San Benito and Santa Clara counties make for some great bike
riding. In addition to the many rural roads, there also are many
trails that bikers come to from all over Northern California to
ride.
Henry Coe Park State Park east of Morgan Hill offers more than
100 miles of biking trails in some of the most rugged areas
around.
San Benito and Santa Clara counties make for some great bike riding. In addition to the many rural roads, there also are many trails that bikers come to from all over Northern California to ride.
Henry Coe Park State Park east of Morgan Hill offers more than 100 miles of biking trails in some of the most rugged areas around. Most of the courses are moderately challenging, and several trails along the cliffs will challenge even the most-advanced mountain biker. Most of the trails here are not suited for the beginner.
While the Orestimba Wilderness is closed to mountain bikers, all other dirt roads in other regions are open with the exception of some near the headquarters.
Bikepacking at Henry Coe is a great way to combine camping, backpacking and hiking. In the park’s Western Area, you must camp in designated backpack campsites. But in all other areas (except the Orestimba Wilderness), you can camp wherever you want.
Check out www.von-kaenel.com/mb/HenryCoe.html for more information about biking at Henry Coe.
Hollister Hills, located on Cienega Road just outside of Hollister, currently has about eight miles of multi-use trails in 288 acres of the nature section that mountain bikers can use. There is an elevation rise of about 1,000 feet and the trails are not too demanding. Because the park is primarily a recreational vehicle park, mountain bikers can’t use those trails that motorized bikes use.
The park is currently revitalizing some of the trails from damage suffered in storms of 1998. But officials say they plan to keep the trails open while the renovations are going on. New trails may be added in the future on the newly acquired property.
Many of the Santa Clara County parks also offer great routes for cyclists to venture through.
The 15 miles of paved trails in the Coyote Creek Parkway are perfect for easy rides and for races. If you work in South San Jose and live in Morgan Hill, it may be the perfect way to get to work if you have a little extra time to spare.
The trail can be picked up at Anderson Dam and ends at Hellyer Park. There are heavy winds in the afternoon going north, so it is best to start early.
The Coyote Creek trail starts off in a meadow and then crosses under Highway 101. The trail passes a radio-controlled airplane strip and then continues past a group of ponds.
Bikers will pass by horse-filled pastures and through orchards. The route passes by Coyote Creek Golf Course and Parkway lakes before going through Coyote Valley and a small park off Metcalf Road.
Another popular paved biking trail is the Los Gatos Creek trail. The 7.4 mile trail which may be accessed at Blackford Elementary School at the intersection of Leigh Avenue and Willow Street.
If you are up for a ride through the hills, there are some great trails in the following county parks: Almaden Quicksilver (1 to 5.2 miles), Ed R. Levin (.6 to 1.75 miles), Joseph D. Grant (.4 to 7 miles), Lexington Reservoir (.5 to 2.1 miles), Santa Teresa (.6 to 2.4 miles) and Stevens Creek (.9 to 2.1 miles).
Big Basin Redwoods State Park outside Boulder Creek in Santa Cruz County offers mountain bike trails on its fire roads, but biking is not allowed on single track trails. There are both easy and moderate trails at the park.
Pinnacles National Monument does not allow bicycles on the hiking trails, but they are allowed on the main roads. Cienega Road and some of the other San Benito County back roads are popular among cyclists.
In the Morgan Hill area, roads by Uvas Reservoir and Anderson Dam make perfect ways to get away for a day.
Bikers in the area are urged to yield the right away to pedestrians and horses. They should try to avoid damaging trails.
Biking, especially mountain biking, can be a dangerous sport if the rider is not careful or is going too fast. Park rangers encourage riders to be cautious of themselves and other people.
