Saratoga Gap Trailhead – Summit of Sanborn County Park loop from Boulder Creek

If you're looking for a serious challenge on two wheels, the Saratoga Gap Trailhead – Summit of Sanborn County Park loop from Boulder Creek delivers a difficult touring cycling experience. This demanding route covers 43.8 miles (70.5 km) with a staggering 4672 feet (1424 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 2 minutes to complete. It's a ride for those with very good fitness who crave both a physical test and stunning Santa Cruz Mountains scenery.

What to expect on Saratoga Gap Trailhead – Summit of Sanborn County Park loop from Boulder Creek

This route is a journey through the diverse landscapes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a mix of surfaces from paved roads to unpaved singletrack and fire roads. You'll cycle through moist evergreen forests, oak-madrone woodlands, and high grasslands along the crest, with sections of redwood and pine forests. Keep an eye out for attractive moss-covered trees, lichen-covered boulders, and sandstone rock outcrops, with panoramic vistas of redwood-covered mountains and the San Lorenzo Valley. Be prepared for steep grades and potentially technical sections that might require pushing your bike, making it best suited for intermediate to advanced riders.

Planning your visit

Given the challenging nature and length of this loop, preparation is key. The area can experience varied weather, including wind and fog on exposed ridgetops, and heat on west- and south-facing slopes, so dress in layers. It's highly advisable to carry a map, a first-aid kit, a bike repair kit, and ample water and food. Mountain bikes are generally recommended for these trails, and Class 1 and 2 electric bikes are permitted in Sanborn County Park, where helmets are mandatory on dirt trails.

Trail details

• Distance: 43.8 miles (70.5 km)
• Elevation gain: 4672 feet (1424 metres)
• Difficulty: difficult
• Estimated time: 5 hours and 2 minutes