Review: Excellent downhill and freeride options although there's a long ride in and back out (if you're bringing a heavy rig)

Review: Downhill-oriented through the woods with a lot of jumps and stuff to play on, but be ready to pay your dues. Even with a shuttle, still over 2800 ft. of climbing for just one lap coupled with Cussacks. Local riders were all very cool and helpful - good biking scene.

* Review edited 10/9/2012

Review: Overall a good trail. I don't think it deserves a "Top 10 in the World" type of ranking though. It is downhill oriented. Most of the landings are flat. Its a beautiful area. Honestly, Black Rock in Oregon is much, much better.

Similar Trail: Black Rock in Falls City, Oregon.

Review: What an awesome trail! Definitely DH oriented, but if you have an AM bike and don't shuttle you'll end up doing A LOT of climbing! Jumps, drops, and other stunts spread all over the trails here... I think it would be way more fun if you know what all the drops are like, because coming into them blind it's really hard to tell exactly what the feature is or how big it is. I'd love to live near here!

Review: First timer here at Soquel Demo Forest... heard plenty of raves about the technically challenging Braille trail & was eager to check it out.

Parking at the main gate & crossing the bridge over Soquel Creek, I started off onto Hihn's Mill trail. The plan was to take Hihn to Sulfur trail. Sulfer is approximately a 2mi climb which eventually takes you to Ridge trail which feeds into the 3 trails SDF is well known for: Braille, Tractor, & Sawpit.

Review: First time ride at Soquel Demonstration Forest. I was not planning on hitting the braille trail. It is definitely for a more experienced rider with a full suspension bike. I ended up taking it anyway on my hardtail with 2 other experienced riders. I would never have continued down the trail if I stopped the flow and looked at what I was getting myself into. But heading downhill and letting my experience take over without hesitation is what got me down fast and safe with the most fun Ive ever had on a trail. There were times that I wanted to be able to hit pause and assess what was happening like a video game, but you just cant do that. I rode it out and had to keep in mind what I am supposed to do. I felt like I was about to go over the bars in the beginning which made me move farther back on the bike. I dropped my seat almost all the way down and increased the travel on my fork before descending and still bottomed out. I didnt hit any of the jumps. The roots, bumps, and drops were plenty for me. I will definitely hit it again. Looking back my experience was enough to do it, but my balls wouldnt have been big enough to try if given the choice. I just went down and didnt look back and just rode it out. It was awesome.

Review: If you are looking to have fun on this trail and you are not a very, VERY advanced rider, avoid the Braille trail. Also avoid this trail if you do not have a high quality full-suspension ride. Or if you have any problem sitting so far behind your seat you're likely to ruin your shorts razzing them with the wheel. Make no mistake that this is an extremely steep, fast, technical track. For the expert rider this is the trail you've been waiting for. You could spend a lifetime mastering harder and harder jumps and probably still never make them all (I think there was one jump off a massive stump with something like a 7 or 8 foot dropoff from top to bottom, onto very steep downhill grade and straight into a rather sudden turn). My husband and I breezed past a group of three guys who seemed to have stopped in the middle of the toughest part of the descent and were debating what to do-- if you do not have the skills, you will be marooned here. It is literally too steep to walk or carry your bike up or down in many parts. If you DO have the skills, you will find this track very, very fun. Adrenaline will be pumping hard no matter how good you are. It reminds me of Bikram yoga. While it's happening you're asking yourself, "WHY am I DOING this???," but afterward you find yourself hankering the unique benefits extremes can bring. With that being said, the trail was a bit of a disappointment for me in terms of the length and flow of it. It has definite "legs" that stand apart from one another, and one loop really doesn't feel like quite enough. There isn't much flow, but I guess there are other trails for that. The downhill feels long while it's happening, but later seems short in comparison to the length of the uphill. I've only done it once and I have to admit that I look forward to doing it again. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 here, but if it was a scale of 1-10 I'd give it a 7. There is a delicate balance on great trails between challenge, fun, and good hard work. When any one of those spikes too high it sours the deal a bit. This trail is spiked off the charts on challenge, and even the hard work seems to slightly outrank the fun, because it's not fun hard work, it's mostly dirt fire roads. Like 2/3 of this trail is uphill on dirt fire roads. Lame. I'm hoping when I go back next time some of the other trails will add more balance to the equation.

Similar Trail: Slickrock at Moab if you like the extreme challenge factor. Reminds me of Corte De Madera trailset in the balance of uphill vs. downhill- lots of uphill, but the downhill is very rewarding and totally worth it.

Review: Just went for my first ride at "Demo" as the locals called it and as a non-Californian used to riding ordinary single track all over the US, let me say that this is a downhill mountain bike playground. Countless hours have been invested in building jumps, log piles and skinnies. There's a main trail called Ridge Trail with 3 downhill connectors. Braille, Tractor, and Sawpit. Braille has the most to offer the advanced rider, Tractor would be more appropriate for the intermediate rider and Sawpit is a mix of both. If you take the long way in be prepared for pedalling uphill for about an hour. It's definitely worth it, but it's a heck of a cardio workout. Save a little for the ride out because no matter which of the 3 you choose, it's all uphill on the way out. The way out is nowhere near as steep and intense as the ride in. A full suspension for the downhill sections is a must.

