The best road cycling routes in Pace Family Wilderness Park
5.0
(4)
285
riders
23
rides
Road cycling routes in Pace Family Wilderness Park traverse an area characterized by majestic redwood forests and lush meadows. The region is situated within the unique Santa Cruz sandhill ecology, offering distinctive natural features. While dedicated paved trails within the park are limited, public roads in the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains provide access to similar scenic landscapes. These routes offer varied elevation gains, allowing cyclists to experience the area's natural beauty.
Best road cycling routes in Pace Family Wilderness Park
β¦Last updated: July 8, 2026
15
riders
83.1km
04:11
1,360m
1,360m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
39.2km
01:44
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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7
riders
87.8km
04:31
1,510m
1,510m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
6
riders
30.6km
01:34
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
103km
05:23
1,650m
1,650m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Big Basin Redwoods State Park has reopened for limited day use following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Visitors can explore trails like Redwood Loop and Meteor Trail, where resilient redwoods stand alongside new growth. Parking is $6 per vehicle with a $2 reservation fee or $10 without reservations. Rancho del Oso, the parkβs coastal area, requires no reservations or fees. Dogs, horses, and mountain bikes are welcome in designated areas, while drones are prohibited. Road biking is allowed on all roads.
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The Santa Cruz Riverwalk runs along the San Lorenzo River levee from the Highway 1 Bridge to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, providing easy access to downtown Santa Cruz.
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In the summer of 1885, three young Hawaiian princes ignited the California coast's surfing phenomenon by introducing their boards and the ancient Hawaiian sport to the American mainland. A commemorative plaque near the former lighthouse, now home to a quaint surfing museum, immortalizes this significant moment in history.
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The surfer statue along West Cliff Drive is a landmark of Santa Cruz. The statue stands at 18 feet tall and was inspired by members of the 1936 Santa Cruz Surfing Club.
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Branciforte Drive is a beautiful and mellow road to ride. The climbs are gentle compared to other roads in the area.
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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest surviving amusement park. This 24-acre park was founded in 1907 and offers old-fashioned carnival games and food booths.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in the Pace Family Wilderness Park area?
There are over 20 road cycling routes in the Pace Family Wilderness Park area, offering diverse experiences through redwood forests and lush meadows. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 8 reviews.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Pace Family Wilderness Park?
The routes traverse an area known for its majestic redwood forests, lush meadows, and unique Santa Cruz sandhill ecology. You'll find varied elevation gains, from moderate climbs to more challenging ascents, characteristic of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are routes suitable for various abilities. For an easier ride, consider the Santa Cruz Lighthouse β West Cliff Cycleway loop from Mount Hermon, which is rated as easy and offers a more gentle experience.
What are some popular moderate road cycling routes in the area?
Many cyclists enjoy routes with moderate difficulty. Two popular options include the Felton loop from Olympia, a 20.4-mile trail with significant elevation gain, and the Mountain Charlie Rd loop from Redwood Camp, a 23.6-mile path offering views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Are there challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Felton β Big Basin Redwood State Park loop from Mount Hermon offer a substantial 51.6 miles through dense redwood forests. Another demanding option is the Bear Creek Road β Big Basin Redwood State Park loop from Mount Hermon, which covers 87.7 miles with significant elevation.
Can I find circular road cycling routes near Pace Family Wilderness Park?
Yes, many of the routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Felton loop from Olympia and the Mountain Charlie Rd loop from Redwood Camp, both offering scenic circular journeys.
What kind of natural features will I see along the road cycling routes?
You will experience majestic redwood forests, lush meadows, and the unique Santa Cruz sandhill ecology. The routes often provide scenic vistas and connections to other natural areas like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region's distinctive biodiversity.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in this area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the immersive experience of cycling through towering redwood forests, the varied terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the overall natural beauty of the region.
Is Pace Family Wilderness Park itself accessible for road cycling?
While dedicated paved road cycling trails directly within the immediate wilderness park boundaries are limited, the broader area of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the park is located, is well-regarded for road cycling. Public roads adjacent to or offering views of the park's landscapes allow cyclists to experience its characteristic terrain.
What is the best time of year for road biking in the Pace Family Wilderness Park area?
The Santa Cruz Mountains generally offer diverse cycling opportunities year-round. However, for the most pleasant conditions, consider spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and the natural scenery is particularly vibrant. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots along the road cycling routes?
Many routes offer scenic vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains and take you through dense redwood forests and along creek-side scenery. The unique Santa Cruz sandhill ecology itself provides picturesque views and a sense of discovery.
Most popular routes in Pace Family Wilderness Park
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