The best cycling routes in the Coast Range
4.6
(737)
21,927
riders
962
rides
Touring cycling in the Coast Range offers diverse landscapes, from dense forests to rugged coastal stretches. The region features steep mountain slopes and sharp ridges, with elevations reaching up to 4,100 feet. Cyclists encounter lush forests of Douglas fir and hemlock, alongside marine environments with beaches, estuaries, and headlands. Numerous rivers, streams, and waterfalls are also characteristic of this varied terrain.
Best touring cycling routes in the Coast Range
- The most popular touring cycling route is Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, an 11.4 miles (18.3 km) trail that takes 1 hour 5 minutes to complete. This route offers a moderate ride through ancient redwood forests.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Mount Hamilton Ride, a difficult 19.1 miles (30.7 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain with expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Grizzly Peak and Tunnel Road Cycling Route, an 17.7 miles (28.6 km) trail leading through hilly terrain with panoramic vistas, often completed in about 2 hours 4 minutes.
- Touring cycling in the Coast Range is defined by dense forests, challenging mountain climbs, and scenic coastal views. The network offers options for various ability levels, from moderate parkways to difficult mountain ascents.
- The routes in Coast Range are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 790 reviews. More than 22,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Coast Range's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
5.0
(1)
3,793
riders
18.3km
01:05
220m
390m
Cycle the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, a moderate 11.4-mile route through ancient redwood groves in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
231
riders
30.7km
03:09
1,330m
180m
Tackle the difficult 19.1-mile Mount Hamilton Ride, gaining 4362 feet in elevation to the historic Lick Observatory with panoramic views.
Sign up for free
4.9
(23)
162
riders
28.6km
02:04
560m
530m
This difficult 17.7-mile touring cycling route offers challenging climbs, rewarding descents, and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
5.0
(4)
90
riders
37.9km
02:38
680m
600m
Embark on the Three Bears Loop, a difficult touring cycling route spanning 23.5 miles (37.9 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2219 feet (676 metres). You can expect to complete this challenging ride in about 2 hours and 37 minutes. As you pedal, you will pass through idyllic backcountry scenery, enjoying views of the San Pablo Reservoir and rolling hills, with a notable vista of the Briones Reservoir along Bear Creek Road. The route features a mix of tree-lined sections and open, unshaded roads, providing a varied experience.
When planning your ride, be aware that while the road surface is mostly paved, you might encounter gravel and debris, especially on descents. Given the lack of shade on some of the climbs, remember to carry plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated. For the best experience of the route's famous climbs, it is recommended that you ride the loop in a clockwise direction. This will help you tackle the 'bears' as intended.
This well-known East Bay ride is particularly famous for its challenging climbs, affectionately known as the 'three bears': Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. These distinct and demanding ascents are all found on Bear Creek Road, making the route a true test of endurance for touring cyclists. The unique sequence of these climbs sets the Three Bears Loop apart as a notable and rewarding cycling adventure in the region.
5.0
(1)
3,801
riders
21.3km
01:25
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
61.4km
03:39
450m
480m
Cycle the Avenue of the Giants, a difficult 38.1-mile route through towering redwood forests in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
6
riders
16.8km
02:06
1,000m
50m
Embark on a challenging touring bicycle ride up Mount Diablo via North Gate and Summit Roads. This difficult route spans 10.4 miles (16.8 km) and demands a significant effort, with an elevation gain of 3268 feet (996 metres). As you climb, the paved road winds past ranch buildings and pastures, gradually revealing increasingly spectacular scenic vistas. You can expect to complete this ascent in about 2 hours and 6 minutes, pushing yourself on one of the Bay Area's toughest climbs.
When planning your visit, remember that this route is located within Mount Diablo State Park. Cyclists are exempt from paying park entrance fees, which is a nice bonus. Be prepared for varying temperatures and potential strong winds as you approach the summit. It is crucial to bring plenty of water, as much of the route is exposed to the sun, especially during warmer months. Traffic on North Gate Road is generally light, but always stay alert.
The reward for your strenuous effort is a breathtaking 360-degree panorama from the Mount Diablo Summit. On a clear day, the views extend up to 200 miles in all directions, offering glimpses of the entire Bay Area, the vast Central Valley, and even the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains. This unique vantage point makes the climb a truly memorable experience, showcasing the diverse landscapes of California from a single peak.
15.7km
01:09
340m
280m
Cycle the Palomares Road from Niles Canyon, a moderate 9.8-mile touring route through a wooded canyon with rustic homes and green hills.
4.6
(7)
172
riders
53.7km
04:01
1,170m
1,170m
This difficult 33.4-mile touring cycling loop around Briones and San Pablo Reservoirs offers challenging climbs and panoramic views.
