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Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 34 mi (54.7 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +1,106/ -1,235 ft
Total: 285 riders
 

Mountain Biking Wilder Ranch State Park

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#60 of 1,004 mountain bike trails in California
#1,133 in the world

The park has 34 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails winding through coastal terraces and valleys.

From the parking lot, start down the dirt path north the bathrooms. At the bottom of the hill, you will have to walk your bike through the ranch. Once on the trails, there is good signage at the intersections. Start on the Englesman Loop Trail, a gradual and exposed climb. After about a mile, instead of going on the rest of the loop, turn off to the left onto Wild Boar Trail where the singletrack fun begins. Continue on Old Cabin Trail - sweet singletrack through the forest. There are even a few rooty technical sections, but don't worry, they're easy enough to just roll over cuz you will be going fast. At the next intersection, take the Eucalyptus Loop Trail (more open fireroad) and head for Enchanted Loop trail. I hear the Enchanted loop trail has some technical singletrack downhill, but it was closed probably due to wet conditions. Now you have two options - Wilder Ridge Loop trail has some cut-offs and is mostly singletrack, then head back to the parking lot. Or you can take the lower part of Enchanted Loop and get on Baldwin Loop. Baldwin Loop is all downhill towards the ocean. Near the bottom of Baldwin Loop, there is a narrow trail that veers off to right where it eventually ends up at Hwy1. Cross Hwy1 and ride towards the beach. Once on the beach, the trail is a little difficult to find. On your left there are some steep hills you will have to carry your bike up and get on the doubletrack. Cruise on the doubletrack (I think the trail is called Old Cove Landing Trail) that rims the cliffside and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean. This trail eventually spits you out at the parking lot.

First added by alvin.santoy on Jan 1, 2003. Last updated May 9, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
  • Drinking water: unknown
  • Lift service: unknown
  • Night riding: unknown
  • Pump track: unknown
  • Restrooms: unknown
  • Fat bike grooming: unknown
  • E-bikes allowed: unknown
  • Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Getting there
From the Hwy1 and Hwy 17 junction in Santa Cruz, travel ~5 miles west on Hwy 1. Turn left into the park entrance. There is a $5 day-parking fee. You can also buy a map of the area at the attendant booth.


Wilder Ranch State Park Trail map

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eatmyDirt (Jun 29, 2024)
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Good (Oct 6, 2019)
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Wilder Ranch State Park videos

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Baldwin Trail
 
Wilder Ranch Mtn Bike Ride
 
 
 
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