Area Summary Location: Skyline Blvd. above San Carlos Best For: Advanced Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced Ground Cover: Dense redwood and fir forest Seasons: Spring through Fall. Trails stay muddy after significant rainfall.
Directions to trailhead(s):
El Corte de Madera is located about 40 minutes' drive south of San Francisco on Skyline Boulevard. From the intersection of Hwys 92 and 35 (Skyline Blvd) the main parking at Skeggs Point is 8.5 miles south on the east (left) side of the road. Additional roadside parking is available another 1/4 mile south of Skeggs. If you're coming from the south take Hwy 84 to Skyline Blvd., turn right and go about 4 miles north. Skeggs Point parking will be on your right.
Download PDF Maps of the 4 Best Riding Spots
in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Set includes Nisene Marks and Soquel Demonstration Forest,
Wilder Ranch, El Corte de Madera (Skeggs),; Russian Ridge, Long Ridge and Saratoga Gap
Description:
Do ya like trees...a lot? Then you'll love El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space. Once extensively logged, Skeggs, as it's commonly referred to, is largely enshrouded in a canopy of mixed evergreen and redwood forest, making for a great getaway on hot summer days.
El Corte de Madera is an advanced rider's paradise filled with challenging fire roads and abundant single-track. Intermediate riders will also have fun and be tested by the switchbacks, rock gardens and other technical challenges that Skeggs throws at them.
Special recognition is deserved for R.O.M.P., the local trail access organization, which has worked closely with the Mid-Peninula Open Space to recut a number of old trails. The result of their work has been a number of enormously fun trails, and a closer relationship with one of the regions most important public land preservation organizations