Take a Ride on the Wilder Side

Mountain Bike Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz

For those who demand diverse scenery on their mountain bike ride—old-growth redwood groves, coast-side cliffs and sandy coves, rolling and terraced cliffs—one park has it all! Wilder Ranch State Park on the coast west of Santa Cruz is accessible and filled with beginner-friendly and expert options for trails. Rent a bike and purchase a map at Another Bike Shop. Then head west on Mission Street (behind the bike shop) until the road becomes a bike path. You’ll glide past bucolic rolling coastal farmland, straight into Wilder Ranch.

Beginners and bikers looking for a relaxing cruise along the shore should head south, where the trail dead-ends into a stop sign, and ride along Old Cove Landing Trail (3 miles out-and-back). Warm inland air mingles with the briny chill of the coastal breeze for a nice ride along the shoreline’s marine terraces and fern grottos. Lucky folks just might catch sight of dolphins, seals, and migrating whales swimming offshore below flocks of brown pelicans. Experienced bikers looking for a strenuous trek should steer towards Engelsmans Loop Trail and explore the park’s expansive system of mountain biking trails on a challenging 10-mile route that takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

Climb uphill on Engelsmans Loop for a mile through oak woodlands and coastal prairie, then stop and enjoy the view of the ocean behind you before turning onto Wild Boar Trail. After about a half mile, you’ll take a left at Old Cabin Trail, which has you bobbing and weaving through the cooling shade of coastal redwoods and the dry heat and knobcone pines of the inland grasslands. Stay left at Eucalyptus Loop, continuing through lush groves of manzanitas and redwoods, to Twin Oaks Trail. Veer left here and continue onto Wilder Ridge Loop to head downhill, back to where you began.

Another Bike Shop, 2361 Mission St., Santa Cruz, (831) 427-2232, has an incredibly knowledgeable staff and some of the best gear around, so have them deck you out with the right bike for your ride, and buy a map of the park while you’re there. $40/day for mountain bikes, $80/day for full suspension.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View