The best cycling routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
4.6
(89)
2,643
riders
135
rides
Touring cycling in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve offers a diverse landscape for riders. The preserve features a mix of coastal paths, rolling hills, and open ranchland, providing varied terrain for cycling. Creek areas and eucalyptus groves are also present, contributing to the natural environment. The elevation changes across the preserve range from gentle slopes to more challenging ascents.
Best touring cycling routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
- The most popular touring cycling route is Wilder Ranch…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
16
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
riders
22.0km
01:56
370m
370m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
1
riders
65.1km
04:27
1,110m
1,110m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
125
riders
43.9km
04:08
860m
860m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
What's special about this path is that it takes you from Santa Cruz to the Wilder Ranch Park without using Route 1. Once there, you have multiple dirt path choices to ride around up into the park.
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While there are more formal memorials to the sport of surfing a little ways south at the Lighthouse and north at the official Surfer Memorial Sculpture, this spot is more personal. Here along West Cliff Drive is the famous surfing spot known as Steamer Lane. For all its fame and pleasure, surf conditions, accidents and bad luck exact a fatal toll. An informal memorial up on the cliff remembers surfers who have died.-It's next to a staircase leading down to the beach. The wooden plaques are all custom, hand-routed tributes by friends or family. The carved messages, lacking biographical details (because they are well-known locals?) are sometimes adorned with flower arrangements and small keepsakes along the fence. While these memorials of surfer deaths are also sad, there is a somewhat relaxed atmosphere at this spot. The surfers were doing what they loved, and knew the risks.
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Stunning Natural Bridge Beach is known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved by time, water, and wind. The beach is also known for being home to a colony of monarch butterflies, with over 150,000 coming to live here for the winter. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales!
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This overlook is worth the short detour off the trail. It's a great place to stop and enjoy the views. This is a pretty popular spot so be prepared for a crowd.
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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.
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In the summer of 1885, three young Hawaiian princes ignited the California coast's surfing phenomenon by introducing their boards and the ancient Hawaiian sport to the American mainland. A commemorative plaque near the former lighthouse, now home to a quaint surfing museum, immortalizes this significant moment in history.
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The surfer statue along West Cliff Drive is a landmark of Santa Cruz. The statue stands at 18 feet tall and was inspired by members of the 1936 Santa Cruz Surfing Club.
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Boulder Creek sits just below the Santa Cruz Mountains and is the gateway to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The downtown area offers bars and restaurants that occupy buildings dating back to the early 1900s.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
There are over 120 touring cycling routes available in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
Are there touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve offers 32 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a moderate ride that connects coastal paths with historic ranchland is the Wilder Ranch Bike Path – Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve loop from Moore Creek Wetland Natural Preserve, which is 8.6 miles long.
What are the typical lengths of touring cycling routes in the preserve?
Route lengths vary significantly. You can find shorter rides like the 8.6-mile Wilder Ranch Bike Path – Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve loop, or more extensive journeys such as the 40.4-mile Boulder Creek loop, which takes about 4 hours 27 minutes to complete.
Are there challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. The preserve features 42 difficult touring cycling routes. For a challenging ride with panoramic views, consider the 13.7-mile Wilder Ridge and Chinquapin Loop, which includes significant climbs. Another demanding option is the 26.8-mile Wilder Ranch State Park – Eucalyptus Loop Trail loop from Swift Halt.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
The preserve generally offers pleasant cycling conditions year-round, but spring and fall often provide the most comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Coastal areas can be cooler and foggier in summer mornings, while inland sections might be warmer.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the touring cycling routes?
The preserve offers diverse terrain, including coastal paths, open ranchland, and rolling hills. You'll encounter a mix of gentle slopes and more challenging ascents, often passing through creek areas and eucalyptus groves.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve are designed as loops. For example, the popular Wilder Ranch Bike Path – Wilder Dairy Cultural Preserve loop and the more challenging Wilder Ridge and Chinquapin Loop are both circular routes.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve?
The touring cycling routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic coastal views, and the well-maintained paths that offer a mix of challenges and leisurely rides.
Can I expect scenic viewpoints along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, many routes, especially those in the higher elevations or along the coast, offer panoramic views of the preserve and the Pacific Ocean. The Wilder Ridge and Chinquapin Loop is particularly known for its expansive vistas.
Are there any routes that offer coastal views?
Absolutely. Many routes incorporate coastal paths, providing stunning ocean views. The West Cliff Cycleway – Pleasure Point Beach loop from Swift Halt is a moderate 16.3-mile route that offers beautiful coastal scenery.
What are the general weather conditions for cycling in the preserve?
Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve experiences a Mediterranean climate. Expect mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Coastal fog is common in the mornings during summer, often burning off by midday. Always check the local forecast before heading out.
Is it possible to spot wildlife while touring cycling?
Yes, the preserve is home to various wildlife. While cycling, you might encounter deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals. Staying on designated trails and maintaining a respectful distance helps protect these animals and ensures a safe experience for everyone.
Most popular routes in Moore Creek Upland Open Space Preserve
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