Find the top rated cross country skiing trails in California, whether you're looking for an easy short cross country skiing trail or a long cross country skiing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a cross country skiing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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this is a great beginner trail, but be warned that it gets very crowded on weekends with many pedestrians so it’s more of a cruising trail than a speed trail. there are some places where you need to cross the street and as a result, must be able to maneuver through tight switchbacks with fencing, so if you are clumsy with clip ins like me, you will probably fall unless you jump off or focus really hard. The trails starts/ ends in downtown LG which is always a plus. You can definitely make a day out of it.
There is no vehicle parking at either end of the trail. Other than this, this is a great ride.
We did this trail in Sept 2025. The completed portion of the trail is not very long and goes through the city of Santa Cruz. From the start and end points you have easy access to the Santa Cruz Beach Board Walk, and Natural Bridges State Park.
I attended Humboldt State University from 1974 to 1978. It was a joy to find this segment complete. We started in Arcata and cycled to the Eureka Waterfront . The trail is paved, flat, and runs alongside Humboldt Bay. Some of the trail runs close alongside HWY 101 but much of the trail has a healthy distance. We went on a sunny day with beautiful views of the bay.
simple asphalt trail, unfortunately it rides by multiple homeless encampments and the people yell and threaten you to get out of their area. Needs more police patrols present, kinda nervous to use.
From the East end most of the trail was roadside but did have a paved bike lane. Several wineries to stop at including Concannon. However the main trail was closed. I posted photos.
Very popular trail that links up with the San Juan trail if you continue riding north thru Doheny State Park. Multi use with runners, bikers, rollerbladers, and folks that rent bikes or buggies from Doheny park.
Nice trail, flat and shady. There are a couple of big streets to cross but it is easy to pick up the trail again.
First time here. It's quite a wide trail, full of walkers, bikers and some runners and dogs. There are no restrooms on this trail, so make sure you're empty before starting. I will come again and will use this trail to get me back into running again.
Lots of shade along the way, a few dismount areas as you make it to where the path crosses the street.
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