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MTB trails
United States
California
Santa Cruz County

Day Valley

The best MTB trails around Day Valley

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 28, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Day Valley, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails out there, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless miles here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best.

Mountain biking around Day Valley is defined by its dense woodlands and varied elevation changes, offering everything from flow trails through deep forest to challenging climbs up mountainous terrain like Santa Rosalia Mountain. You'll find a great mix of routes, from moderate climbs to difficult, long-distance adventures, ensuring there's something for every rider looking to explore these scenic landscapes.

If you only do one ride, make it the Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail. At 19.1 miles (30.7 km) with significant elevation gain, it’s a difficult but incredibly rewarding experience through the forest. For a challenging loop with great ascents and descents, the Braille Trail Loop, at 11.4 miles (18.4 km), is another local favorite. Ready to discover your next favorite ride? Start exploring with komoot, just like the more than 1,200 mountain bikers who have already used our routes here.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail
  2. 2

    Braille Trail Loop
  3. 3

    Hihn's Mill Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail

30.7 km

990 m

Hard

Braille Trail Loop

18.4 km

490 m

Hard

Hihn's Mill Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain

18.7 km

540 m

Hard

Tillman Grove – Sand Point Overlook loop from Seacliff State Beach

61.9 km

1,550 m

Hard

Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain

17.8 km

380 m

Hard

View of the Santa Cruz Coast – Sand Point Overlook loop from Subud Spiritual Center

42.5 km

1,310 m

Hard

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1.

Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail

30.7km

03:26

990m

990m

The Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail is a standout among mountain biking routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering a unique, machine-built downhill experience through a stunning redwood forest. This difficult 19.1-mile (30.7 km) ride, with its 3257 feet (993 metres) of elevation gain, is all about rhythm and momentum, featuring smooth berms, rollers, and jumps across its six segments. Expect an immersive journey where you're constantly weaving through ancient trees, making it one of the best mountain bike trails Santa Cruz mountains has to offer for intermediate riders.

Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight. E-bikes are not allowed in the forest, and cell service is notoriously spotty, so make sure to download your maps beforehand. While the downhill sections are pure exhilaration, getting to them involves substantial uphill climbs on fire roads, so be prepared for a workout. The trail is well-maintained by the Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, ensuring a quality ride.

What truly sets this trail apart is its reputation as one of California's premier flow trails, designed specifically to minimize pedaling and braking on the descent. It's a testament to modern trail building, providing a distinct experience compared to typical singletrack. The Soquel Demonstration Forest mountain bike trail ratings generally place it at an intermediate level, perfect for those seeking a challenging yet incredibly fun ride.

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2.

Braille Trail Loop

18.4km

01:55

490m

490m

Dive into the heart of the Santa Cruz redwoods on the Braille Trail Loop, a mountain biking adventure known for its technical challenges and stunning forest scenery. This route offers a mix of fire roads and singletrack, culminating in the renowned Braille Trail downhill segment, which is dense with features like log drops, skinny lines, and ramp jumps. Expect a physically demanding ride, rated difficult, covering 11.4 miles (18.4 km) with 1620 feet (494 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Planning your visit to the Soquel Demonstration State Forest requires a bit of foresight; permits for mountain biking may be necessary, so confirm current requirements before you go. Parking is generally available, but this is a popular trail, so an early start is recommended to secure a spot and enjoy the trails with fewer crowds. The trail is shaded by dense redwood canopy, making it a great option even on warmer days.

The Braille Trail stands out as a "rawer" and more technical alternative to other local trails, offering a true test for advanced riders. It's part of a larger network that has seen revitalization efforts by the Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, enhancing existing features and adding new ones. This loop provides an exhilarating experience for those seeking a challenging downhill within a classic Santa Cruz forest setting.

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3.

Hihn's Mill Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain

18.7km

02:03

540m

540m

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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5.

Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain

17.8km

01:36

380m

380m

The Cusacks Trail – Aptos Creek Fire Road loop plunges you into a world of towering redwoods, offering a diverse mountain biking experience that shifts from technical singletrack to wide fire roads. You'll navigate challenging sections like a rock garden and an erosion chute on Cusacks Trail, then climb through the cool, shaded forest on Aptos Creek Fire Road, eventually reaching vistas like the Sand Point Overlook with views of the Pacific Ocean.

This difficult 11.0 miles (17.8 km) route, with its 1216 feet (371 metres) of elevation gain, is best tackled by experienced riders with good fitness, taking about 1 hour and 35 minutes. The trail is particularly enjoyable on hot days thanks to the nearly continuous redwood canopy. Be ready for steep grades, especially on the fire road, where sections can exceed 10% and even reach the high-teens.

What makes this loop notable is its combination of technical singletrack and sustained fire road climbs, all within the immersive environment of a redwood forest. It's a prime example of advanced mountain biking routes near Aptos, providing both a physical test and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular choice for those looking to increase their climbing stamina.

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6.

View of the Santa Cruz Coast – Sand Point Overlook loop from Subud Spiritual Center

42.5km

04:35

1,310m

1,310m

The View of the Santa Cruz Coast – Sand Point Overlook loop from Subud Spiritual Center offers a challenging mountain biking experience through dense redwood forests and fern-lined canyons. You'll navigate varied terrain, from fire roads to technical singletrack, with the highlight being the sweeping coastal views of Monterey Bay from Sand Point Overlook. Expect to encounter sections with treacherous roots and jagged ridges, making for a truly engaging ride.

