The best gravel rides in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Currently, bicycling, including gravel biking, is generally not permitted in the open sections of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. These areas are primarily designated for hiking and equestrian use. However, the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains and nearby open space preserves do offer varied terrain suitable for gravel biking.

Yes, significant plans are underway! The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has a long-term Preserve Plan that includes a multi-use trail designed to accommodate gravel biking. This trail will traverse the entire preserve, connecting the Lexington Basin with the Skyline area. An opening to the public is anticipated by 2027, or potentially sooner, which will make the preserve a notable destination for gravel biking.

While direct access within the preserve is limited, the surrounding region offers excellent gravel biking. Popular options include the John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint – Summit of Sanborn County Park loop from Los Gatos, which connects a viewpoint with Sanborn County Park. Another favorite is the El Sereno Open Space Preserve – El Sereno Open Space Preserve loop from Monte Sereno, offering varied terrain and elevations.

The region is characterized by lush second-growth redwood groves, some dating back less than 150 years, and even older, massive redwoods (600 to 800 years old) along certain trails. You'll also find extensive areas of Douglas fir and oak woodland, perennial creeks, and diverse wildlife. Higher elevations, like Madrone Knoll, offer spectacular vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains' Sierra Azul Range.

Yes, the area boasts several points of interest. You can immerse yourself in towering Old Growth Redwood Trees and explore the serene Old-Growth Redwoods in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. While not directly on bike trails currently, the preserve also features Upper Lake, historically a lumber mill pond, and Madrone Knoll offers sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

The gravel bike routes in the surrounding area tend to be on the more challenging side. Out of the 7 available tours, 5 are rated as 'difficult' and 2 as 'moderate'. These routes often feature significant elevation changes, with some climbs exceeding 700 meters, providing a challenging experience for riders.

Yes, several popular routes are loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Lexington Reservoir – Los Gatos Creek Trail loop from Oak Meadow is a 15.8-mile route that takes you through reservoir and creek areas. Another option is the Los Gatos Creek Trail – Lexington Reservoir loop from Oak Meadow.

The Santa Cruz Mountains generally offer pleasant conditions for gravel biking for much of the year. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summers can be warm, especially at lower elevations, but the redwood groves offer shade. Winters are typically mild but can bring rain, making some trails muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Parking availability varies depending on the specific trailhead you choose for your gravel bike ride. Many open space preserves and parks in the region, such as those near Los Gatos or Monte Sereno, offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for information on parking at the starting point of your chosen tour.

Currently, no special permits are required for gravel biking on the publicly accessible trails in the open space preserves surrounding Bear Creek Redwoods. However, as the multi-use trail within Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve develops, it's always a good idea to check the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's official website for any updated regulations or permit requirements closer to its opening date.

The gravel biking experiences in this region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the immersive redwood forests and oak woodlands, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs that offer stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The sense of exploring varied landscapes is a common highlight.

While many of the routes in the immediate vicinity are rated as 'difficult', some sections of trails, particularly those closer to urban areas like Los Gatos Creek Trail, might offer more gentle terrain suitable for families with older children or those looking for a less strenuous ride. Always check the route's difficulty and elevation profile on komoot to ensure it matches your family's ability.