Seacliff State Beach Pier – Seacliff State Beach Shipwreck loop from Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander Ecological Reserve

If you're looking for a challenging touring cycling experience around Seacliff State Beach, you might have come across the "Seacliff State Beach Pier – Seacliff State Beach Shipwreck loop from Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander Ecological Reserve." However, it's crucial to know that the Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander Ecological Reserve is closed to the public, making this specific named loop inaccessible. Instead, consider a difficult ride in the vicinity, offering 18.8 miles (30.3 km) of pedaling with 1527 feet (465 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 1 minutes. This kind of route is best for experienced cyclists seeking varied coastal and inland terrain.

What to expect on Seacliff State Beach Pier – Seacliff State Beach Shipwreck loop from Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander Ecological Reserve

While the specific named route isn't viable, the area around Seacliff State Beach offers a fantastic mix of coastal and rolling inland roads for touring cyclists. You'll find well-paved surfaces perfect for a smooth ride, with some longer routes potentially including unpaved segments that add to the challenge. Expect open stretches along the stunning Monterey Bay coastline, winding through local communities and offering views of the iconic SS Palo Alto, also known as the "Cement Ship," at the end of the Seacliff State Beach Pier. These routes can range from gentle gradients to sustained climbs, so be prepared for a good workout if you opt for a more difficult path.

Planning your visit

Since the Santa Cruz Long-Toed Salamander Ecological Reserve is closed to the public, focus your planning on the accessible areas around Seacliff State Beach. The beach itself features a mile-long promenade, and blufftop paths connect Seacliff to Rio Del Mar, offering flat, paved routes with ocean views. Parking is available at Seacliff State Beach, but it's always wise to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. Remember that the pier suffered significant damage in early 2023, leading to its partial removal and closure of access to the Cement Ship, so check current conditions before your visit.

Trail details

• Distance: 18.8 miles (30.3 km)
• Elevation gain: 1527 feet (465 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 1 minutes