Ride Summary:
This loop will give a good look at what is available in the area.
Trail Description:
From the gate jump onto the singletrack, this is Saratoga Gap Trail. Climb up till you reach the intersection with Charcoal Rd.
-Take a left and get onto Long Ridge Trail.
-Go across the HWY and ignore the turnoffs that come up, till you get to a 4-way intersection.
-At the intersection you want to take a right then keep bearing to your left.
-This should bring you back to the HWY, go across it and find the Grizzly Flat Trail.
-Ride Grizzly till it comes to the Canyon Trail, take a right and enjoy this last bit of downhill.
-Canyon Trail will intersect with the lower part of Charcoal Rd, you want to take a right and start climbing.
-Charcoal Rd. will bring you back around to the Saratoga Trail, take a left and go on back home.
How to get there:
Head north out of Santa Cruz on HWY 9 to the intersection with HWY 35/Skyline Boulevard. The parking lot is right at the junction.
Additional Notes:
Heavy rains may close some of the trails in the area.
| Posted by: Jeremy on 3/30/2007 |
|
 |
Rode this trail yesterday, not exactly in the order that the layout at the top specifies, but I think I covered around 10 miles. The elevation change may be 1200 feet from the top to the bottom, but I bet you climb atleast 2000 feet going up and down hills. The climb up from the bottom of the Canyon Trail was brutal, but the single track was excellent.
|
| Posted by: adam on 7/22/2004 |
|
|
really nice trail but really tough for a beginner. some of those climbs are challenging. but the ride is awesome with a good mix of everything.
|
| Posted by: jack on 1/11/2003 |
|
|
i ride this trail every week i love it for every uphill you have a great downhill like a roller coaster and it's in saratoga not santa cruz...
|
| Posted by: murdo on 5/7/2001 |
|
|
this trail is more than beginner rating, good mix of singletrack and hiking trails, we did the 10 mile loop, trail was dry and fast, several technical areas that a beginner would have problems traversing, but overall it was a great ride to do for those getting back into the sport of mtn biking
|
| Posted by: Bill Manry on 12/7/1999 |
|
|
I would call this an intermediate-level ride rather than beginner. Silicon Valley riders note that you get there by taking Hwy 9 a.k.a. Big Basin Way out of Saratoga.
|
| Posted by: Mike on 9/11/1999 |
|
|
Fun loop as described, no crowds if you catch it midweek. Beware of the wild boar. I saw 13 one day.
|
| 
