The resurrected Sawpit Trail was designed to be so natural, it blends beautifully with its forest surroundings. Photo: Bruce Dorman

Sawpit, a popular Santa Cruz-area mountain biking trail that was decommissioned in 2017 for timber harvest in Soquel Demonstration State Forest (SDSF), was brought back to life in May 2020 thanks to a partnership between CAL FIRE SDSF and Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC).

What makes this particular trail so special is that it was completely hand-built with an objective of keeping its character as natural as possible. Think technical and narrow, chock full of rocks, logs, and roots … surrounded by redwoods, moss, and that incredible light filtering through the canopy. Artisan singletrack!

MBOSC’s Trails Program Manager Drew Perkins explains that in keeping the feel of the original, the remake is “really natural, minimally constructed, open and fast in some places, steep in some places.” He adds, “Should be really fun to ride; hopefully people won’t miss the old trail that much.”

Demonstration State Forests also offer opportunities for forest management research and education projects, as well as public recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Wildlife habitat and watershed protection are provided for as well. It’s a win all the way around.

The 2,681-acre SDSF, dedicated in 1990, is located in the Santa Cruz mountains just inland from California’s central coast. The forest is a mix of redwoods and hardwoods, as well as riparian ecosystems. It’s a renowned mountain biking destination featuring world class trails that include a four-mile flow trail and an OG gem — the technical, steep Braille trail.

The original Sawpit trail was also a favorite among mountain bikers until it was decommissioned in 2017 when CAL FIRE commenced the Meridian timber harvest. Initially a logging road, Sawpit transformed over time into a relatively primitive singletrack trail that wound through varied terrain.

When the timber harvest project began, the historic logging road was restored, which meant farewell to the beloved singletrack. At the completion of the harvest, however, a plan to resurrect Sawpit as a natural singletrack trail was set in motion by CAL FIRE SDSF and MBOSC.

Volunteers have put in a whopping 1,400 hours alongside the MBOSC trail crew to bring this beloved trail back to life. We urge you to get out there and check it out!

Get the “Sawpit Loop from Epicenter Aptos” RideSpot route map and elevation profile here.

Keep in mind that you should have strong mountain bike handling skills and excellent fitness for riding at SDSF. Also, please note that electric bikes of any kind are strictly forbidden at SDSF.

Get other important tips for riding SDSF plus details on how to get there and the various routes you can ride here.

The trail crew making a dream a reality. Photo: MBOSC

Natural, flowing lines are a hallmark of the resurrected Sawpit Trail. Photo: MBOSC

Sawpit Mountain Biking Trail at Demo | Cycling in Santa Cruz