The best cycling routes around Paradise Park

The Greyhound Rock Beach loop offers a spectacular touring cycling experience along the Santa Cruz coast, blending demanding climbs with breathtaking ocean vistas. You'll traverse dramatic cliffs, expansive sandy shorelines, and encounter massive offshore rock formations, including the iconic Greyhound Rock itself. The route provides a dynamic journey, moving from well-known paths like the West Cliff Cycleway to more secluded coastal stretches.

This is a difficult route, spanning 39.8 miles (64.1 km) with 1801 feet (549 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 53 minutes. It's best suited for cyclists with very good fitness levels, as some segments may be unpaved and challenging. The path directly to Greyhound Rock Beach can be steep and uneven, so plan accordingly if you intend to access the beach itself.

Notable for combining a rigorous cycling challenge with some of California's most stunning scenery, this loop integrates sections of the Pacific Coast Bike Route and the Coastal Rail Trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including potential whale sightings, as you pass through diverse landscapes from coastal bluffs to unique geological formations.

The Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop offers an easy touring cycling experience that truly showcases the best of Santa Cruz. You'll start by cruising along the stunning West Cliff Drive, where the Pacific Ocean views are endless and you might spot surfers at Steamer Lane or even marine life. The route then transitions to the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, following the San Lorenzo River through downtown, providing a pleasant change of scenery with urban nature and tree-lined paths. It's a paved, mostly flat ride, perfect for a relaxed outing.

This 12.3-mile (19.7 km) loop, with only 184 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete, making it accessible for most riders. While the West Cliff Drive section can get crowded with pedestrians and other cyclists, the Riverwalk offers a smoother, less congested experience. You'll need to dismount your bike when passing through the busy Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk area, which connects the two main sections of the loop.

Beyond the scenic ride, the loop connects you to several key Santa Cruz landmarks. You'll pass the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, and reach Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its sandstone arch and tide pools. The San Lorenzo Trestle bike-ped bridge, part of the future Coastal Rail Trail, is also a notable feature, highlighting the area's commitment to cycling infrastructure.

The Soquel-Aptos Creek Loop offers a challenging yet rewarding touring cycling experience through the lush redwood forests and along Aptos Creek in Santa Cruz County. You'll navigate wide dirt and gravel roads, transitioning from initial bumpy sections to smoother paths, all while tackling significant climbs that lead to stunning vistas like the View of the Santa Cruz Coast from Sand Point Overlook. This route is rated difficult, making it ideal for cyclists seeking a substantial workout.

Planning your ride on the Soquel-Aptos Creek Loop requires a bit of preparation. The trail is popular year-round, so you might encounter other users. Remember there's a day-use fee to enter The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, which hosts a large portion of the route. Given the 2321 feet (707 metres) of elevation gain over 30.7 miles (49.5 km), ensure you're well-hydrated and fueled for the estimated 3 hours and 52 minutes of cycling.

Beyond the physical challenge, the Soquel-Aptos Creek Loop is rich in history and natural beauty. You'll cycle past historical plaques marking old logging sites, and the area is known for its vibrant wildflowers in spring. The route also provides access to the broader Soquel Demonstration State Forest trail system, offering even more advanced touring cycling routes for those looking to extend their adventure in this scenic part of California.

The Mountain Charlie Road loop offers a rugged touring cycling experience through the thick, silent woods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You'll navigate a challenging mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, often covered in pine needles, with some sections featuring steep grades up to 16%. The route winds past redwoods, oaks, and madrone trees, providing alternating views of the landscape and a sense of remote adventure, especially around landmarks like Isbel Grove.

Planning your ride requires checking current conditions, as a deep-seated landslide in early 2024 led to a temporary road with safety restrictions. This difficult 38.1-mile (61.3 km) loop involves a substantial 3446 feet (1050 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. While the climbs are demanding, the descents can be particularly sketchy due to the rough pavement, so prepare for a focused ride.

Historically significant, Mountain Charlie Road was built by its namesake and once connected San Jose and Santa Cruz. Today, it's known among local cyclists as a

The Felton Covered Bridge County Park loop offers a diverse touring cycling experience, starting from the historic Felton Covered Bridge and venturing into the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains. You'll pedal through a mix of shaded redwood forests and open mountain landscapes, with the chance to spot wildflowers and local wildlife like deer or river otters. The route provides a good balance of natural beauty and engaging terrain, making for a memorable ride.

This moderate 15.8-mile (25.4 km) touring cycling route includes 1278 feet (389 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 41 minutes to complete. The Felton Covered Bridge County Park provides a convenient starting point with parking, though it's wise to arrive early on busy days. Be ready for some significant climbs, as the Santa Cruz Mountains are known for their undulating terrain, and always carry sufficient water.

The Felton Covered Bridge itself is a California Historical Landmark and the tallest covered bridge in the United States, built in 1892. While the park's immediate trail is for pedestrians, it acts as a gateway to exploring the rich history and natural beauty of the wider Felton area. This route is ideal for cyclists looking for a rewarding challenge with historical context and varied scenery.