The best cycling routes around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a comprehensive network for touring cyclists, with over 300 cycling routes across the county. Our guide highlights several options, including moderate and difficult paths, to suit various skill levels.

Touring cycling in Santa Cruz provides a diverse range of scenery, from stunning coastal views along the Pacific Ocean to serene rides through ancient redwood forests and challenging climbs in rolling hills and valleys. You'll encounter expansive grasslands, lush ferns, and breathtaking ocean vistas.

Yes, many routes in Santa Cruz are designed as loops. For example, the Régua Pedestrian Bridge – Douro Valley loop from Parada do Bispo offers a moderate 8.8-mile ride, while the more challenging Douro Valley – Douro Riverside Views loop from Armamar spans nearly 70 miles.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Santa Cruz offers routes with significant elevation gains. The Bike loop from Barcos is a difficult 26.4-mile path with over 2,800 feet of climbing. Another demanding option is the Vista sobre a ponte Romana loop from Antigo apeadeiro de Gouvinhas, featuring substantial ascents over 16 miles.

While cycling in the Santa Cruz region, you can explore various historical and natural landmarks. Nearby attractions include the historic Lamego Castle and the impressive Lamego Cathedral. You might also encounter the unique Ucanha Tower and Bridge, or the charming Chapel of Saint Anthony.

Santa Cruz offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. The region's mild climate makes it suitable for touring cycling in spring, summer, and fall. Even in late fall and winter, areas like Natural Bridges State Beach host monarch butterfly migrations, adding a unique seasonal attraction.

Absolutely. Santa Cruz is renowned for its majestic redwood forests. Parks like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park offer trails that wind through ancient trees, providing a serene and distinct cycling experience. The Rio Paiva Flower Field loop from Moimenta da Beira, for instance, takes you through varied terrain that includes forested sections.

The touring cycling routes in Santa Cruz are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars from over 9 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from coastal paths to challenging mountain roads, and the variety of options available for different ability levels.

While many routes in our guide are moderate to difficult, Santa Cruz offers numerous easier options for beginners. The region features many paved pathways and flatter sections, such as the San Lorenzo Riverwalk or parts of West Cliff Drive, which are ideal for a more relaxed touring experience.

Santa Cruz stands out for its unique blend of stunning coastal beauty, ancient redwood forests, and challenging mountainous terrain, all within close proximity. This geographical diversity provides an unparalleled variety of touring cycling experiences, from oceanfront rides to serene forest paths and exhilarating mountain climbs, catering to every preference.