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Santa Cruz Cycling Routes
Road and mountain biking guide for coastal cruises, climbs, and single track
Santa Cruz County offers cycling from flat coastal paths to steep road climbs and world-class mountain biking. Whether you want a casual ride along West Cliff, a training climb up UCSC, or technical single track at Demo, this guide covers distance, difficulty, terrain, and what each route demands.
West Cliff Drive
~3 milesEasyPaved coastal path
Flat coastal cruise, popular warm-up, ocean views, surf breaks
Highway 1 to Davenport
24 miles round tripModerateCoastal road
Rolling hills, coastal views, Davenport cliffs, wind exposure
Empire Grade Road
15+ milesChallengingHill climb through redwoods
Sustained climb, redwood canopy, connects to Boulder Creek and beyond
Wilder Ranch Mountain Bike Trails
Varies, multiple loopsBeginner to advancedPurpose-built single track
Coastal bluffs, grassland, forest. Trail network for every level.
UCSC Campus Climb (Hagar Drive)
~2 miles uphillChallengingSteep road climb
Training favorite, sustained gradient, redwood forest, campus views
Soquel Demonstration State Forest (Demo)
Varies, 5-15+ milesAdvancedLegendary mountain biking
Technical single track, climbs, descents. Requires skill and fitness.
San Lorenzo Valley Loop
30+ milesModerateRoad ride through Felton, Ben Lomond
Through redwoods, riverside roads, rolling to steep sections
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail (toward Watsonville)
10+ milesEasyFlat paved path
Coastal recreation trail, no traffic, ideal for beginners and long easy spins
Cycling-Specific Training at Mavericks
Climbing, sprinting, and long rides demand leg power, core stability, and flexibility. Mavericks trainers design programs for road cyclists and mountain bikers. Build the strength to push big gears, the core control to hold aero positions, and the mobility to stay comfortable in the saddle for hours.
Leg Power
Squats, deadlifts, and plyometrics for climbing
Core Stability
Planks, anti-rotation, posture for sustained rides
Flexibility
Hip and spine mobility for comfort on the bike
Find a Coach for Your Cycling Goals
Work with a Mavericks trainer who understands cycling fitness and prepares you for Santa Cruz roads and trails.
Browse Trainer Directory