Santa Cruz: West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop

Yes, this loop is generally considered easy, featuring mostly paved and flat pathways. However, the West Cliff Drive section can become very busy with pedestrians, joggers, and other cyclists, which might make it challenging for beginners to navigate through crowds. The Riverwalk section is also paved and wide, offering a smoother experience.

The entire loop is paved. The West Cliff Drive portion is a fairly flat pathway along the coastline, while the Santa Cruz Riverwalk Trail also offers wide, flat pavement along the San Lorenzo River. Both sections have minimal elevation gain, making for a smooth road cycling experience.

The loop offers diverse scenery. Along West Cliff Drive, you'll enjoy breathtaking coastal views of Monterey Bay, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities to spot marine life. You'll pass beaches and residential areas. The Santa Cruz Riverwalk provides a different experience, following the San Lorenzo River through downtown, with views of the river, bridges, and urban nature.

On West Cliff Drive, you'll pass the Surfer Statue, Lighthouse Field State Beach, and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. The Riverwalk connects to downtown Santa Cruz, San Lorenzo Park, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The San Lorenzo Trestle is also a notable bike-pedestrian bridge along the Riverwalk.

Parking is available in various spots along West Cliff Drive and near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which serves as the connection point between the two main sections of the loop. You can also find parking in downtown Santa Cruz near the Riverwalk.

The entire loop is approximately 16.1 kilometers (10 miles) long. For an average road cyclist, it typically takes around 44 minutes to complete, not including stops for sightseeing or breaks.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several official trails. It includes parts of the Pacific Coast Bike Route (North and South), the Coastal Rail Trail, West Cliff Multipurpose Cycleway, and various segments of the Santa Cruz Riverwalk East and West trails.

While specific rules for the entire loop vary, dogs are generally allowed on leash on many parts of West Cliff Drive and the Riverwalk. Always check local signage for specific restrictions in parks or beaches along the route.

Santa Cruz generally has pleasant weather year-round. However, for fewer crowds, consider cycling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or on weekdays. Summer can be very busy, especially on West Cliff Drive. Winter offers a chance to see monarch butterflies near Natural Bridges State Beach.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Santa Cruz: West Cliff and Riverwalk Loop. It is publicly accessible.

Yes, both West Cliff Drive and the Riverwalk offer access to numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs. West Cliff Drive has options near the beaches and residential areas, while the Riverwalk connects directly to downtown Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which are rich with dining choices.

West Cliff Drive is extremely popular and can become very crowded with walkers, joggers, and other cyclists, especially on weekends and during peak season. This can make cycling challenging. Some local cyclists opt to ride on the parallel road on their return trip to avoid the heavy traffic on the dedicated path.