 miles one way
2. East Cliff Drive
For another scenic coastal ride, East Cliff Drive is a beautiful option that stretches approximately 1 mile along the cliffs of Santa Cruz. This path offers uninterrupted ocean views, with easy access to popular local beaches like Pleasure Point and the Hook, known for fantastic surf breaks. The route is flat and paved, ideal for cyclists of all levels including children. This leisurely bike path provides numerous spots to stop, watch the surfers, or enjoy a beach picnic. East Cliff Drive is a wonderful choice for those looking to experience the coastal charm and laid-back vibe of Santa Cruz from the comfort of their bike. You can also extend your ride back around Moran Lake or further east along the Opal Cliffs and down to Capitola Village.
Highlights: Ocean views, surf watching, beach access
Skill Level: Easy
Distance: 1 mile one way
3. Arana Gulch Multi-Use Trail
The Arana Gulch trail offers a more nature-focused biking experience, combining a peaceful urban green space with scenic vistas of both the Monterey Bay and native grasslands. This path connects the upper Eastside of Santa Cruz with the harbor area and is popular for both walkers and cyclists. The route is mostly flat, with some gentle inclines, and winds through a lush meadow and past grazing cows. For those wanting to continue their ride, it’s easy to link up with the nearby Harbor bike paths or take Brommer paths towards Downtown.
Highlights: Harbor access, native grasslands, birdwatching
Skill Level: Easy to moderate
Distance: 1.5 miles one way
4. Highway 1 Bike Path and Wilder Ranch State Park
The Highway 1 Bike Path offers a seamless ride from the Westside of Santa Cruz to Wilder Ranch State Park. This paved path runs alongside the highway, making it an easy, accessible route for cyclists of all skill levels. Once at Wilder Ranch, you can transition from the paved path to a variety of unpaved trails that showcase the area’s incredible coastal cliffs, wildflower meadows, and scenic mountain routes. More advanced riders can explore Wilder’s Enchanted Loop or Ohlone Bluff Trail, which offer more challenging terrain and rewarding views. This route is perfect for those wanting a versatile experience, with options to enjoy both smooth biking and rugged trail exploration.
Highlights: Paved coastal path, cliffside views, diverse trail options
Skill Level: Easy (paved path) to advanced (unpaved trails)
Distance: Varies (paved path + several unpaved trails from 2-7 miles)
5. The San Lorenzo Riverwalk
For a more urban experience, the San Lorenzo Riverwalk offers a scenic path that runs along the San Lorenzo River and through downtown Santa Cruz. This flat, paved trail is perfect for cyclists of all ages and abilities and offers a pleasant mix of urban and natural scenery. Starting at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the path extends northward along the river, with easy access to downtown shops, restaurants, and parks. It’s an excellent route for those looking to combine a bike ride with a day of exploration in the heart of Santa Cruz.
Highlights: River views, downtown access, family-friendly
Skill Level: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles one way
6. Forest of Nisene Marks State Park
If you’re looking for a ride through towering redwoods, the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offers incredible trails for mountain biking. The Aptos Creek Fire Road is a popular route that winds through the park’s serene, shaded forests. The trails here are more rugged, making them ideal for intermediate to advanced riders. You’ll pedal through dense groves of redwoods, cross bubbling creeks, and climb challenging hills, all while being surrounded by nature. The park is a local favorite for those who want to escape into the forest while getting their biking workout in.
Highlights: Redwood forests, creek crossings, challenging terrain
Skill Level: Moderate to advanced
Distance: Varies (up to 10 miles one way)
7. UCSC Great Meadow Bike Path
The UCSC Great Meadow Bike Path is a rewarding ride for those looking to experience both a workout and stunning views of Santa Cruz. This 2-mile path begins at the base of the UCSC campus and winds uphill, offering panoramic views of the city, Monterey Bay, and the surrounding landscapes. Though it’s a challenging uphill ride, the climb is worth it for the sweeping vistas along the way, especially on clear days. The path is well-paved and popular among both students and local cyclists, and it’s a great option for those who want a mix of nature and cityscape views in a relatively short ride.
Highlights: Bay views, challenging climb, scenic overlooks
Skill Level: Moderate to advanced
Distance: 2 miles one way
8. Henry Cowell Pipeline Road Trail
The Pipeline Road Trail is a scenic yet challenging route between Santa Cruz and Felton, featuring some strenuous hills that take riders through a lush, forested landscape. This trail leads cyclists through towering redwoods and oak forests, eventually reaching the entrance of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. While the full trail includes steep, strenuous climbs ideal for intermediate to advanced riders, beginners can enjoy the initial flat section within Henry Cowell, where the path runs along the San Lorenzo River and offers gentle, shaded terrain. This diverse trail provides cyclists with a rewarding experience, from peaceful riverside stretches to invigorating hill climbs.
Highlights: Redwood forests, river views, flat and hilly sections
Skill Level: Easy to moderate (beginning section); moderate to advanced (full trail)
Distance: 6.2 miles one way
9. The Coastal Rail Trail (Under Development)
The Coastal Rail Trail is an exciting long-term project in Santa Cruz County, set to become one of the premier bike paths in the region. The Coastal Rail Trail is part of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail Network Master Plan, an ambitious project to create a 32-mile multi-use path along the historic rail corridor from Watsonville to Davenport. Once completed, this 32-mile multi-use trail will run along the historic rail corridor, connecting Watsonville to Davenport and offering unparalleled coastal views. While parts of the trail are still under construction, the completed Westside segment, which is a 1.2 miles long, is already popular with cyclists and pedestrians. Keep an eye on this project as it continues to grow—once fully open, it will be a must-ride for anyone visiting or living in Santa Cruz County.
Highlights: Expansive coastal views, new infrastructure
Skill Level: Easy to moderate
Distance: 32 miles total (currently in segments)
Tips for Cycling in Santa Cruz County
- Be prepared for varying weather: The coastal fog can roll in unexpectedly, so dress in layers.
- Respect the local wildlife: Many of these trails go through natural habitats, so be mindful of animals and stay on designated paths.
- Stay hydrated: Whether you’re cruising the coast or tackling mountain trails, bring plenty of water.
- Bike rentals: Don’t have a bike? No problem! There are plenty of rental shops in Santa Cruz, including Family Cycling Center and Epicenter Cycling.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking for a fun day out, Santa Cruz County’s diverse range of bike paths offers something for everyone. From the coastal stretches of West Cliff Drive to the serene redwood groves of Nisene Marks, there’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of this region than on a bike. Grab your helmet, hit the trails, and start exploring!