4.8
(69)
866
riders
34
rides
Mountain biking in Lodato Open Space Preserve offers diverse terrain within Santa Cruz County. The area features redwood forests, open spaces, and varied elevations, including hills and moderate climbs. This preserve provides a natural setting for mountain bike trails, characterized by a mix of wooded paths and scenic viewpoints.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4.5
(2)
13
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(13)
40
riders
13.4km
01:22
250m
250m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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8
riders
17.6km
01:44
420m
420m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(4)
29
riders
13.1km
01:14
240m
240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4
riders
45.3km
03:19
860m
860m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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This is a coastal redwood, not a Sequoia redwood which is a different species found inland.
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Today, this area is a protected stand of Redwoods, but as you walk along the trail you are bound to come across the remnants of a once booming industry based on the cutting and selling of these magnificent trees.
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Also known as "fairy rings", Cathedral trees are found in a circle where they sprouted from the roots of their parent tree. Over time the Redwoods grow to incredible heights which invokes a sense of another type of Cathedral.
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The Indian Creek Railroad Bridge was once part of a rail system used to transport lumber and goods from the surrounding redwood forests. Today, it stands as a reminder of the regionβs industrial past. While the bridge is not accessible to pedestrians, it can be viewed from nearby trails.
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Felton Covered Bridge Park is a small city park and home to the Felton Covered Bridge, which is the tallest covered bridge in the United States. The bridge is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the park offers a playground, sand volleyball court, picnic area, and access to the San Lorenzo River.
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This spacious deck provides awe-inspiring views of the woods and the Pacific Ocean. You'll discover binoculars available here to enhance your views. This spot offers a fantastic opportunity to pause and savor the surroundings.
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You have just got to take some time out here just to gawp at the majesty of these giant Redwoods. They are aptly named Cathedral Redwoods due to their visual association with the pillars you would find in a cathedral.
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This is just about the best bench stop you could have. There are expansive views and stunning forest vistas to be had from here out over the reserve all the way to the coast towards Santa Cruz.
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There are over 35 mountain bike trails in Lodato Open Space Preserve, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy rides to challenging routes through redwood forests and open spaces.
Lodato Open Space Preserve offers a good mix of trails for various skill levels. You'll find 13 easy routes, 17 moderate routes, and 8 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Yes, Lodato Open Space Preserve has 13 easy mountain bike routes that are suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. These trails often feature gentler terrain and less elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Absolutely. For advanced riders seeking a challenge, there are 8 difficult mountain bike trails. Routes like the Fremont Tree β Cathedral Redwoods loop from Glenwood, a 16.0-mile (25.8 km) trail with significant elevation changes, offer a demanding experience through dense redwood forests.
The preserve features diverse terrain, including dense redwood forests, open spaces, and varied elevations with rolling hills and moderate climbs. You'll encounter a mix of wooded paths and areas with scenic viewpoints.
Yes, many trails in the preserve are loops, providing a continuous riding experience without retracing your path. An example is the Bear Mountain β Bear Mountain loop from Scotts Valley, a difficult 7.9-mile (12.7 km) path offering a mix of ascents and descents.
The trails in Lodato Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the beautiful redwood forests, varied terrain, and the well-maintained paths that offer a rewarding experience.
Trail durations vary significantly based on length and difficulty. For instance, the moderate Cathedral Redwoods β Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench loop from Felton Roaring Camp, which is 12.0 miles (19.3 km), typically takes about 1 hour 52 minutes. Shorter, easy trails will be quicker, while longer, difficult routes can take over two hours.
Yes, many moderate trails provide excellent views. The Cathedral Redwoods β Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench loop from Mount Hermon, a 31.4 km (19.5 miles) moderate route, takes you through redwood groves and open areas, likely offering scenic vistas along the way.
While specific seasonal information isn't provided, generally, spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in this region, with milder temperatures and less chance of extreme weather. Summer can be warm, and winter might bring rain, affecting trail conditions.
Specific parking locations are often associated with trailheads. For example, routes like the Fremont Tree β Cathedral Redwoods loop start from Glenwood, and the Bear Mountain β Bear Mountain loop starts from Scotts Valley, indicating potential parking access points in these areas. It's advisable to check the specific tour details on komoot for trailhead parking information.


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