About Us

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that builds and maintains great trails for everyone, and connects communities to nature through responsible outdoor recreation. Our tax EIN is 77-0457425.

Vision

We believe that trails are a gateway to the adventure, fun, exercise and sense of wonder offered by the great outdoors. Our work expands and enhances sustainable trail networks so everyone has a place in enjoying and protecting the Santa Cruz Mountains.

We envision Santa Cruz County becoming the model for sustainable trail systems, community stewardship and land manager partnerships. We support this vision by trail design, construction and maintenance, through community collaboration, partnerships, and world-class events.

What We Do

  • We build and maintain trails throughout Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.
  • We connect trail users to open spaces through public and private volunteer trail work events.
  • We host free classes and community events to teach outdoor enthusiasts about sustainable trail principles.
  • We raise funds to support all of the above.
  • We're also a licensed CA contractor. Hire our team to design and build your dream trail!

Our Work

We're behind popular trails at Soquel Demonstration State Forest, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Pogonip, and bring together thousands of volunteers for trail work events each year.

You might recognize some of the trails and pump tracks we’ve built; Flow Trail, Sawpit Trail reroute, Emma McCrary Trail, West Engelsmans reroute, Enchanted Loop reroute, Ramsay Park Pump Track, Harvey West Pump Track, Chanticleer Pump Track, Gloria Jean Tate Pump Track, and the Westside Pump Track.

History

Since our founding in 1997 (we were known as "Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz"), we've grown from a special interest advocacy group into a professional trail stewardship organization with deep trails expertise, a full roster of field and office staff, extensive community and volunteer engagement, and strong relationships with local land managers.

Join Our Team

Are you a nature enthusiast looking to pursue a career in the outdoors? Check out our current job openings and apply to join our team!

All current job opportunities are linked here.

Environmental Impact

Our Mountain Biking Impact Review was created by our Science Committee and answers the most frequently asked questions concerning the social and environmental impacts of mountain biking and trail construction. It includes facts about plants and wildlife, hydrological and geological issues and social science issues.

Join a Committee

We rely on the leadership of knowledgeable volunteers who participate in various committees to help us achieve our goals.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Science Committee

Development Committee

Become a Member

Become a SCMTS Trail Steward! Join thousands of members who provide a reliable stream of support as we build and maintain sustainable trails throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Our Team

We are outdoor enthusiasts, trail builders and resource management experts with a proven record of working around complex environmental constraints.

Our Board

Our Expertise

We are outdoor enthusiasts, trail builders and resource management experts with a proven record of working around complex environmental constraints to ensure that new recreation opportunities fulfill the goals of land managers and the public.