TrailBeat blog

Welcome to the TrailBeat blog, where we share stories from the trail, fitness tips, and news from the world of outdoor adventures. Get inspired by our experiences and discover new ways to make the most of your workouts with TrailBeat.

Cycling the California Coast from Wilder Ranch to Davenport

March 21, 2026

When the sun was still low over the Pacific, I set off with a handful of friends from Wilder Ranch, just North of Santa Cruz, for a weekend of mountain‑bike adventure. Our route followed the dramatic bluffs that cling to the coastline, offering sweeping views of the sparsely populated beaches, sheer cliffs, and the lively marine life that calls this stretch home.

A Panoramic Journey

The trail, still under construction as part of the North Coast Rail Trail Project, winds through patches of untouched shoreline and forested dunes. As we pedaled, sea lions basked on rocks, gulls circled overhead, and the  waves crashing over the rocks—an unplanned soundtrack that made the ride feel almost cinematic. The occasional rail bed segment left behind by the old Southern Pacific/Union Pacific line added a nostalgic touch to the landscape.

The North Coast Rail Trail Project

Although the full trail isn’t finished until 2027, a significant portion is already open to cyclists, hikers, and equestrians. The project will connect a series of existing parks, preserve coastal habitats, and provide a safe, continuous path for all users. For anyone curious about the ongoing work or looking to support the initiative, you can learn more at the South Coast Conservancy’s Trail page:
North Coast Rail Trail Project.

Arriving in Davenport

After a pleasant ride, we rolled into the sleepy town of Davenport, just north of Shark Fin Cove (see photo). It’s the kind of place where the ocean meets the street, and the locals know every tide’s rhythm. We decided to unwind with a meal at the beloved Whale City Bakery—a local favorite known for its hearty breakfasts and artisanal pastries.

The bakery’s patio was the perfect spot to relax. With the ocean breeze in our hair and the sound of waves in the background, we savored a fresh, flaky croissant and a steaming cup of coffee. The staff’s friendly chatter, coupled with the panoramic view of the coastline, made the lunch feel like a quiet celebration with friends. It’s moments like these that remind us how cycling can lead to unexpected culinary delights.

Final Thoughts

Riding from Wilder Ranch to Davenport was more than a bike trip; it was a sensory journey through California’s rugged coast. The combination of open trail, wildlife, and friendly townspeople made the day unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a scenic getaway, this route—and the ongoing North Coast Rail Trail Project—deserves a spot on your itinerary.

A Memorable Trip to Northern New Mexico: Museums, Trails, and Family Time in Los Alamos and Taos

March 10, 2026

I took a wonderful trip earlier this month with my father to Northern New Mexico. Our main focus were the museums in Los Alamos, particularly the Los Alamos History Museum and the nearby Bradbury Science Museum. Los Alamos is world-famous for its pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II.

 

The museums were incredibly insightful—full of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and stories from the "Secret City" era—but what surprised me most was the stunning natural beauty. At over 7,000 feet elevation, Los Alamos offers an extensive network of hiking trails. I managed to squeeze in a couple of great hikes, including the scenic Perimeter Trail and the Mitchell Trail a moderate route with access to canyons and ridges,. The high elevation and fresh mountain environment are invigorating—though they come with challenges, as we soon discovered.

 

A Lesson in Elevation Sickness

At 7,000 feet, the altitude isn't for everyone. My 93-year-old father quickly felt the effects: fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. After a visit to urgent care (where we ruled out flu and COVID), it was clear acute mountain sickness was the culprit. Fortunately, the museums provided wheelchairs, and by limiting his walking, he was able to enjoy the exhibits comfortably. It was a good reminder to take it slow at elevation, especially for older travelers.

 

White Rock and Beyond

Just south of Los Alamos, White Rock offers one of the region's most breathtaking spots: Overlook Park (at 580 Overlook Road).  The views stretch for miles across the Rio Grande Valley and rugged canyons—perfect for a peaceful picnic or sunset watching.

 

Close to White Rock is Bandelier National Monument (about 33,677 acres of protected land), home to remarkable Ancestral Puebloan sites. Highlights include cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and masonry structures dating back nearly 900–1,000 years. The park's trails lead through dramatic canyons and mesas—definitely worth the short drive from Los Alamos.

 

Heading North to Taos

To the north lies the charming town of Taos, founded in 1615. Its most famous historical resident is Kit Carson, the legendary mountain man, trapper, guide, and U.S. Army officer. In the 1820s–1830s, he roamed the West from Oregon to Central California. Despite being illiterate, Carson was remarkably multilingual—he spoke English, French, Spanish, and several Native American languages fluently.  His home in Taos is now a museum.

 

The real gem is the Taos Pueblo at the north edge of town: one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, with residents living there for nearly 1,000 years (structures date back to around 1000–1450 AD). The multi-story adobe buildings are still home to families, and the site is a UNESCO World Heritage landmark.

 

This trip blended rich history, stunning hikes, and quality time with my dad—despite the altitude hiccup. Northern New Mexico's mix of science, culture, and natural beauty left a lasting impression. If you're planning a visit, pack layers, stay hydrated, and take those trails slowly—you won't regret it!

Foggy Morning Ride on the Lisa Killough Trail: Exploring Calero County Park in South San Jose

December 10, 2025 

On an overcast morning, I headed out for a ride with a friend on the Lisa Killough Trail in Calero County Park, tucked away in South San Jose. Right from the start (parking at the Rancho San Vicente entrance on McKean Road), I appreciated the clear posted signs marking one-way trails—super helpful for avoiding head-on surprises on busy weekends.

 

The Lisa Killough Trail is a flowing singletrack gem: mostly gentle climbs winding through ridges and valleys, with open grasslands, scattered oak groves, and a few cattle gates. It's about 5 miles of mostly mild grades (around 400–500 feet of elevation gain total), making it approachable for intermediate riders. The trail ends with a delightful downhill section that dead-ends into the Cottle Trail.

 

From there, you have options: 

- Turn left to loop around the Calero Reservoir for a scenic, flatter ride along the water. 

- Or turn right for the real challenge—an out-and-back on the Cottle Trail before circling the reservoir.

 

We went right, and that's where things got serious. The Cottle Trail crosses a couple of small creeks, then hits a steep climb. Most bikers (myself included) end up walking the final push—it's a leg-burner! Cottle transitions into the Chisnantuk Peak Trail, where the climbing continues.

 

But the payoff was worth every pedal stroke. We punched through the low-hanging fog and emerged into brilliant sunshine, with spectacular views of mountain peaks rising above the clouds as we topped out at Bald Peaks. 

 

This high point connects Calero County Park to the adjacent Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to the south, opening up even more trails for longer adventures.

 

Alternative Start: The McKean Road Entrance

Calero has a second (main) entrance at 23205 McKean Road in San Jose, which is great if you're coming from the other direction. From here, you can kick off on the Oak Cove Trail, passing right by Los Cerritos Pond—a peaceful spot for birdwatching or a quick breather.

 

Shortly after the pond, stay on Oak Cove to hug the reservoir's shoreline, or turn left onto the Peña Trail for more varied terrain (it connects into loops like Serpentine or Figueroa).

 

Whether you start from Rancho San Vicente for the Lisa Killough flow or the main entrance for reservoir views, Calero delivers a perfect mix of challenging climbs, rewarding vistas, and that classic South Bay open-space feel. It's a solid local spot—pack water, check for trail conditions (especially after rain), and enjoy the one-way flow. Highly recommend for a half-day ride!