Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop
Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop
3.5
(23)
56
riders
Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop
01:08
19.7km
60m
Cycling
The Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop offers an easy touring cycling experience that truly showcases the best of Santa Cruz. You'll start by cruising along the stunning West Cliff Drive, where the Pacific Ocean views are endless and you might spot surfers at Steamer Lane or even marine life. The route then transitions to the Santa Cruz Riverwalk, following the San Lorenzo River through downtown, providing a pleasant change of scenery with urban nature and tree-lined paths. It's a paved, mostly flat ride, perfect for a relaxed outing.
This 12.3-mile (19.7 km) loop, with only 184 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 7 minutes to complete, making it accessible for most riders. While the West Cliff Drive section can get crowded with pedestrians and other cyclists, the Riverwalk offers a smoother, less congested experience. You'll need to dismount your bike when passing through the busy Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk area, which connects the two main sections of the loop.
Beyond the scenic ride, the loop connects you to several key Santa Cruz landmarks. You'll pass the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, housed in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, and reach Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its sandstone arch and tide pools. The San Lorenzo Trestle bike-ped bridge, part of the future Coastal Rail Trail, is also a notable feature, highlighting the area's commitment to cycling infrastructure.
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Natural Bridges State Park
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
1.43 km
Santa Cruz Riverwalk
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
4.33 km
Surfing Museum
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
4.81 km
West Cliff Cycleway
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
7.36 km
Natural Bridges State Beach
Highlight • Beach
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!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.46 km
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Highlight • Monument
$9, free during April Earth week.
Tip by
16.5 km
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
19.7 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
16.4 km
1.84 km
1.24 km
207 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
16.3 km
2.50 km
951 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 9 July
22°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to cycle the Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop?
The full loop is approximately 19.7 kilometers (12.2 miles) and is rated as easy. Most touring cyclists can expect to complete it in about 1 hour and 8 minutes, though this can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the sights.
Is this cycling route suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop is considered easy and is suitable for a wide range of cyclists, including beginners. It features a relatively flat profile with minimal elevation gain (around 56 meters up and down) and primarily paved surfaces.
What kind of terrain will I encounter on this loop?
The route primarily consists of paved surfaces. The West Cliff Drive section is a 'fairly flat, paved trail' along the coast, while the Santa Cruz Riverwalk offers 'wide pavement'. The overall loop is largely gentle, making for a smooth ride.
What notable sights and attractions can I see along the way?
This scenic loop offers diverse attractions. You'll pass by the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the Surfing Museum (located in the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse), and the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. The route also takes you along the West Cliff Cycleway with sweeping ocean views and the Santa Cruz Riverwalk.
Can I spot any wildlife while cycling this route?
Yes, the coastal section along West Cliff Drive provides excellent opportunities to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins, seals, sea lions, whales, and otters. Further inland along the Riverwalk, you might see ducks on the pond. Lighthouse Field State Park, adjacent to the route, is also known for wintering monarch butterflies.
Where can I park to access the Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop?
Parking is generally available along West Cliff Drive, which forms a significant part of the loop. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends, as this area can be popular.
Is this cycling loop dog-friendly?
The provided trail research does not explicitly state the rules regarding dogs on the cycling loop. It's recommended to check local Santa Cruz city regulations or signage along the West Cliff Drive and Riverwalk paths for specific leash laws and access restrictions for pets.
What is the best time of year to cycle this route?
Santa Cruz generally enjoys mild weather year-round. However, for the most pleasant experience, late spring through early fall (May to October) typically offers warmer temperatures and less chance of rain. The West Cliff section can be busy with walkers, especially locals, so consider cycling during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required to cycle this loop?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access and cycle the Santa Cruz West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop. It is a publicly accessible route.
Does this route intersect with other well-known cycling paths?
Yes, this route integrates with several other paths. You will find sections that are part of the Pacific Coast Bike Route (North and South), the Coastal Rail Trail, the California Coastal Trail, and the West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway. The San Lorenzo Trestle bike-ped bridge, part of the route, is also considered the first segment of the Coastal Rail Trail in Santa Cruz County.
Are there any specific rules or considerations I should be aware of while cycling?
Yes, cyclists are required to dismount their bikes when crossing the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk due to high pedestrian traffic. While the West Cliff section can be busy, the Riverwalk tends to be less crowded. Always be mindful of pedestrians and other users on the shared paths.
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