Similar Trail: Not that familiar with the Santa Cruz area.

Review: Your living the dream he shouted as he pedaled by on a rig that looked to cost more them my first car. As I huffed and puffed to catch my breath all I could think is I hope he’s right. I was half way up sulfur springs and exhausted already. I couldn’t wait to get to the top to realize the aforementioned dream. All I could think to myself is this is more like a recurring nightmare, where I am pushing my bike up and endless 45 degree grade and when I get to the top. I find myself back at the parking lot I started at. I jumped back on my bike and crank out a few more hundred yards and I can finally see the top of the trail. Catching my breath once again I looked up the trail and saw my ridding buddy at the top looking down at me like a father patiently waiting for his son to learn a lesson. I finally made it to the top and I was a bit disappointed. It looked nothing like a dream in fact it was more like a waste land. The helli pad and the sparse trees, shrubs, and hard pack clay gave it a post apocalyptic feel. As I surveyed the area I noticed a trail head about 20 feet from where I was. We walked over and found the trail head singe and it read Ridge Trail. It didn’t appear to be anything special that I could tell from where I was standing with my bike. After about 10 minutes of recuperating we started our decent down the Ridge trail. From the start I knew this trail was going to be special. Right of the bat you have to navigate some rutty trail and a slight drop. Being somewhat an intermediate novice this was challenging and exciting all at the same time. I started to pick up speed and spent the next ¾ mile swooping left and right and rolling up and down. The trail has a bit of a side wall feel for them and some were even banked but not by much. Expect for the occasional front tier rolling up and sliding down the side walls of the trail the ride was exhilarating to say the least. We rolled up on to the table and vista point right after the brail trail head and before the tractor trail head. This is one of the best vista views of Santa Cruz you will find in the bay area. We broke out our snacks and kicked up our feet for a well deserved break. After about 20 minutes of chatting, snacking, and hydrating we headed back down the ridge trail in the direction of the tractor trail head. The ridge trail did not disappoint and if tractor was anything like the ridge trail indeed I was going to be livening the dream. Due to the towering red wood trees you can’t see that far ahead of you down any given trail at Demo Forest. I wasn’t sure what lie ahead of us on the tractor trail I have heard so many great things about. I was excited with anticipation and a little anxious about my skill level and my bike. So far on this day all I have seen is $2k + bikes and all have been full suspension with disk breaks. I was even told I was a little nutty to be riding my hard tail trek 4300 V break bike in this park. I would have to agree with the easements by my fellow riders it was a little nutty indeed. We final came to the Tractor trail head and it looked intimidating to say the least. I was hoping I would be able to keep my ambitious and aggressive riding style in check today. I still lack the skills needed to keep up with my gunhooeineess (yes I know this isn’t a real word). Sometimes I make my riding partner go ahead of me so I don’t get carried away literally and figuratively. He has witnessed the results of my going just al little to fast and a little to agro for my skill level on 3 separate occasions, twice ending in hospital visits. Today would be a true test of my progression in riding skills and self-control. While mentally preparing my self I tightened up my front and back breaks, let out a little tier pressure in the front and back then proceeded to drop my seat down half the distance to the frame. Checked my helmet was strapped tight took a deep breath and went for it. I picked up speed right of way so I started pumping my back break trying not to break traction with the trail. Already I was on my way into the fist swooping left turn and I knew I was caring too much speed. I grabbed a hand full of front and back break took my left foot off my pedal and prepared my self for impact with a giant redwood tree. I started to skid and drift to the outside of the turn as soon as I entered the corner so I let go of the breaks planted my foot on the ground and pitched my bike into the corner with all my might. I continued to drift to the outside heading right for the tree. Thank god the trail was a bit dryer and harder then the section I was skidding in my tiers bit and my life didn’t have to flash before my eyes once again as I was able to make the corner. I let out a giant whoohoo of relief. Then I noticed the tight right hander coming up real fast. I managed to scrub some speed off preventing my emanate death at the hands of a giant red wood in the previous corner but was still going in hot. I saw a small opening in the apex of the corner looked like just enough room to fit me and my bike between some younger redwoods. So once again I grabbed a hand full of breaks leaned as far back on my bike as I could touched in my elbows and skidded my way straight in to the apex of the corner. I managed to keep the bike going in a straight enough line to head exactly where I wanted. As I squeaked between the two trees I suddenly found my self going over a 2 foot drop and into even more trees. Because I had the forsite to lean as far back as I could before threading the trees I thought I would make the drop but I didn’t let go of my breaks so I went straight over the handle bars as soon as my front end hit the ground. I proceed to execute the most spectacular ninja roll ever according to my riding partner and came to a rolling stop at the base of what would have been the first of many trees I would have went careening off of had I made the drop. I stood up dusted the pine needs and mud off and did a quick easement of my bike then myself. I had a few minor scrapes nothing that couldn’t be taken care of at the end of the day. I looked up to see how many people got to witness my little off trail adventure and smiling from ear to ear with that I told you so satisfied look on his face my riding partner says to me “You better check your shorts, you went so rigged when you went of that drop I thought you were going to snap your seat off”. We both had a good laugh at my expense and prepared to head back down the trail. For the remainder of the 1.1 miles of downhill I kept my speed in check and it was the best down hill I have ever ridden in the California bay area. From the swooping turns to the mini air jumps to the incredible speed. This trail had it all. There were also plenty of stunts and other stuff we didn’t have a chance to try. Next time I come back I will defiantly be on a full suspension bike with disk breaks. My hands and but were sore to say the least once the ride was over. You defiantly have to pay to play at Demo forest. The clime in and out of the park can be rough if you are not in the best of shape. I would have to say Demo forest is definitely living the dream if you are a mountain biker living in the California bay area.

