by Andrew Juiliano
Westside SC to Highway 1 to Swanton Road to Highway 1 to Westside SC
33.5 miles; 1000 feet total climbing
While the narrow, steep roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains beckon cyclists with hours of saddleborne suffering, the Swanton Loop hugs the coast up Highway 1, offering an entry-level road ride straight from town. At roughly 33 miles, with only 1,000 feet of climbing, the route provides a mellow sampling of road riding in Santa Cruz County.
The route begins on the Westside, at the junction of Swift and Mission streets. The ride heads north on Highway 1, passing fields of artichokes and Brussels sprouts on the way up the coast. Good pavement and a generally wide shoulder provide a smooth and safe ride towards Davenport.
After 11 miles, the road passes through Davenport before arriving at the junction of Swanton Road. Bear right as the terrain transitions to a valley of small organic farms shadowed by redwood-covered slopes. The hills grow in stature for the next 4.5 miles before the road crosses Scott Creek and ascends a tree-lined grade. Fern-covered banks flank the road as scattered oak branches reach overhead, draped in wispy Spanish moss. With only 500 feet of elevation gain in 1.5 miles, the climb introduces new riders and first-time visitors to the road conditions and vegetation of Santa Cruz County.
From the top of Swanton Road, enjoy views of Año Nuevo Island, famous for the 8,800-pound elephant seals that inhabit the abandoned lightkeeper’s home on its rocky shores. Beyond the craggy isle, the hues of the ocean and sky gently blend at the horizon.
A winding mile-long descent on recently paved road intersects with Highway 1. A left turn takes riders southbound, back toward town. Need a little epicurean motivation to finish the ride? Swanton Berry Farm offers cyclists a 10 percent bike-in discount on coffee, strawberry shortcake and various fresh-picked delights. The farm stand is located on the left, a mile north of Davenport.
Coastal rollers on the return to Santa Cruz account for the remainder of the ride’s 1000 feet of elevation gain. Those looking for a more strenuous route can venture up one of many double-digit climbs of the coastal range like Bonny Doon Road or Empire Grade.
Note: Strong afternoon winds commonly blow from November through August. To avoid the motivation-sapping 25-knot headwinds, set the alarm clock early and saddle up before 10am.
Turn-By-Turn Directions
0.0 Start at the intersection of Swift and Mission Street
10.9 Right at the junction of Swanton Road
15.5 Base of the climb on Swanton Road
16.7 Top of climb on Swanton Road
17.7 Left on Coast Road/Highway 1
33.5 Return to Swift and Mission intersection
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