El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve MTB Guide | Skeggs, California
Known to local riders simply as Skeggs, El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve is one of the best places for technical mountain biking on the San Francisco Peninsula.
The 2,908-acre preserve contains more than 34 miles of multi-use trails winding through steep canyons, dense redwood forest, old logging roads, and narrow singletrack. The terrain is noticeably more rugged than many other Midpen preserves, with plenty of climbing and technical descending packed into a relatively compact trail network.
Popular trails including Manzanita, Blue Blossom, Resolution, Giant Salamander, Steam Donkey, North Leaf, South Leaf, Sierra Morena, and Oljon can be combined into everything from a quick loop to a demanding day in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
-
Location: Woodside / Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Trail System: El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
Local Name: Skeggs
Size: 2,908 acres
Trails: 34+ miles
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Riding Style: XC / Trail / Technical Singletrack
eMTBs: Not Permitted
Parking: Free
Dogs: Not Permitted
Trailforks: Skeggs
-
There are several places to access El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve along Skyline Boulevard.
El Corte de Madera Parking Area
The main parking area has approximately 65 spaces and is located on the west side of Highway 35, about one mile south of Skeggs Point.
This is the largest and most convenient parking option and provides direct access to Sierra Morena Trail.
Skeggs Point Parking Area
The smaller Skeggs Point Parking Area has approximately 26 spaces and is another popular starting point.
Trail access is located across Skyline Boulevard at the El Corte de Madera Creek / Tafoni Trail entrance, so take extra care when crossing the highway.
Additional small roadside parking areas are available at:
Methuselah: 5 spaces
Gordon Mill: 5 spaces
Star Hill: 6 spaces
Parking can fill quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
Bike & eMTB Access
Bicycles are permitted on designated bike-accessible trails only. El Corte de Madera is a multi-use preserve, so expect to share many trails with hikers and equestrians.
eMTBs are not permitted on the preserve's regular mountain bike trails.
Midpen requires helmets and has a 15 mph trail speed limit, reduced to 5 mph when passing other trail users. Bicycles must yield to hikers and equestrians.
-
Manzanita
One of the classic Skeggs trails, combining narrow singletrack with rocky and technical sections through the forest. A great choice for riders looking for some of the preserve's more challenging terrain.
Blue Blossom
A mostly downhill singletrack with tight corners, rocky sections, and a few short climbs mixed in. One of the most popular trails to include in a Skeggs loop.
Resolution
A technical forest trail with rocky sections that can be ridden in either direction. It also passes near the site of the 1953 Resolution DC-6 plane crash.
Giant Salamander
Beautiful forested singletrack and one of the most popular trails at Skeggs. It's less technical than some of the surrounding trails and works well as part of a longer loop.
Steam Donkey
A fun forested trail that adds another dose of classic Skeggs singletrack to a larger ride through the preserve.
North Leaf
Narrow and technical singletrack with roots, rocks, steep sections, and challenging climbs. A step up from some of the smoother trails in the preserve.
South Leaf
Another useful section of forested singletrack that can be combined with North Leaf and the surrounding trails to build a larger loop.
Sierra Morena
A narrow, rolling trail through mixed evergreen forest that provides convenient access directly from the main El Corte de Madera parking area.
Oljon
Beautiful redwood-lined singletrack with a more approachable grade, sandstone formations, and remnants of the area's logging history.
-
One thing first-time visitors quickly discover about Skeggs is that almost every good descent comes with a climb back out.
Most of the parking sits along Skyline Boulevard near the top of the preserve, which means many rides begin by dropping into the forest.
The farther you descend into the trail system, the more climbing you'll need to do to get back to your vehicle.
Plan your route carefully and save some energy for the end of your ride.
-
The dense redwood forest keeps many sections shaded, and conditions can vary considerably throughout the preserve.
Winter rain can leave trails muddy and vulnerable to damage, while storms and fallen trees occasionally result in temporary trail closures.
Always check current Midpen trail closures and Trailforks conditions before riding.
-
A full-suspension trail bike is the ideal choice for El Corte de Madera.
There's plenty of climbing, so you don't want anything excessively heavy, but the rocky and technical descents make additional suspension travel worthwhile. A modern trail bike provides a great balance between climbing efficiency and descending capability.
An XC or downcountry bike is another good option for riders who prioritize the climbs, while an enduro bike can be fun on the descents but may feel like overkill when it's time to climb back toward Skyline.
Best choice: Full-suspension trail bike
Great option: XC / Downcountry bike
More descending focused: Enduro bike
eMTB: Not permitted -
Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers
Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers (SVMB) is a local mountain bike advocacy organization supporting riders throughout the South Bay and Peninsula.
The organization promotes responsible mountain biking, trail stewardship, advocacy, and continued access to trails throughout the region.
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve is owned and managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen).
Midpen manages the preserve, maintains trails, protects the surrounding habitat, and establishes the rules governing mountain bike access.
-
Woodside Bike Shop
Located in nearby Menlo Park, Woodside Bike Shop is a full-service bike shop offering repairs, maintenance, parts, accessories, and mountain bikes. A useful stop if you need a last-minute repair or replacement part before hitting Skeggs.
Address: 1800 El Camino Real, Suite C, Menlo Park, CA 94061
Website: Woodside Bike Shop -
Alice's Restaurant
Just down Skyline Boulevard, Alice's Restaurant is a classic post-ride stop surrounded by redwoods. The casual menu includes burgers, sandwiches, BBQ, breakfast, local beer, and homemade pies, making it a great place to refuel after a day at Skeggs.
Address: 17288 Skyline Boulevard, Woodside, CA 94062
Website: Alice's Restaurant -
Bikes are permitted on designated trails only.
eMTBs are not permitted.
Helmets are required.
The trail speed limit is 15 mph.
Slow to 5 mph when passing.
Bicycles must yield to hikers and equestrians.
Dogs are not permitted.
Carry your own drinking water.
Cell service can be unreliable.
Expect substantial climbing.
Check current trail closures before riding.
Stay on designated trails.
Pack out everything you bring in.
-
Is El Corte de Madera good for beginners?
Skeggs is generally better suited to intermediate and advanced riders. The combination of technical terrain, narrow singletrack, rocky sections, and substantial climbing can make it challenging for newer riders.
Are eMTBs allowed?
No. e-bikes are not permitted on the regular mountain bike trails within El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve.
How many miles of trails are there?
The preserve contains more than 34 miles of multi-use trails.
Where should I park?
The El Corte de Madera Parking Area is the largest option with approximately 65 spaces. Skeggs Point is another popular starting point with approximately 26 spaces.
Why is it called Skeggs?
Mountain bikers commonly refer to the riding area as Skeggs, after the nearby Skeggs Point parking area on Skyline Boulevard.
Is there drinking water?
Don't rely on finding drinking water inside the preserve. Bring enough water for your entire ride.
What are the best trails?
Manzanita, Blue Blossom, Resolution, Giant Salamander, North Leaf, and Sierra Morena are some of the standout trails to include when exploring the preserve.
-
El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve:
Official Midpen WebsiteOfficial Preserve Map: Map
Current Trail Closures: Trail Closures
Trailforks: El Corte de Madera
Silicon Valley Mountain Bikers: SVMB