Review: It's my favorite trail in the Bay area, what a blast: sweet DH singletrack, good climbing, lots of feature and a gorgeous view on Santa Cruz bay. Here is what we did last week: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/20108411 You alternate climbing, DH on a really good pace. The only minus is that you have to climb back to the parking lot after a great ride but it totally worth it

Similar Trail: Skegg's

Review: This is my favorite trail in the South Bay. We usually climb up Highland way (the long route - recommended because you get an extra stretch of Ridge to do), descend on Ridge, then Braille, and climb up Sulphur Springs to do a second run on the trail of our choice. My favorites here, in order: Braille, Sawpit (though I only did it the first time at Demo, due to the long climb out), and Tractor. Bring a friend when you're biking here.. Demo isn't the kind of place where you want to ride alone and get hurt.

Similar Trail: Corte Madera

Review: Wooooow... this is what mtbing is really about... Demo forest, my new found favorite.

Review: I can't imagine anyone thinking this trail system is "Intermediate." I have ridden the Northern California trails for years. From Marin and Napa to Lake Tahoe down to Big Sur. I've visited the fine trails in the North, South, Midwest and I was there for the first mountain biking event of the Olympics in Georgia. Nisene and SDF are advanced serious trails. Exceptional trails.

* Review edited 10/23/2008

Similar Trail: Ft Ord (Trails 82, 59, 49, 50)

Review: Maaaan, was this fun. Climbed up the fire road, bombed down Sawpit, climbed Tractor, and flew (I do mean flew) down Braille. I've fallen off condition, so the climbing was really tough, but sooo worth the downhill. I'll admit to being somewhat skeptical as to just how good this ride would be, after hearing everybody rave about Demo, but it really is the best in the area. I need to pound out some hills and then do it again, and again, and again.

Review: DEMO FOREST ROX!! ridden here a few times with my buddy who knows the trails pretty well and i had so much fun. definately coming back here

Review: So far the best singletrack ridden in Nor Cal. A smooth incline up the fireroad allows for reasonable access to the top. Plenty of room for fast riding on the single track on your way back down. Currently the road is out if you are coming from the west. You have to park at the end and ride about 1mi to the bridge.

Review: Great Trail! I would raise a pint to those who worked so hard on making Braille Trail the most fun I have had in months. Thanks! Lots of Jumps, drops, carves, and overall one of the most fun singletrack decents I have done. The fire roads up are fine but nothing special, and the view of the Pacific is grand.

Review: Road to trail has been washed out by land slide. Signs say road closed, but you can make it to trail.. Trail is one of the best I have hit.. Well worth the risk of getting there..

Similar Trail: Wilder

Review: Fun stuff out here. The ridge is fun in itself then you got your choices of Sawpit, Tractor or Braile. A favorite is to ride down Sawpit up Tractor then down Braile. For all out speed warp ride down Tractor.

Review: Just did Highland to Sawpit loop today 32/17 toooohigh a gear with 2.4s Maybe 32/18 for the wet conditions

Review: Don't stop at Sand Point go on up to overlook and rop into Demo do Tractor or Sawpit for a 50+ mile loop on your Single Speed. Toast for a week

Review: The most awesome trail in the Bay Area. Make sure to take Braille Trail atleast once while you're there (ATLEAST once). It has got to rank among the top in the country for fast downhill singletrack with plenty of log pyramids, see-saws, and other fun. For those less inclined towards risking life and limb like the fifteen year who is writing this, their is always a way around. Happy trails!

Review: This place has got some of the best, fast, sweeping, rolling through the forest singletrack in the bay area. Trials connect so that you can go about 20 minutes downhill (depending on your speed). Very low technical difficulty. Some very small jumps, log drops, some log piles (not really worth mentioning). Aerobic difficulty is relatively low, 20 min climb--20 min decent--20 min climb out. Overall i rate this place very high for mountain biking. Fun + fast