Seymour Marine Discovery Center

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.

The Enchanted Loop – Wilder Ridge Loop Trail loop from Swift Halt offers an incredible touring cycling experience through a diverse landscape. You'll ride from rugged coastal bluffs with sweeping views of Monterey Bay, through open grasslands, and into the deep shade of redwood forests, especially in the aptly named "Enchanted" section. Expect a mix of singletrack and fire roads, with some technical and rutted sections that keep things interesting.

This difficult 21.5-mile (34.6 km) route involves a substantial 1980 feet (604 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 19 minutes to complete. The trail starts from Swift Halt in Wilder Ranch State Park, where parking is usually available. It's best tackled by experienced touring cyclists with bikes capable of handling varied terrain, and visiting in spring or fall offers the most comfortable weather.

Wilder Ranch State Park is renowned as a top mountain biking destination in the Bay Area, offering a wider variety of trails than many other parks. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll also encounter historic 19th-century dairy ranch buildings, adding a unique cultural layer to your ride. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like deer and hawks as you explore this dynamic landscape.