Self-Guided E-Bike Route · Santa Cruz, CA

Wilderness Waterfront Path

Blufftop Trails, Dairy Farms & Davenport Cliffs

• ~4 hours
• ~14 miles
• Moderate
• Morning or afternoon · Clear days

Ten minutes north of downtown Santa Cruz, the coast turns wild. The farmland of Wilder Ranch State Park stretches from the highway to the bluff edge, where 19th-century dairy buildings still stand against a backdrop of open ocean. The Ohlone Bluff Trail runs right along the clifftop, with nothing between you and the Pacific but a few feet of grass and a drop to the rocks below.

Further north, the terrain gets more dramatic. The limestone cliffs at Davenport are some of the most striking on the California coast — sheer white rock walls rising straight out of the sea, with narrow coves and sea stacks visible from the road. This is whale watching territory in season, and it's consistently spectacular.

The e-bike earns its keep on this route. There's some gradual climbing heading north and a few short punchy hills, but the motor handles them without breaking a sweat. You'll arrive at Davenport Roadhouse — our partner pickup location — with enough energy left to actually enjoy the view, the food, and the ride back.

Highlights

• 🏔️ Ohlone Bluff Trail — Single-track clifftop trail through Wilder Ranch with unobstructed views of Monterey Bay in both directions.
• 🐋 Whale Watching — December through April, gray whales pass close to shore on their migration. Davenport cliffs are prime viewing.
• 🏚️ Wilder Ranch — A working dairy farm turned state park. The Victorian farmhouse and outbuildings date to the 1890s.
• 🤿 Davenport Landing — A small cove north of town with tide pools, cobble beach, and a view back south toward Santa Cruz.

Route stops

1. Davenport Roadhouse · Start or Finish — Pick up here and ride south into the park, or start at Alta Coffee and finish with lunch at the Roadhouse. Either way, you end up somewhere good.
2. Wilder Ranch State Park — Stop at the historic farmstead — free to visit on foot — before connecting to the blufftop trail. The farm buildings are remarkably intact.
3. Ohlone Bluff Trail — The best stretch of clifftop riding on the route. Keep your speed in check — the trail is narrow and the drop is real.
4. Four Mile Beach — A long, wild beach accessible via a short trail from the bluffs. Clothing optional, frequently empty, absolutely beautiful.
5. Davenport Cliffs & Landing — Park and walk to the cliff edge. In winter, scan the horizon for gray whale spouts. The cove below has excellent tide pools at low tide.
6. Davenport Roadhouse — The finish line. Cold drink, a smash burger, and a view of the cliff you just rode. Well earned.

Local tips

• Check the tide before you go — Davenport Landing tide pools are best explored within an hour of low tide.
• Gray whale migration peaks in January and February. Bring binoculars and watch from the Davenport cliffs.
• The Ohlone Bluff Trail has some technical sections. Keep speed moderate and watch for hikers coming the opposite direction.
• This route is best on clear days. The coastal fog can settle in by noon in summer — go early or wait for it to burn off.
• There's no food or water between Santa Cruz and Davenport. Pack accordingly or plan to stop at the Roadhouse on the way through.