Natural Bridges State Beach – West Cliff Cycleway loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)

Bike touring routes & trails

Natural Bridges State Beach – West Cliff Cycleway loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)

Hard

3.0

(3)

riders

Natural Bridges State Beach – West Cliff Cycleway loop from Beach Station (Santa Cruz)

03:10

39.3km

570m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 1, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Wilder Ranch State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

18.3 km

Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench

Viewpoint

18.8 km

Seep Zone – Chinquapin Road and Fuel Break Road Junction

Highlight • Trail

This area is a steep, gullied region containing numerous springs and seeps (areas where water oozes slowly out of the ground). A diverse range of wildlife, including bobcats, cows, eagles, and squirrels, can be found here.

Tip by

20.1 km

University of California, Santa Cruz Water Tanks

Highlight • Structure

Discovering artwork displayed on these water tanks along the trail is a unique and delightful experience. The water tanks are continually repainted, so you can always look forward to a pleasant surprise in the form of new artwork.

Tip by

28.3 km

Engelsman Loop Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail provides a pleasant, steady incline that meanders through Wilder Ranch State Park. The area boasts stunning wildflowers, and you'll encounter a pleasant mix of shade and open fields along the way.

Tip by

30.2 km

Wilder Ranch State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

Wilder Ranch State Park was formerly a dairy ranch with restored ranch buildings that now serve as a museum. It also offers an extensive trail network for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Tip by

34.0 km

Natural Bridges State Beach

Highlight • Beach

Superb Natural Bridge Beach, known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved out by time, water and winds.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

35.0 km

Swift Beach

Beach

36.4 km

West Cliff Cycleway

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

This 3-mile paved trail follows the southern coastline of Santa Cruz. Here it offers spectacular views of a natural bridge eroded into the cliffs by waves and wind.

Tip by

38.7 km

Beach Volleyball Courts

Highlight • Beach

There are 18 beach volleyball courts on the main beach in Santa Cruz. They are first come, first served, but also available for rent. These courts are frequented by both amateur and professional players.

Tip by

39.0 km

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Highlight • Beach

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest surviving amusement park. This 24-acre park was founded in 1907 and offers old-fashioned carnival games and food booths.

Tip by

39.3 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types