If you’re searching for the ultimate California mountain biking destination, look no further than the Santa Cruz Mountains. Home to towering redwoods, rugged coastlines, flowing singletrack, and world-famous mountain bike trails, the Santa Cruz area offers unforgettable riding experiences for every level of mountain biker.
Whether you’re looking to build confidence, improve your technical skills, or simply enjoy breathtaking scenery, the Santa Cruz Mountains are filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best places to ride—and why Wilder Ranch should be at the top of your list this year. Hidden Gems of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
1. Wilder Ranch State Park: Santa Cruz’s Premier Coastal Mountain Bike Destination
When riders think about the best Santa Cruz mountain biking trails, Wilder Ranch State Park consistently tops the list.
Located just minutes north of downtown Santa Cruz, Wilder Ranch State Park features more than 34 miles of legal multi-use trails that wind through rolling coastal terraces, towering redwood forests, open meadows, and spectacular Pacific Ocean overlooks. Riders experience everything from smooth fire roads to fun, flowing singletrack and more technical root-filled descents, making Wilder Ranch one of California’s premier cross-country mountain biking destinations. (Santa Cruz Trails)
What makes Wilder Ranch truly unforgettable is its incredible diversity. In a single ride, you can pedal through cool redwood groves, climb scenic ridgelines overlooking Monterey Bay, descend flowing singletrack, and finish with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
For women looking to improve their skills while riding one of California’s most iconic trail systems, there’s no better place to ride.
Join the MTB Girls Ride Club for our Santa Cruz Coed Mountain Bike Clinic at Wilder Ranch on July 18.
Led by coaches Liz Donahey and Kim Meredith, this confidence-building clinic helps riders improve climbing, descending, cornering, line choice, and trail confidence while experiencing one of the most beautiful trail networks in California.
2. Soquel Demonstration State Forest (“Demo”)
No conversation about Santa Cruz mountain biking is complete without mentioning Soquel Demonstration State Forest, affectionately known as “Demo.”
Home to the legendary Flow Trail, Demo has become a bucket-list destination for mountain bikers from around the world. Riders climb through majestic redwood forests before being rewarded with miles of machine-built berms, rollers, and flowing downhill singletrack. Intermediate and advanced riders will also find technical favorites like Braille and Sawpit. (Santa Cruz Trails)
If Wilder Ranch showcases the beauty of coastal cross-country riding, Demo delivers one of the finest gravity-assisted flow experiences in California.
3. UC Santa Cruz Trail Network
The forests surrounding UC Santa Cruz have long been part of the area’s mountain biking culture.
Upper Campus access roads connect riders to nearby trail systems including Pogonip, Henry Cowell, and Wilder Ranch, creating miles of scenic riding through towering redwoods and rolling hills. While legal riding is currently limited to designated roads and approved routes on university property, the surrounding network continues to be an important part of Santa Cruz’s cycling community. (Santa Cruz Trails)
4. Pogonip Open Space
Just outside downtown Santa Cruz, Pogonip Open Space offers a fun mix of beginner- and intermediate-friendly trails with sweeping views of Monterey Bay.
The Emma McCrary Trail has become one of the area’s most popular flow trails, providing riders with smooth corners, gradual climbs, and easy connections toward the UCSC trail network. It’s an excellent destination for newer mountain bikers looking to build confidence. (Next Level MTB Guides)
5. DeLaveaga Park
Known locally as “Dela,” DeLaveaga Park is one of Santa Cruz’s classic mountain biking playgrounds.
Expect twisting singletrack, technical roots, natural berms, and fast descents beneath towering redwoods. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown, it’s a favorite training ground for local riders and racers. (Next Level MTB Guides)
6. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
If you’re looking for a quieter ride beneath towering old-growth redwoods, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers peaceful fire roads and multi-use trails surrounded by some of the oldest trees in California.
It’s the perfect place for recovery rides, scenic adventures, and riders who simply want to enjoy the beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains. (Santa Cruz Trails)
Why Women Love Riding the Santa Cruz Mountains
Few places combine world-class mountain biking with such incredible scenery.
One moment you’re climbing through fragrant eucalyptus groves. The next you’re descending beneath towering coast redwoods before emerging onto blufftop trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The Santa Cruz Mountains offer:
- World-class singletrack
- Coastal ocean views
- Ancient redwood forests
- Challenging climbs and rewarding descents
- Friendly mountain biking community
- Riding opportunities for every skill level
Whether you’re training for your next race or simply looking for your next adventure, the Santa Cruz Mountains belong on every mountain biker’s bucket list.
Ride Wilder Ranch with MTB Girls Ride Club — July 18
This summer, experience the best of Wilder Ranch Santa Cruz mountain biking trails with the MTB Girls Ride Club.
Join coaches Liz Donahey and Kim Meredith for a fun, supportive coed skills clinic designed to help you become a stronger, more confident mountain biker while exploring one of California’s most spectacular trail systems.
You’ll improve your climbing, descending, cornering, and trail confidence while making new friends and experiencing the incredible beauty that has made Wilder Ranch one of the top mountain biking destinations on the West Coast.
Spots are limited. Register today and discover why Wilder Ranch is one of the best places to ride—and race—in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
