Swanton Rd is another alternative to Hwy 1. Coming from the North, you need to climb up 100 m, but the switchbacks are moderate. After less than 2km, you have a long descent which eventually gets you back to Hwy 1.
To the North, you connect to the Pescadero area via Hwy 1 and Cloverdale Rd / Gazos Creek . To the South, you can climb up Bonny Doon Rd into the Santa Cruz Mountains.