The best MTB trails in Pogonip Open Space Preserve

The Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench – U-Con Trail loop offers a classic Santa Cruz mountain biking experience, weaving through a lush redwood forest on flowy, twisty singletrack. You'll encounter a steady 7-12% climb, navigating tree roots and tight corners, before reaching the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench. This viewpoint provides expansive panoramic views of the bay, making it a perfect spot to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery.

This easy 6.5-mile (10.4 km) route, with 831 feet (253 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 3 minutes to complete. The trail can be quite popular, especially on weekends, so an early start is recommended if you prefer fewer crowds. Downhill riders should be mindful to yield to climbers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for all.

As one of the key legal mountain bike trails in the Pogonip green belt, the U-Con Trail connects to the UCSC campus and its fire roads, making it a central part of the local riding network. Beyond the trail itself, the area is rich in wildlife, from bobcats to eagles, and you might even spot unique artwork on water tanks near the university, adding an unexpected cultural touch to your ride.

This easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) mountain biking loop from Rincon takes you through varied terrain, offering a quick but rewarding ride. You'll pedal through shaded oak, bay, and redwood forests, encountering challenging singletrack sections that keep things interesting. The route's highlight is the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench, which provides sweeping panoramic views of the bay, making it a perfect spot to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. Further along, the unique Seep Zone Nature Reserve reveals a lush, gullied landscape fed by numerous springs.

Planning your ride, be mindful that parts of Rincon Road can be steep, and a mandatory river crossing might be deep depending on recent rainfall. It's best to check current conditions, especially during wetter seasons, to ensure a smooth ride. Parking is generally available near the Rincon starting points, but arriving early can help secure a spot, particularly on busy days. This loop is ideal for those seeking an accessible mountain biking experience with significant scenic payoffs.

The Santa Cruz area's trail network, which includes this loop, is known for its diverse wildlife; keep an eye out for bobcats, eagles, and squirrels. A unique artistic element along the trail are the continually repainted water tanks, adding a distinctive cultural touch to the natural beauty. The Seep Zone Nature Reserve itself is an ecological marvel, with its springs and seeps fostering a rich variety of plant life, making it a fascinating area to explore.

The Seep Zone Nature Reserve – UCSC Graffiti Tanks mountain biking route offers a dynamic ride through diverse landscapes, from serene redwood forests to open meadows. You'll encounter unique features like the ever-changing artistic displays at the UCSC Graffiti Tanks and panoramic vistas of Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay from viewpoints such as the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench. This circular mountain bike route provides a varied experience for riders who enjoy both natural beauty and a touch of local culture.

This moderate 17.2-mile (27.6 km) loop involves a significant 1554 feet (474 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 27 minutes to complete. It's best suited for mountain bikers with good fitness levels looking for an engaging ride without extreme technical challenges. The trail is accessible from Santa Cruz, and while the official fire roads are open, be mindful that many technical singletrack trails in the UCSC area are unsanctioned.

Beyond the ride itself, the Seep Zone Nature Reserve is a rich ecological area, home to mixed conifer and coast redwood forests, wetlands, and coastal prairie. The trail system also offers excellent connectivity to other regional trails, including those in Pogonip Open Space Preserve and Wilder Ranch State Park, making it a great starting point for exploring the wider Santa Cruz mountain biking scene.

The West Cliff Cycleway – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop offers a delightful coastal spin, perfect for soaking in the Santa Cruz vibe. You'll roll along a paved path, gazing out at Monterey Bay, with chances to spot marine life like seals and dolphins. The route takes you past iconic sights such as the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse and the picturesque Natural Bridges State Park, before reaching the bustling Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

This 18.1 miles (29.1 km) route is rated moderate, with 1059 feet (323 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 1 hours and 45 minutes. It's a great option for a relaxed outing, though it's more of a scenic cycle than a rugged mountain biking trail. Parking is generally available near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, but arriving early can help you avoid crowds, especially on weekends.

While the West Cliff Cycleway is a multi-use path, it's a fantastic way to experience the area's natural beauty and landmarks. For those seeking more traditional mountain biking trails, nearby Wilder Ranch State Park offers a variety of unpaved options. This loop is particularly family-friendly, providing stunning ocean views without demanding technical skills.