13.9 miles
Distance
2,088 ft
Climb
-2,093 ft
Descent
2,577 ft
High Point
-5 ft
Altitude change
794 ft
Altitude min
1,904 ft
Altitude start
1,900 ft
Altitude end
-33.1%
Grade max
35.2%
Grade min
8 miles
Distance climb
6 miles
Distance down
2,579 ft
Distance flat

New Flow Trail in Santa Cruz

Detailed Description
Flow Trail loop is a highly rated 14 mile popular intermediate route located near Soquel California. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 17 trails. This route climbs 2,088 ft with a max elevation of 2,577 ft then descends -2,093 ft.
Tags
Flowy

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (santacruztrails.org)
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Stats

  • Distance
    14 miles
  • Avg time
    2 hr 22 min
  • Altitude min
    794 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,904 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,900 ft
  • Climb
    2,088 ft
  • Descent
    -2,093 ft
  • Grade max
    -33.1%
  • Grade min
    35.2%
  • Distance climb
    8 miles
  • Distance down
    6 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,579 ft

48 Reviews & Comments

mmeskin
The Soquel Forest is CLOSED to all users Monday-Friday for logging. Check their Facebook page for updates. We drove all the way there, only to see the closed sign.
dstark70sf dstark70sf
Did it yesterday. Climb up Aptos Creek road was all fire road. When I climb I prefer single track, so I found it boring. I really liked the Ridge trail. Ridge is mostly blue with a mix of black that can easily be walked. Flow was awesome as well. There’s a gradual climb out which was under shade for the entire ride.

Overall I thought it was great, and I recommend, but the fire roads take away a star from my rating.
Rcking78
Flow 1-4 is running pretty rough. Flow 5 & 6 are running smoother and the berms are in better condition. After riding this loop it’s def not worth the climbs in and out.

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Activity Logs
Avg: 4.25 (15 votes)
close
Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
mtb
2,270 | 2 faves
mtb
4,296 | 1 comments | 2 faves
mtb
1,557
mtb
958

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Ridge Trail
Oct 20, 2026 @ 12:29pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Oct 20, 2026
brushing needed - open sightline reporter
Flow Trail 6
Sep 11, 2026 @ 11:04am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 11, 2026
Hihns Mill Road
Sep 11, 2026 @ 11:04am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 11, 2026
Flow Trail 1
Sep 11, 2026 @ 11:04am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 11, 2026
Flow Trail 2
Sep 11, 2026 @ 11:04am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 11, 2026
more reports »

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