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Mountain Biking in San Jose: Explore Top Trails Near Santa Cruz

San Jose is a prime starting point for mountain biking adventures, located just 45 minutes from Soquel Demonstration Forest and UC Santa Cruz’s legendary trails. If you're looking for rugged terrain, a full-suspension, long-travel bike is recommended.

Soquel Demonstration Forest features a well-designed loop with multiple descent options, ensuring an exciting yet structured ride. The popular Flow Trail offers a smoother, high-speed descent, making it a favorite for riders of all skill levels.

UC Santa Cruz is a mountain biking paradise, offering a mix of expert-level technical trails and flowy intermediate routes. To navigate these areas efficiently, use mapping tools like AllTrails.

Before heading out, be sure to pack enough food and water—the climb to the trails serves as a great warm-up, while the climb back out varies depending on your route. Whether you choose Soquel Demo or UCSC, you’ll enjoy ample shade under a lush tree canopy, making for a comfortable ride even on warm days.

Road Cycling Near San Jose: Scenic Climbs & Quiet Mountain Roads

For road cyclists, San Jose offers excellent climbing routes, including the legendary Mount Hamilton. This 19-mile ascent to Lick Observatory is ideal for those looking to test their endurance. The two-lane mountain road has minimal traffic if you time your ride right.

If you prefer a different challenge, head 10 miles west toward Los Gatos, where you'll find routes leading into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Take Highway 9 (Skyline Blvd) for breathtaking redwood-lined roads and access to numerous short and long-distance cycling options. Many of these routes are shaded, making them perfect for hot summer rides.

Whether you're into grueling climbs, fast descents, or scenic routes, San Jose is a gateway to some of the best road and mountain biking in Northern California.