The best running trails around Seacliff

Jogging around Seacliff offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll find long stretches of flat, firm sand along the beach, coastal paths, and trails winding through redwood forests and along Aptos Creek. Some routes feature gentle inclines, while others, like the Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop, include significant elevation gain for a more challenging workout.

Yes, Seacliff offers a variety of running routes suitable for different ability levels. The area has 8 easy routes, 63 moderate routes, and 12 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners and experienced runners alike. For example, the Seacliff State Beach Shipwreck loop is a moderate option, while the Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop is considered difficult.

While running in Seacliff, you can enjoy several notable sights. The iconic SS Palo Alto concrete freighter, purposefully sunk in 1929, is a prominent visual landmark visible from the beach, especially along the Seacliff State Beach Shipwreck loop. You'll also encounter scenic bluffs offering expansive views of Monterey Bay and can explore areas like Tillman Grove and Aptos Creek.

Absolutely! Beyond the trails themselves, Seacliff is surrounded by beautiful natural attractions. You can find several lakes and beaches nearby, such as Moran Lake Beach and Park, Schwan Lake, and Twin Lakes State Beach. These offer additional scenic beauty and opportunities for relaxation after your run.

Yes, parking is generally available, especially at key access points like Seacliff State Beach and New Brighton State Beach. These locations serve as starting points for many popular running routes, including the Tillman Grove – Bench by Aptos Creek loop and the Tillman Grove – Top of the Incline loop.

The running routes in Seacliff are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 16 reviews. Runners often praise the classic California beach running experience, the long stretches of flat, firm sand, and the scenic bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay. The variety of terrain, from coastal paths to redwood forests, is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

For those looking for longer runs, Seacliff offers routes that can be combined or are inherently long. For instance, the Pleasure Point Beach – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop is a challenging 32.7 km (20.3 miles) trail. You can also access nearly 12 continuous miles of flat, firm sand stretching from New Brighton State Beach to Sunset Beach for extended beach runs.

Yes, Seacliff is ideal for combining beach running with inland exploration. Many routes offer a mix of coastal paths and trails that venture into areas like Tillman Grove and along Aptos Creek. The Tillman Grove – Bench by Aptos Creek loop is a great example, providing both forest and creek-side scenery after starting from Seacliff State Beach.

Beyond the varied terrain, a unique feature for runners seeking an intense workout is a set of 150 stairs located across from the pier at Seacliff State Beach. This offers an excellent opportunity to elevate your heart rate and add a different kind of challenge to your run.

There are over 80 running routes available in the Seacliff area, offering a wide selection for different preferences and fitness levels. This includes a mix of easy, moderate, and difficult trails, ensuring you can always find a new path to explore.

Yes, many of the running routes in Seacliff are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Seacliff State Beach Shipwreck loop and the Bench by Aptos Creek – Tillman Grove loop, providing convenient options for your run.