Turtle Rock Viewpoint – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
Turtle Rock Viewpoint – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
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Turtle Rock Viewpoint – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
01:39
17.0km
360m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
2.07 km
Turtle Rock Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
3.23 km
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
4.54 km
Wallace Stegner Bench and View of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
4.87 km
Long Ridge Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
7.89 km
Peters Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
13.3 km
Saratoga Gap Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
13.4 km
Saratoga Gap
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
17.0 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.57 km
5.74 km
4.53 km
130 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
12.3 km
4.66 km
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Elevation
Highest point (820 m)
Lowest point (670 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 10 July
24°C
13°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking a challenging yet incredibly rewarding touring bicycle adventure in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Turtle Rock Viewpoint – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve is definitely worth your time. This difficult route covers 10.6 miles (17.0 km) with a significant 1177 feet (359 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 39 minutes to complete. It's best suited for experienced touring cyclists with good fitness, ideally on a gravel bike or a sturdy hardtail mountain bike, ready for varied terrain.
What to expect on Turtle Rock Viewpoint – Saratoga Gap loop from Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
This loop takes you on a journey through the diverse landscapes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You'll wind through moist evergreen forests, dense oak-madrone woodlands, and open high grasslands, encountering unique geological formations like tufa and sculpted sandstone. The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic views from Turtle Rock Viewpoint, especially stunning as the sun begins to set. Be prepared for demanding climbs and exhilarating descents; some segments are unpaved and can be technically difficult, with features like deep, rooty drops and eroded rocks, potentially requiring you to push your bike at times. This route is a true test of skill and endurance, offering expansive vistas of the mountains and even glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.
Planning your visit
The Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve is located at the junction of Highway 35 and Highway 9. The preserve is open from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset, so plan your ride accordingly. It's important to note that facilities like restrooms, drinking water fountains, and picnic tables are generally not available, so come prepared with all necessary supplies. While dogs are allowed on leash on some trails like Turtle Rock, e-bikes are not permitted on most Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District trails.
Trail details
- Distance: 10.6 miles (17.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 1177 feet (359 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 39 minutes
Comments
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