BMX Biking Around Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA—As we really get into summer, residents and tourists alike are getting out to enjoy the sun, and that means an abundance of outdoor activities. From surfing to skateboarding, the city (and the county!) is well-known for its range of sports and activities, which includes those on land and on the water. 

BMX biking, an alternative sport, is popular amongst those of all ages—though particularly kids and young adults. There are a number of great places around Santa Cruz County to take the bike out on, and each offers something a little bit different.

BMX Parks & Pump Tracks

Santa Cruz County is home to a few well-known BMX parks, varying in size, obstacles, and location. These parks are generally kid-friendly and are often located within walking distance of other parks and play areas, such as community centers, playgrounds, and sports fields. 

Depot Park BMX Bike Park, Downtown Santa Cruz

The downtown Santa Cruz BMX location, Depot Park is located on Center Street, a few minutes away from the beach. Depot Park in and of itself is a large field that can be reserved for camps and sports games. The BMX Bike Park is located a bit further south, near the playground, and consists of both wooden and metal ramps.

While this park is typically not busy and is suitable for younger riders, it is not always in perfect condition, and is sometimes closed off for repairs. Additionally, this park is intended for BMX bikes only—but skateboarders and rollerbladers might enjoy the Ken Wormhoudt Skate Park (Mike Fox Skate Park), with its distinctive loop, across the river!

Chanticleer Park Pump Track, Live Oak

One of the most popular destinations for riders, the Chanticleer Park Pump Track is part of Chanticleer County Park. This park, which is found in the heart of Live Oak, is popular with families for its playground, its dog park, and its community garden.

Chanticleer Park Pump Track is made up of various dirt rollers and berms, and is both beginner and kid-friendly—which is part of its appeal, but this can be considered a downside for more experienced riders. Parking is also limited for those who are coming by car.

Scotts Valley Pump Track, Scotts Valley

A very large open area, the Scotts Valley Pump Track is part of Skypark—the go-to public space for outdoor recreation and events. It is located off of Kings Village Road, and features a playground, bocce ball and basketball courts, a skatepark, a dog park, and sports fields. Skypark also hosts Fourth of July fireworks for the community.

The Scotts Valley Pump Track (also known as the Skypark Pump Track) is a dirt track with numerous obstacles. Like many of the others, this park is most suitable for kids and young teens, though it is smaller in size. Because of this, it can be crowded with riders—but those who go say it's worth it!

Ramsay Park Pump Track, Watsonville

Furthest away from the city of Santa Cruz, the Ramsay Park Pump Track is a paved track (the first in the county) that is suitable for all ages. It is part of Ramsay Park, just off of Harkins Slough Road (or, alternatively, Main Street), which also has a baseball diamond, a playground, tennis courts, fields, a nature center, and a skate park.

At 20,000 square feet, the Ramsay Park Pump Track is one of the most substantial tracks around (the largest, actually!), and is suitable for a range of experience levels. Those who want to visit should know that it is divided into sections based on difficulty—and because of that it’s often quite busy! That being said, this park is popular for a reason, though some have said it is a better experience for more accomplished riders.

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