The best traffic-free bike rides in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
4.5
(110)
2,931
riders
29
rides
Touring cycling in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty within Santa Cruz, California. The refuge itself features a 14-acre freshwater marsh with a floating boardwalk and a short loop trail, providing a tranquil, no-traffic environment. This urban oasis serves as a gateway to broader cycling opportunities in the Santa Cruz area, which include coastal routes and paths through redwood forests. The terrain around the refuge varies from flat, paved sections to moreโฆ
Last updated: July 10, 2026
4.8
(5)
125
riders
43.9km
04:08
860m
860m
The Wilder Ranch State Park โ Eucalyptus Loop Trail loop from Swift Halt offers a dynamic touring cycling experience through a mosaic of landscapes. You'll navigate through oak woodlands, openโฆ
5.0
(1)
82
riders
34.6km
03:19
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(10)
74
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(6)
38
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
63
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
Tips from the Community
Northern entrance to the coastal park from Delaware Ave. The trailhead is pedestrian and biker only, The former road goes straight to the beach, while smaller trails turn east into the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve, and West into the upper portions of the State Beach Park.
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While there are more formal memorials to the sport of surfing a little ways south at the Lighthouse and north at the official Surfer Memorial Sculpture, this spot is more personal. Here along West Cliff Drive is the famous surfing spot known as Steamer Lane. For all its fame and pleasure, surf conditions, accidents and bad luck exact a fatal toll. An informal memorial up on the cliff remembers surfers who have died.-It's next to a staircase leading down to the beach. The wooden plaques are all custom, hand-routed tributes by friends or family. The carved messages, lacking biographical details (because they are well-known locals?) are sometimes adorned with flower arrangements and small keepsakes along the fence. While these memorials of surfer deaths are also sad, there is a somewhat relaxed atmosphere at this spot. The surfers were doing what they loved, and knew the risks.
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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!
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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.
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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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There are 18 beach volleyball courts on the main beach in Santa Cruz. They are first come, first served, but also available for rent. These courts are frequented by both amateur and professional players.
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Companion Bakeshop is an organic bakery specializing in brick oven sourdough breads and rustic pastries. They also have a community gathering space that hosts live bluegrass music, baking classes, and a mandolin workshop series.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge?
There are around 25 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in and around Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy coastal rides to more challenging inland loops.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge?
The routes cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 9 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, 12 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 4 difficult routes for experienced cyclists looking for significant elevation gain and longer distances.
Are there any easy, family-friendly touring cycling routes near Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge?
Yes, for an easy and family-friendly option, consider the West Cliff Cycleway โ Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Santa Cruz. This 12.5 km route has minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for all ages. Another easy choice is the West Cliff Cycleway โ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop from Swift Halt, which is about 11.5 km long.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Within the immediate Neary Lagoon area, you'll find a mix of hardened earth, sand, grass, asphalt, and wooden boardwalk sections. For longer touring routes in the broader region, surfaces can vary from paved roads along the coast to unpaved segments through redwood forests, depending on the specific route.
What are some notable natural features or wildlife I might encounter while cycling?
Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge is a haven for diverse wildlife, especially birds. Cyclists can often spot mallards, wood ducks, pied-billed grebes, coots, and geese. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and hawks. The refuge itself is a 14-acre freshwater marsh, offering a tranquil urban oasis experience.
Are there any longer, more challenging touring cycling routes available?
Absolutely. For a more challenging ride, consider the Wilder Ranch State Park โ Eucalyptus Loop Trail loop from Swift Halt, which spans over 43 km with significant elevation. Another difficult option is the Wilder Ranch State Park โ Wilder Ridge Loop Trail loop from Swift Halt, covering nearly 35 km.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge?
The routes in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 70 reviews. Cyclists often praise the peaceful urban oasis setting, the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and the convenient connection to other parts of Santa Cruz.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the region are designed as loops. For example, the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench โ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz) offers a moderate 32 km circular ride, providing varied scenery and points of interest.
Is parking available near the touring cycling routes?
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points around Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge and for routes starting in Santa Cruz. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages on komoot or by checking local Santa Cruz parking information.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge?
Santa Cruz generally enjoys a mild climate year-round. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant cycling conditions with comfortable temperatures and less chance of extreme weather. Always check the local forecast before heading out.
Are there amenities like picnic areas or restrooms along the routes?
Within the Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge itself, you'll find amenities such as picnic tables, an amphitheater, and an accessible playground. For longer touring routes, facilities may be available in nearby towns or parks along the way, so it's advisable to plan your stops accordingly.
Most popular routes in Neary Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
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