4.6
(31)
782
riders
25
rides
Mountain biking in Lodato Open Space Preserve offers diverse terrain within Santa Cruz County. The area features redwood forests, open spaces, and varied elevations, including hills and moderate climbs. This preserve provides a natural setting for mountain bike trails, characterized by a mix of wooded paths and scenic viewpoints.
Last updated: October 25, 2026
6
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.
5.0
(13)
148
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required.

5
riders
49.1km
03:37
960m
960m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required.
8
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(2)
136
riders
14.8km
01:17
280m
280m
Easy mountain bike ride.
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Also known as "fairy rings", Cathedral trees are found in a circle where they sprouted from the roots of their parent tree. Over time the Redwoods grow to incredible heights which invokes a sense of another type of Cathedral.
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The Indian Creek Railroad Bridge was once part of a rail system used to transport lumber and goods from the surrounding redwood forests. Today, it stands as a reminder of the regionβs industrial past. While the bridge is not accessible to pedestrians, it can be viewed from nearby trails.
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Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile of sandy shoreline for swimming and picnicking, situated near the Santa Cruz Harbor. Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak preserves and coastal grasslands, ideal for dog-walking and bird watching. The day-use area operates from sunrise to sunset.
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Felton Covered Bridge Park is a small city park and home to the Felton Covered Bridge, which is the tallest covered bridge in the United States. The bridge is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the park offers a playground, sand volleyball court, picnic area, and access to the San Lorenzo River.
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Moran Lake is in the middle of Moran Lake Park which has a nice trail next to the lake and opens out onto Moran Lake Beach. The park has a parking area and restrooms. The beach is the real attraction but the park and lake are also very nice.
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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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You have just got to take some time out here just to gawp at the majesty of these giant Redwoods. They are aptly named Cathedral Redwoods due to their visual association with the pillars you would find in a cathedral.
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Very often running in the middle of these gigantic columns of giant trees, makes you think of huge pillars of a cathedral. This is undoubtedly the reason why they named this part of the forest that.
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There are over 35 mountain bike trails in Lodato Open Space Preserve, offering a diverse range of experiences from easy rides to challenging routes through redwood forests and open spaces.
Lodato Open Space Preserve offers a good mix of trails for various skill levels. You'll find 13 easy routes, 17 moderate routes, and 8 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Yes, Lodato Open Space Preserve has 13 easy mountain bike routes that are suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. These trails often feature gentler terrain and less elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Absolutely. For advanced riders seeking a challenge, there are 8 difficult mountain bike trails. Routes like the Fremont Tree β Cathedral Redwoods loop from Glenwood, a 16.0-mile (25.8 km) trail with significant elevation changes, offer a demanding experience through dense redwood forests.
The preserve features diverse terrain, including dense redwood forests, open spaces, and varied elevations with rolling hills and moderate climbs. You'll encounter a mix of wooded paths and areas with scenic viewpoints.
Yes, many trails in the preserve are loops, providing a continuous riding experience without retracing your path. An example is the Bear Mountain β Bear Mountain loop from Scotts Valley, a difficult 7.9-mile (12.7 km) path offering a mix of ascents and descents.
The trails in Lodato Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the beautiful redwood forests, varied terrain, and the well-maintained paths that offer a rewarding experience.
Trail durations vary significantly based on length and difficulty. For instance, the moderate Cathedral Redwoods β Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench loop from Felton Roaring Camp, which is 12.0 miles (19.3 km), typically takes about 1 hour 52 minutes. Shorter, easy trails will be quicker, while longer, difficult routes can take over two hours.
Yes, many moderate trails provide excellent views. The Cathedral Redwoods β Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench loop from Mount Hermon, a 31.4 km (19.5 miles) moderate route, takes you through redwood groves and open areas, likely offering scenic vistas along the way.
While specific seasonal information isn't provided, generally, spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in this region, with milder temperatures and less chance of extreme weather. Summer can be warm, and winter might bring rain, affecting trail conditions.
Specific parking locations are often associated with trailheads. For example, routes like the Fremont Tree β Cathedral Redwoods loop start from Glenwood, and the Bear Mountain β Bear Mountain loop starts from Scotts Valley, indicating potential parking access points in these areas. It's advisable to check the specific tour details on komoot for trailhead parking information.


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