1.
Lisa Killough Trail – Calero Reservoir loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance
31.9km
02:46
610m
610m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
View route
The best gravel rides in Santa Teresa County Park
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 29, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan gravel biking in Santa Teresa County Park, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails crisscrossing the rolling hills, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – nobody wants to spend their precious riding time guessing. That's why we've done the legwork for you. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so this guide is your curated shortlist of the best gravel biking in Santa Teresa County Park, saving you the guesswork.
Gravel biking here means embracing a landscape of rolling hills, mixed oak woodlands, and expansive grasslands. You'll find a great mix of fire roads and some singletrack paths, offering varied terrain and significant elevation changes that will get your legs working. While there are options for different ability levels, the park definitely leans towards more advanced gravel routes, often rewarding you with panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley. Keep an eye out for vibrant seasonal wildflowers from March through June, which add an extra layer of beauty to your ride.
If you only do one ride, we'd point you straight to the Lisa Killough Trail – Calero Reservoir loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance. At 19.8 miles (31.9 km), it's a challenging route with sustained climbs that deliver fantastic views overlooking Calero Reservoir, making every pedal stroke worthwhile. For another top-rated adventure that truly captures the park's character, check out the Alamitos Creek Trail – Mount Umunhum Road loop from Cottle, a longer 32.5 miles (52.3 km) journey through varied terrain, including scenic creek-side paths and ascents. With more than 70 gravel bikers already exploring Santa Teresa County Park with komoot, you're in good company. Get out there and discover your next favorite ride!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa Killough Trail – Calero Reservoir loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance | 31.9 km | 610 m | Hard |
| Lisa Killough Trail – Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance | 25.9 km | 570 m | Hard |
| Alamitos Creek Trail – Mount Umunhum Road loop from Cottle | 52.5 km | 820 m | Hard |
| Mount Umunhum – Mount Umunhum loop from Almaden Quicksilver County Park | 37.9 km | 1,080 m | Hard |
| Mine Hill Trailhead – Mount Umunhum Road loop from Almaden Valley | 43.9 km | 1,140 m | Hard |
| Pfeiffer Park – Lisa Killough Trail loop from Westfield Oakridge | 45.0 km | 430 m | Moderate |
| Pfeiffer Park – Mine Hill Trailhead loop from Branham | 47.0 km | 620 m | Hard |
| Coyote Peak – Pfeiffer Park loop from Pioneer High School | 29.2 km | 380 m | Moderate |
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Lisa Killough Trail – Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance
25.9km
02:39
570m
570m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
View route
3.
Alamitos Creek Trail – Mount Umunhum Road loop from Cottle
52.5km
03:54
820m
820m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
View route
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4.
Mount Umunhum – Mount Umunhum loop from Almaden Quicksilver County Park
37.9km
03:15
1,080m
1,080m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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5.
Mine Hill Trailhead – Mount Umunhum Road loop from Almaden Valley
43.9km
03:58
1,140m
1,140m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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6.
Pfeiffer Park – Lisa Killough Trail loop from Westfield Oakridge
45.0km
03:25
430m
430m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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7.
Pfeiffer Park – Mine Hill Trailhead loop from Branham
47.0km
03:15
620m
620m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
View route
8.
Coyote Peak – Pfeiffer Park loop from Pioneer High School
29.2km
02:00
380m
380m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
View route
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Tips from the Community
manoucher
October 22, 2026, Mount Umunhum Road (climb)
This is a tough climb. It gains 2200 in 5 miles of which 1.1 miles are flat or downhills! There are 3-4 short segments with 15% gradient. The road is exposed so riding when temperature is below 75 is recommended. On summer weekends expect caravans of motorcycles with their fumes and noise. It is a super special experience. Be patient on climb and cautious on the descent. There are restroom facilities but no potable water. This climb is addictive! You will be back! There are locals who climb this road 100+ times annually!
