It's official. Everyone's favorite local trails in Santa Cruz are officially off-limits to bikes. Rangers for Henry Cowell State Park will be enforcing the bike ban on the social trails located between UCSC and Highway 9 starting this Sunday. While technically this area has always been off limits, now riding beloved trails known as "Sweetness", "Magic Carpet", "Post Office", "Dead Campers", and the somewhat-secret freeride spot known as "Z's" will come with a heavy price.
According to sources, the State Parks Rangers have been conducting an information program since Feb. 1st, but citations (or registered warnings) will be issued starting this Sunday.
Mitch Monroe of SF drops the ladder at the soon-to-be-defunct "Z's" freeride spot in Santa Cruz. Photo: Jason Van Horn Local riders concerned
Local bike club, MBOSC and Tom Ward from IMBA recently met with Ranger Gary Brennan to discuss the new Henry UC9 enforcement program. Notes from the meeting can be viewed here. Unfortunately, these beloved local trails have always been officially off-limits to mountain biking, but a decision was made to place enforcement of the no-bikes ban over the opening of new trails.
The local club is actively seeking a dialog with the District Superintendent, but the outlook on some of our favorite local trail looks grim.
To read more about the new enforcement policy, click here.
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