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Soquel Demonstration Forest Mountain Bike Trail Map

Guide to the best mountain biking trails in the
Soquel Demonstration Forest and Nisene Marks

Soquel Demonstration Forest Area Summary
Location: Soquel area
Best For: Nisene Marks - Intermediate, Soquel Forest - Advanced
Suitable For: Nisene Marks - All Levels, Soquel Forest - Intermediate to Advanced
Ground Cover: Evergreen forest
Seasons: Good year round. Best in summer

Soquel Demonstration Forest and The Forest of the Nisene Marks share a common boundary, similar topography and a plethora of evergreen trees. However, for mountain biking they couldn't be more different. Nisene Marks is largely defined by one major fire road. Soquel Forest is a playground of technical single-track mountain bike trails.

Beginners have one option...an out-and-back along Aptos Creek Fire Road. Advanced riders can combine a long fire road grind through Nisene Marks with the loop in Soquel or better yet, just ride the various Soquel loops all day.

The abundance of shade makes both areas great getaways on warm summer days. While big trees dominate the landscape, there are a few openings that afford great ocean views. But ultimately it's about the mountain biking. For advanced riders the Soquel forest is as good as it gets in the Bay Area.

Note: There have been some car break-ins near Soquel Demonstration Forest.
Click here to preview the Mid Peninsula Open Space Mountain Biking Map

Soquel Demonstration Forest Trails

Intermediate Level Trails

Aptos Creek Road - Long, graded fire road through redwoods. Steep in places.
Hihns Mill Road - Graded fire road through redwood forest from Highland Way entrance to Soquel Forest.

Advanced Level Trails

Ridge Trail - Long, steeply rolling single-track through woods.
Corral Trail - Steep single-track and fire road.
Sulphur Springs Trail - Fire road connects Ridge Trail to Hihns Mill Road.
Braille Trail - Thrilling single-track. Steep with man-made obstacles.
Tractor Trail - Another fun, steep single-track.
Sawpit Trail - Steep, fun single-track.
Hinckley Road - Steep fire road. Alternative entrance from Olive Springs Road. Stream crossings.
Directions to trailhead(s):

The main trailhead for Nisene Marks is located on Aptos Creek Road, off of Soquel Drive near the center of Aptos. Parking is available along the road as Aptos Creek Road enters the Forest. The trailhead for Soquel is located on Highland Way, four miles east of the intersection with Summit Ave., which connects with Highway 17.