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Aptos Creek Trail - 1 member in 3 triplogs has rated this an average 4 ( 1 to 5 best )
3 triplogs
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Jul 09 2025
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 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Aptos Creek TrailBay Area, CA
Aptos Creek Trail
Bay Area, CA
Mtn Biking avatar Jul 09 2025
toddak • Triplogs 577
Mtn Biking14.00 Miles 2,000 AEG
Mtn Biking14.00 Miles   3 Hrs      4.67 mph
2,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
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Fantastic mountain biking in the Soquel Demonstration State Forest just north of Nisene Marks State Park. The crown jewel is the 3+ mile Flow Trail, an impeccably constructed and maintained thrill ride carving down a mountainside through pristine redwood forest. The standard Flow Trail route is accessed by a steady 1000' climb on paved and/or dirt fire roads, descend 2000' of singletrack, then climb back up 1000' on fire road to the start.

The Demo can be accessed via Aptos Creek Trail from the south, but the primary access (which I used) is from the north via Summit Road and Highland Way. There are a few other trails in the Demo, including the black diamond Braille Trail. Hikers and equestrians are also permitted, but interactions between 2-wheeled, 2-legged and 4-legged visitors could get ugly.
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  1 archive
May 25 2023
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 Guides 13
 Routes 38
 Photos 1,651
 Triplogs 577

60 male
 Joined Nov 15 2005
 Jackson, CA
Aptos Creek TrailBay Area, CA
Aptos Creek Trail
Bay Area, CA
Mtn Biking avatar May 25 2023
toddak • Triplogs 577
Mtn Biking20.00 Miles 2,000 AEG
Mtn Biking20.00 Miles   3 Hrs      6.67 mph
2,000 ft AEG
 no routes
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
First visit to check out Nisene Marks by riding 10 miles up the Aptos Creek Fire Road, a smooth, steady climb through gorgeous redwood forest. Other than the fire road MTB is essentially prohibited in the park, there are plenty of obvious pirate trails once you get several miles up the road but of course riding them would be illegal. There are nearly 30 miles total of hiking, horse and bike trails in the park, no doubt I'll be back for some hiking too.
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  1 archive
Sep 20 2014
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 Guides 9
 Routes 33
 Photos 780
 Triplogs 4,634

44 male
 Joined Nov 25 2008
 Scottsdale, AZ
Split Stuff Trail - Nisene Marks, CA 
Split Stuff Trail - Nisene Marks, CA
 
Hiking avatar Sep 20 2014
Booneman • Triplogs 4,634
Hiking2.00 Miles 183 AEG
Hiking2.00 Miles      31 Mns   3.87 mph
183 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   linked  
Aptos Creek Trail
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After my run in Santa Cruz, I stopped by The Forest of Nisene Marks for a quick hike to see some old growth trees. I barely scratched the surface at this park and would need a full day to explore all the trails out there.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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