The best gravel rides in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
4.8
(24)
220
riders
24
rides
Gravel biking in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve is not permitted within the preserve itself, which is designated for hiking only to protect sensitive ecosystems and species. However, the broader Santa Cruz area, adjacent to the preserve, provides extensive gravel biking opportunities. This region features diverse landscapes, including coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific, rolling grasslands, and redwood-timbered drainages. Nearby Wilder Ranch State Park and Pogonip Park offer networks of trails suitable for gravel cyclists.
Best gravel bike trails near Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Twin Oaks Trail – Wilder Ridge Loop Trail loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz), a 25.4 miles (40.9 km) trail that takes 3 hours 3 minutes to complete. This route features varied terrain through coastal and inland sections.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Needle Rock – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Swift Halt, a difficult 30.2 miles (48.6 km) path. This route offers expansive ocean views and challenging climbs.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Wilder Ranch Bike Path – Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve loop from Swift Halt, a 12.4 miles (19.9 km) trail leading through coastal bluffs and historic ranch lands, often completed in about 1 hour 53 minutes.
- Gravel biking in the Santa Cruz area is defined by coastal paths, rolling grasslands, and redwood forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains.
- The routes near Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 18 reviews. More than 190 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the Santa Cruz area's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
5.0
(5)
59
riders
36.6km
02:52
550m
550m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(6)
25
riders
48.6km
04:06
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(3)
14
riders
32.8km
02:28
450m
450m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
12
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
23.5km
01:49
400m
400m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
Nice little lookout point well off the beaten parh.
0
0
Stunning Natural Bridge Beach is known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved by time, water, and wind. The beach is also known for being home to a colony of monarch butterflies, with over 150,000 coming to live here for the winter. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales!
0
0
This overlook is worth the short detour off the trail. It's a great place to stop and enjoy the views. This is a pretty popular spot so be prepared for a crowd.
1
0
The Wilder Ranch Bike Path is an entirely paved trail away from the nearby busy highway. The path helps connect Wilder Ranch State Park to Santa Cruz and is open to runners and walkers, too.
0
0
Superb Natural Bridge Beach, known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved out by time, water and winds. The place is also known for hosting a colony of monarch butterflies, more than 150,000 of which come to settle there for the winter. If you're lucky, you might also spot whales!
2
0
This area is a steep, gullied region containing numerous springs and seeps (areas where water oozes slowly out of the ground). A diverse range of wildlife, including bobcats, cows, eagles, and squirrels, can be found here.
0
0
The park originally had agricultural functions, but has since been returned to nature for all to enjoy. You have excellent views of the ocean, and this all along the way.
0
0
Pretty much the entire trail passing through Four Mile Beach is up on the cliffside and offers expansive views, but this particular vantage point is worth taking a detour for.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go gravel biking directly within Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
No, gravel biking is explicitly prohibited within the Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve. The preserve is designated for hiking only to protect its sensitive ecosystems and threatened and endangered species.
Where can I find gravel biking trails near Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
While biking isn't allowed in the preserve itself, the broader Santa Cruz area offers excellent gravel biking opportunities. Nearby locations like Wilder Ranch State Park and Pogonip Park feature extensive trail networks suitable for gravel cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in the Santa Cruz area?
The Santa Cruz area offers diverse terrain for gravel biking, including coastal paths along bluffs overlooking the Pacific, rolling grasslands, and trails that dip into redwood-timbered drainages. You'll find a mix of fire roads and singletrack options.
Are there options for different skill levels among the gravel bike trails near Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
Yes, the Santa Cruz area caters to various skill levels. You can find everything from moderate paths suitable for a relaxed ride to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains for experienced riders.
How many gravel bike trails are available in the Santa Cruz area near Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
There are over 20 gravel bike trails available in the Santa Cruz area, with options ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring there's a route for every preference.
Can you recommend a popular gravel bike route in the Santa Cruz area?
A highly popular choice is the Twin Oaks Trail – Wilder Ridge Loop Trail loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz). This 25.4-mile route features varied terrain through both coastal and inland sections.
Are there any challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders near Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
For a more challenging ride, consider the Needle Rock – Wilder Beach Natural Preserve loop from Swift Halt. This difficult 30.2-mile path offers expansive ocean views and demanding climbs.
What is a good moderate-length gravel bike trail option in the Santa Cruz area?
The Wilder Ranch Bike Path – Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve loop from Swift Halt is a great moderate option. It's a 12.4-mile trail that takes you through coastal bluffs and historic ranch lands.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy the most about gravel biking in the Santa Cruz area?
The Santa Cruz area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 18 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from ocean views to redwood forests, and the variety of trails available for different skill levels.
Are the gravel bike trails near Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve suitable for families?
Yes, some trails in the Santa Cruz area, particularly within Wilder Ranch State Park, offer less strenuous paths that can be suitable for families looking for a more relaxed gravel biking experience. Always check individual route details for difficulty and terrain.
Is parking available near the recommended gravel bike trails in the Santa Cruz area?
Yes, areas like Wilder Ranch State Park typically have designated parking facilities for visitors accessing their trail networks. It's advisable to check specific park websites for current parking information and any potential fees.
What natural features or views might I encounter on gravel bike trails in the Santa Cruz area?
On gravel bike trails in the Santa Cruz area, especially in places like Wilder Ranch State Park, you can expect spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay from coastal bluffs. You'll also ride through rolling grasslands and redwood-timbered drainages, offering diverse natural scenery.
Most popular routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
