The best gravel rides around Mount Hermon

The gravel bike trails around Mount Hermon are primarily situated within the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a unique experience through towering redwood forests and numerous stream-side paths. You'll encounter varied elevations, lush ferns, and often glimpses of the coast, providing a mix of forested and coastal gravel biking.

There are four highly-rated gravel bike routes available around Mount Hermon, all offering a moderate challenge. These trails showcase the best of the region's diverse landscape, from redwood forests to coastal views.

The gravel bike routes around Mount Hermon vary in length, generally ranging from 8 to 18 miles (13 to 28 km). Most can be completed within 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on your pace and the specific route.

All the gravel bike routes in this guide are rated as moderate. While they offer a good workout with varied elevations, they are generally accessible for riders with some gravel biking experience. Routes like the Bench with a view of the coast – Fremont Tree loop from Paradise Park, at 8.3 miles, could be a good starting point.

Many trails offer stunning natural features. You might encounter majestic redwood trees, such as the Fremont Tree or the Cathedral Redwoods. Some routes also provide coastal vistas, including the Sandhills Observation Deck – View of the Pacific Ocean. The Natural Bridges State Beach – Surfer Statue loop from Paradise Park specifically features coastal views and natural landmarks.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench – Seep Zone Nature Reserve loop from Paradise Park is a popular moderate circular path.

Given the region's redwood forests and coastal influence, gravel biking around Mount Hermon is enjoyable year-round. The mild climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains generally provides pleasant conditions, though checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.

While specific crowd levels can vary, exploring routes like the U-Con Trail – Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench loop from Santa Cruz might offer a more secluded experience, as it starts from Santa Cruz rather than Paradise Park, potentially distributing riders.

Gravel bikers frequently praise the unique combination of towering redwood forests and scenic coastal views. The varied terrain, including stream-side paths and moderate elevations, offers an engaging ride that showcases the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can find historical elements like the Lime Kiln ruins. The area also serves as a basecamp for exploring nearby attractions such as Santa Cruz, Monterey, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, offering a broader experience beyond just biking.

Many of the popular routes, such as the Natural Bridges State Beach – Surfer Statue loop, start from Paradise Park. Another route, the U-Con Trail – Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench loop, begins from Santa Cruz. These locations serve as convenient access points for your gravel biking adventure.