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Nico
March 31, 2026, Kennedy Trail
This is not a very exciting trail to hike. It’s pretty much a trail surrounded by thick walls of vegetation, with almost no opportunity to view your surroundings. The trail is 70% rocks/gravel, and 30% hard packed clay, so avoid wearing snickers
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Clive Alexander-Clarke
September 6, 2025, Mount Umunhum
If you make the summit a fantastic view awaits. Be aware the road goes down then up to the road about then up again to the summit!…
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Lisa
June 29, 2025, Mount Umunhum
Still one of the highest points in the Santa Cruz Mountains, even though the military graded and flattened the actual summit to create an Air Force base. The summit was cleaned of hazardous material in 2009, then carefully restored after a lot of community input. It's a lovely place to visit now!
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maniboyflex
January 23, 2025, Mount Umunhum Road (climb)
Climbing Mount Umunhum is a tough but rewarding challenge. The road is steep, with sections reaching up to 18% grades, so pace yourself. The views from the top are spectacular, making the hard work worth it. Start early to avoid traffic and the heat, and be prepared for a long, demanding ascent.
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Alex
January 9, 2025, Bald Peaks Viewpoint
Bald Peak provides great views of Santa Clara Valley, the Diablo Range, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Hikers and mountain bikers can access the peak via trails like Hidden Springs and Coyote Peak, which offer moderate to steep climbs. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for enjoying cooler temperatures in hot summer months. The trails are well-maintained and scenic.
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Andrus
December 30, 2024, Calero County Park Information Board
Located right by the parking area you can find some additional info before heading out on your ride.
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Andrus
December 30, 2024, Cottle Trail, Calero County Park
Nice gravel trail that winds its way through the park. Some sections follow long the water giving you some great views.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty level for gravel biking in Santa Teresa County Park?
Gravel biking in Santa Teresa County Park is primarily geared towards more experienced riders. Out of 14 available routes, 12 are rated as difficult, with 2 moderate options and no easy trails. Expect challenging climbs and varied terrain.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking routes in Santa Teresa County Park?
Santa Teresa County Park's gravel routes are generally challenging, with most rated as difficult. There are no easy routes specifically designated as family-friendly for gravel biking within the park's current offerings. The two moderate routes might be suitable for families with older, experienced riders.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails in Santa Teresa County Park?
The terrain in Santa Teresa County Park features a mix of fire roads and singletrack paths, offering varied surfaces. You'll encounter rolling hills, oak woodlands, and open grasslands, often with significant elevation changes.
Are there any loop trails for gravel biking in Santa Teresa County Park?
Yes, many of the gravel routes in Santa Teresa County Park are loops. For example, the Lisa Killough Trail – Calero Reservoir loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance is a popular option, as is the Lisa Killough Trail – Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance.
What are some notable viewpoints or landmarks along the gravel routes?
Many routes offer panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley. The Lisa Killough Trail – Lisa Killough Trail Viewpoint loop from Rancho San Vicente Entrance specifically leads to a prominent viewpoint. Additionally, you can find highlights like Coyote Peak within the park, which offers expansive vistas.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Santa Teresa County Park?
The gravel biking routes in Santa Teresa County Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 8 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging climbs, varied terrain, and the rewarding views of the Santa Clara Valley.
What is the longest gravel bike route available in Santa Teresa County Park?
The longest gravel route in the park is the Alamitos Creek Trail – Mount Umunhum Road loop from Cottle, which spans 32.5 miles (52.3 km) and typically takes around 4 hours 31 minutes to complete.
Are there any attractions or points of interest near the gravel trails?
Yes, Santa Teresa County Park offers several points of interest. You can explore trails like Pueblo Trail, Rocky Ridge Trail, and Mine Trail loop. The park also features Coyote Peak, a popular summit for views.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Santa Teresa County Park?
While specific seasonal conditions can vary, the rolling hills and open grasslands of Santa Teresa County Park are generally enjoyable during cooler months, such as spring and fall, to avoid the intense summer heat. Winter can also be pleasant, but be mindful of potential wet and muddy conditions on some trails.
How many gravel bike trails are there in Santa Teresa County Park?
There are 14 gravel bike routes available for exploration in Santa Teresa County Park, offering a range of challenging experiences for riders.
Are there any advanced gravel routes for experienced riders?
Yes, Santa Teresa County Park is well-suited for advanced gravel riders. The majority of the routes, 12 out of 14, are rated as difficult, featuring sustained climbs and technical sections. An example is the Mine Hill Trailhead – Mine Hill Trail loop from Almaden Quicksilver County Park.
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