This difficult 26.4-mile (42.5 km) route involves a substantial 4301 feet (1311 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Riders should possess very good fitness and advanced skills, as some inclines can be steep, and you might need to push your bike on certain sections. Starting from the Subud Spiritual Center, plan for a full day on the trails and carry adequate water.

This area is a gateway to the extensive network of trails within Soquel Demonstration State Forest, known for its technical descents and challenging climbs. The Aptos Creek Fire Road, part of this loop, follows an old railroad grade, adding a touch of historical significance to your ride. It's a demanding but highly regarded area for mountain bikers in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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Tips from the Community

Natalie
June 28, 2025, Top of the Incline

This is your reward for getting to the top of the incline, panoramic views to the coast. The viewpoint is actually called Top of the Incline, and after this the climb becomes more gradual.

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Andrus
December 20, 2024, Hihn's Mill Road

Hihn's Mill Road serves as an access point for most of the rides in the area. It's right by the parking lot some most of the time you'll be starting or ending your ride along this stretch of double track.

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The Santa Rosalia Viewpoint marks the top of the Ridge Trail and offers a great view of Soquel Demonstration State Forest and the surrounding foothills. A few different trails converge in this spot, so you have a number of route and loop options.

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Eureka Canyon Road is a scenic, narrow road traveling through dense forests. There are amazing tall redwood trees lining the road and tons of shade, making for a great option on a hot day.

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Natalie
December 21, 2023, Top of the Incline

This is your reward for getting to the top of the incline, panoramic views to the coast. The viewpoint is actually called Top of the Incline, and after this the climb becomes more gradual. Do note that to get here you'll have to ride on a fire road.

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0

oliviakellis
November 21, 2023, Tillman Grove

A peaceful escape surrounded by nature, the towering redwood forest of Nisene Marks' Tillman Grove offers mountain bikers a scenic ride under its lush canopy. Coasting along soft dirt trails, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife peeking out from the ferns and your ears open to birds calling overhead.

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At just under 1,000 feet, the aptly named Top of the Incline viewpoint rewards riders with panoramic vistas. From here, the ascent becomes gradual, giving you a chance to pause and appreciate the sweeping coastal views.

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The Santa Rosalia Viewpoint marks the top of the Ridge Trail and offers a great view of Soquel Demonstration State Forest and the surrounding foothills. A few different trails converge in this spot, so you have a number of route and loop options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available in Day Valley?

Day Valley offers a diverse network of over 20 mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult.

Are there easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Day Valley?

Yes, Day Valley has 5 easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes typically feature less challenging terrain and elevation changes.

Can I find family-friendly mountain bike trails in Day Valley?

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always clear, the 5 easy trails in Day Valley are generally suitable for families with some mountain biking experience. Always check the route details for elevation and technical difficulty before heading out.

Are there any long-distance mountain bike trails in Day Valley?

For those seeking a longer ride, the Tillman Grove – Sand Point Overlook loop from Seacliff State Beach is a challenging 54.9 km route with significant elevation gain. Another option is the Soquel Demonstration Forest Flow Trail, which spans 30.7 km.

What kind of loop trails are available for mountain biking in Day Valley?

Day Valley features several excellent loop trails. The Braille Trail Loop is a difficult 18.4 km option, while the Hihn's Mill Road loop from Santa Rosalia Mountain offers a moderate 18.7 km ride. For a longer moderate loop, consider the Tillman Grove – Bench by Aptos Creek loop from Aptos at 22.5 km.

What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Day Valley?

The region generally offers good conditions for mountain biking throughout much of the year. However, spring and fall often provide the most pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Always check local weather forecasts before your ride, especially during winter months when trails might be wet or muddy.

Are there any waterfalls or natural attractions to see along the mountain bike trails?

Yes, Day Valley is home to beautiful natural attractions. You might encounter Granuja Falls or Upper Falls. The area also features the expansive The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, offering dense woodlands to explore.

What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about Day Valley?

The mountain bike trails in Day Valley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 60 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, from flow trails in dense forests to routes with significant elevation gain, and the natural setting for exploration.

Are there any facilities or cafes near the mountain bike trails in Day Valley?

While specific cafes directly on trails are not listed, you can find facilities such as a drinking fountain and covered picnic area. For cafes and other amenities, consider routes that start or pass near towns like Aptos or Capitola Village, such as the Capitola Village highlight.

Are there any permits required for mountain biking in Day Valley?

The provided data does not indicate any specific permits required for mountain biking on the listed trails in Day Valley. However, it's always advisable to check with local land management authorities or park websites for the most current regulations before your ride.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while mountain biking in Day Valley?

Day Valley's dense forests and natural settings, including areas like Soquel Demonstration Forest and Tillman Grove, provide habitats for various wildlife. While specific sightings are never guaranteed, you might encounter local bird species, deer, or smaller mammals. Riding quietly and observing from a distance increases your chances.

Where can I find parking for mountain biking in Day Valley?

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many popular trailheads, especially those within state parks or demonstration forests like Soquel Demonstration Forest, typically offer designated parking areas. It's recommended to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information related to your chosen trail.

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