Branciforte to Granite Greek Road to Glenwood Drive to Bean Creek Road to La Madrona to Branciforte
19 miles; total climbing 1100 feet; max elevation 985 feet
This 19-mile intermediate road ride incorporates 1,100 feet of climbing through Happy Valley and Scotts Valley in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Riders face three climbs throughout the route, including a three-mile spin along Granite Creek and two shorter ascents on Glenwood Drive and Bean Creek Road.
Beginning at Shopper’s Corner on Soquel Avenue, head north on N. Branciforte Drive. Cross Highway 1 on an overpass, turn left at the stop sign on Goss Avenue, then make a right onto Branciforte Drive. Continue up the well-paved road as it gently climbs following the creek past the Mystery Spot and into Happy Valley.
After 2.5 miles, bear left onto Granite Creek Road and begin the three-mile climb with an average gradient of 3.8 percent. As the pitch steepens, the valley shrinks to a ravine, following the boulder-strewn stream through a tunnel of lush vegetation and redwoods. Before cresting the climb, the road slots through a narrow opening as one lane squeezes between an overhanging sandstone crag and an abrupt drop to the mossy creek bed below.
Riders emerge in a ridgetop neighborhood before descending into Scotts Valley. Turn left at the traffic light (you'll still be on Granite Creek Road) and pass over the commuters on Highway 17.
Make a right at the stoplight onto Scotts Valley Drive at the other end of the overpass, then jog left onto Glenwood Drive at the next intersection, just 75 yards or so farther. (That segment is a little tricky, but adhering to the traffic laws makes crossing the seven lanes of Scotts Valley Drive a safe, manageable affair.) A five-minute pedal along Glenwood Drive delivers riders to an oak-lined roadway meandering above a horse farm.
A gentle climb leads to Bean Creek Road. A left at the junction begins a trip down a narrow and bumpy descent to the stream below. The route squeezes through massive trunks of multiple redwood groves. A final half-mile climb puts riders atop another ridge above Scotts Valley.
The traffic on the second pass through town proves simpler, as a right on Scotts Valley Drive puts riders at a light-controlled intersection with Mt Hermon Road. Turn left and follow Mt. Hermon to the junction of Highway 17 via a dedicated bike lane. Just before the onramp, turn right onto La Madrona Road and follow the frontage route as it passes under Highway 17 on the way back to Santa Cruz. BEWARE: Vehicles entering the frontage road from Highway 17 DO NOT have stop signs and will ruin an otherwise wonderful ride. DON’T RUN THE STOP SIGNS!
Just before town, make a left on Carbonera Drive, then the first right onto Isabel. This takes the route back to Branciforte and Goss Avenue. Cross to Goss, then make a right on North Branciforte to return to Shoppers Corner on Soquel Avenue.
Story and photo by Andrew Juiliano
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