The best MTB trails in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
4.8
(111)
528
riders
25
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Mountain biking in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve offers routes through diverse terrain within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The region is characterized by redwood and fir forests, with trails often following perennial creeks. Higher elevations provide scenic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The varied elevation and natural features contribute to a range of mountain bike trails.
Best mountain bike trails in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
- The most popular mountain bike trail is James J. Lenihan Dam β Los Gatos Creek Trail loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, a 14.7 miles (23.7 km) trail that takes 2 hours 25 minutes to complete, featuring moderate climbs around the reservoir area.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Los Gatos Creek Trail β Camden Ponds loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, a moderate 23.8 miles (38.3 km) path. This route explores the Los Gatos Creek area with varied scenery.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Bay Area Ridge Trail: Sanborn to Saratoga Gap, a 21.6 miles (34.8 km) trail leading through the Santa Cruz Mountains, often completed in about 3 hours 24 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve is defined by redwood and fir forests, perennial creeks, and scenic vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. More than 300 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(1)
33
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(19)
39
riders
34.8km
03:24
800m
800m
The Bay Area Ridge Trail: Sanborn to Saratoga Gap offers a fantastic mountain biking adventure through varied terrain, from dense redwood forests to open viewpoints. You'll navigate predominantly singletrack paths, experiencing a mix of natural, unpaved, and gravel surfaces. The route features a significant 1,000-foot climb, much of it shaded, leading to a rewarding viewpoint at 2,800 feet with expansive South Bay views, and passes by the scenic Lake Ranch Reservoir.
This is a moderate mountain bike trail, covering 21.6 miles (34.8 km) with 2617 feet (798 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 3 hours and 24 minutes. While it's a popular choice for mountain biking, specific parking details for Sanborn County Park mountain bike trails or Saratoga Gap are not widely publicized, so plan to arrive early, especially on weekends. Always check for any seasonal conditions or closures before you go.
Part of the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail network, this segment is known for its well-designed layout, having opened in 2014. It's a multi-use trail, connecting to other significant routes like those in Castle Rock State Park, making it a great option for extended exploration. Keep an eye out for majestic trees and unique serpentine rock formations along the way, adding to the natural features of the ride.
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4.8
(41)
76
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
39.2km
03:33
1,160m
1,160m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
32
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
This is not a very exciting trail to hike. Itβs pretty much a trail surrounded by thick walls of vegetation, with almost no opportunity to view your surroundings. The trail is 70% rocks/gravel, and 30% hard packed clay, so avoid wearing snickers
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The Lake Ranch Reservoir is nice and peaceful to run, walk, hike, or bike along. There is a picnic table on the north side of the pond that you could rest at. Since the water is in a small valley, you may want to bring bug spray in the spring/summer months.
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From here, you get a great view of the forest and valley, with the Santa Clara Mountains in the background. Itβs a nice spot to stop for a picnic and take in the scenery. The trail continues upward, but this spot is perfect if youβre just looking for a good viewpoint.
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Forbes Mill Museum, housed in a two-story building of the original 1854 flour mill, offers a glimpse into Los Gatos' history. Built by James Alexander Forbes as California's first commercial flour mill, over the years, it served various roles, including a power plant and a PG&E substation. Saved from demolition in 1982, the building now features historical exhibits as part of New Museum Los Gatos.
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From the top of the dam you get splendid views out across Lexington Reservoir. To the north you overlook the winding end of the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which connects to the Jones Trail across from the restroom just up the road. The dam itself was constructed in 1952 and stands at nearly 200 feet tall.
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The Kennedy Road Sierra Azul Trailhead has a small parking area that fits about three cars, depending on size, and offers a shaded starting point. A portable toilet is available at the trailhead, and additional parking can be found at the top of Top of the Hill Road.
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The Peak is a 3,005-foot mountain in Santa Clara County. The high point is marked by a large mossy rock, a short distance away from the end of the trail. This is a great, challenging summit for any mountain biker.
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For mountain bikers, this trail winds through a hillside dotted with abundant wildflowers. Enjoy stunning vistas of the South Bay area as you ride. It's recommended to begin your ride in the morning and dress in layers to accommodate temperature variations between shaded and sunny spots along the route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve area?
There are over 30 mountain bike trails available in the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve area, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 5 easy routes, 14 moderate routes, and 11 difficult routes to explore.
What is the current status of mountain biking access within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve itself?
While there are many mountain biking opportunities in the surrounding area, direct mountain biking access within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has historically been restricted. However, there are ongoing plans to introduce limited bicycling use, with a significant 1.7-mile multi-use single-track section expected to open in 2027 or sooner, connecting to the larger Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Are there any challenging mountain bike routes in the area?
Yes, for experienced riders, the area offers several challenging routes. One notable difficult trail is the Los Gatos Creek Trail β Lexington Reservoir loop from Santa Cruz Mountains, which covers nearly 40 km with over 1,100 meters of elevation gain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails near Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve?
You can expect diverse terrain, including routes through beautiful second-growth redwood and fir forests, as well as oak woodlands. Many trails meander along cool perennial creeks. Higher elevations offer scenic vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the South Bay area. The trails feature varied elevation, from moderate climbs around reservoirs to more significant ascents.
Are there any loop trails suitable for mountain biking?
Yes, there are several excellent loop trails. A popular moderate option is the James J. Lenihan Dam β Los Gatos Creek Trail loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, which is 14.7 miles (23.7 km) long and features moderate climbs around the reservoir area.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in this region?
The mountain bike trails in the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the beautiful forest scenery, varied terrain, and the overall experience of riding in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Can I find trails that offer scenic views?
Absolutely. Many trails in the higher elevations, such as those leading towards Madrone Knoll (the highest point at 2,400 feet), offer expansive views of the Santa Cruz Mountains' Sierra Azul Range and the South Bay area. The forest trails themselves provide picturesque natural beauty.
Are there any nearby attractions or points of interest I can visit?
Yes, the area is rich in natural beauty and historical significance. You can find impressive Old Growth Redwood Trees and explore the Old-Growth Redwoods in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. The preserve also features historical artifacts like Ohlone mortars near the Upper Lake Loop Trail.
Is there a good trail for exploring the Los Gatos Creek area?
Yes, the Los Gatos Creek Trail β Camden Ponds loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park is a moderate 23.8 miles (38.3 km) path that specifically explores the Los Gatos Creek area, offering varied scenery and a great ride.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in this region?
The region generally offers good mountain biking conditions for much of the year. Spring brings abundant wildflowers and pleasant temperatures, while fall provides cooler weather and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm, but the redwood and fir forests offer shade. Winter riding is possible, but be mindful of potential wet and muddy conditions after rainfall.
Are there any trails that connect to larger regional networks?
Yes, the area is part of a broader network. For example, the Bay Area Ridge Trail: Sanborn to Saratoga Gap is a 21.6 miles (34.8 km) trail leading through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Future plans for Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve include a new multi-use trail connecting to the Bay Area Ridge Trail.
Are there any trails suitable for a moderate ride with varied scenery?
For a moderate ride with varied scenery, consider the Lake Ranch Reservoir β Summit of Sanborn County Park loop from El Sereno. This route covers about 25.5 km and offers a mix of forest and reservoir views.
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