4.9
(8)
130
riders
60.1km
03:29
170m
170m
Cycle the moderate San Francisco Bay Trail, a 37.4-mile route with bay views, urban sections, and natural landscapes.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Coast Range
Bay Area Ridge Trail — Circumnavigating the San Francisco Bay
California Coastal Trail — Following the coastline from Mexico to Oregon
Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada – 4,200 kilometres of wilderness
Bay Area Ridge Trail — Hiking the backbone of The Bay
Corvallis-to-the-Sea Trail — Walk through wild Oregon
Bigfoot Trail — Exploring the remote Klamath Mountains
Oregon Coast Trail — An unforgettable walk along the Pacific's edge
Hiking treasures in the Bay Area
Hiking in the Coast Range
Road Cycling Routes in the Coast Range
Other adventures in the Coast Range
Tips from the Community
Patio boats, motor boats, and row boats are available for rent daily (no kayaks). The aluminum fishing boats come equipped with a four stroke motor, which is ideal for fishing and cruising the waters of the reservoir. All rental boats must be returned and checked in 1 hour prior to park closure. Visit Rocky Mountain Recreation https://rockymountainrec.com or call 510-223-1661 for prices and additional information
0
0
I object to this user "Mirsaid Abdullaev" stealing my images and passing them off as his. Please stop this. He has been to none of these locations, so cannot create highlights there, and should not create highlights with other people's IP.
0
0
Beautiful peak with 40 community images. All images will be uploaded for background filtering.
0
1
In this area of the Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve, visitors can find the Sobrante Ridge Trailhead. The preserve is 277 acres in size and is a parkland that preserves the habitat of the extremely rare Alameda manzanita. It is an important home to indigenous plants and animals in this area.
0
0
Mount Diablo, is the Bay Area second-highest peak at 1173m (3849ft). The challenging climb features constantly fluctuating gradients averaging 8%, with tough sections up to 18% and a brutal 23% finish in the last 200m. The equally demanding descent requires good bike handling due to tight corners, potholes, and strong winds. The road to the top is open daily from 8 AM till sunset.
0
0
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is in Humboldt County, California, about 50 miles north of Eureka. This amazing coastal forest spans 14,000 acres, safeguarding ancient coast redwood trees. Co-managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service, it's part of the renowned Redwood National and State Parks. The meadow bordering the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, featuring Roosevelt elk, is a park highlight. These unique grassy clearings within the redwood forest, locally known as prairies, lend the park its name.
0
0
The Tilden Steam Train is a 15 in gauge miniature railway at Tilden Regional Park. It offers visitors a ride along a ridge through the park, and gives you amazing views of the nearby valley and mountains.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Coast Range?
The Coast Range offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 990 options available for exploration. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging ascents.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in the Coast Range?
Touring cyclists in the Coast Range can expect incredibly diverse terrain. The region features everything from dense, lush forests of Douglas fir and hemlock to dramatic coastal stretches with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches. You'll encounter steep mountain slopes, sharp ridges, and numerous rivers, streams, and even waterfalls. Some routes offer car-free sections through peaceful valleys and winding creeks, while others provide expansive views from higher elevations.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the Coast Range?
The Coast Range is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 790 reviews. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from ancient redwood forests to challenging mountain climbs with panoramic vistas, and the scenic coastal views. The variety of routes, catering to different ability levels, is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in the Coast Range?
Yes, the Coast Range has over 300 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a moderate ride through ancient redwood forests is the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which is 11.4 miles (18.3 km) long and takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to complete.
Are there challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists in the Coast Range?
Absolutely. The Coast Range is home to over 350 difficult touring cycling routes. For a significant elevation gain and expansive views, consider the Mount Hamilton Ride, a challenging 19.1 miles (30.7 km) path. Another difficult option is the Grizzly Peak and Tunnel Road Cycling Route, which offers hilly terrain and panoramic vistas over 17.7 miles (28.6 km).
What natural features or landmarks can I see along touring cycling routes in the Coast Range?
The Coast Range is rich in natural beauty and unique landmarks. You can explore areas like Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Park, enjoy the views from Mount Diablo Summit, or visit the sandy shores of Point Emery. The region also features interesting geological formations such as Bear Gulch Cave and dramatic gorges like Devils Churn. Many routes pass through dense forests and along scenic coastlines.
Are there any routes that offer stunning coastal views?
Yes, the Coast Range is renowned for its breathtaking coastal beauty. Many routes along the coastal strip provide panoramic views of the craggy coastline, rugged cliffs dropping into the ocean, and secluded sandy beaches. While specific coastal routes are not detailed in the provided data, the region's description highlights the marine environment and dramatic vistas from areas like Ecola State Park, suggesting ample opportunities for scenic coastal rides.
Can I find routes that pass by waterfalls in the Coast Range?
Yes, the Coast Range is known for its numerous water features, including many rivers, streams, and waterfalls. While specific routes passing directly by waterfalls are not listed, the region is home to notable examples like Munson Creek Falls, one of Oregon's tallest, and Lake Creek Falls. You might also encounter features like Little Yosemite, which is categorized as a waterfall in the nearby attractions.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Coast Range?
Yes, the Coast Range offers several circular touring cycling routes. One popular option is the Three Bears Loop, which covers 23.5 miles (37.9 km) and is considered difficult. Another challenging loop is the Briones Reservoir and San Pablo Reservoir loop, spanning 33.3 miles (53.7 km).
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in the Coast Range?
The Coast Range offers diverse conditions throughout the year. While specific recommendations vary, the region's temperate rainforests suggest that spring and fall might offer pleasant temperatures and lush scenery. Summer generally provides drier conditions, ideal for exploring, though coastal areas can experience fog. Winter cycling is possible, but riders should be prepared for colder, wetter weather, especially in higher elevations and dense forests.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in the Coast Range?
While the Coast Range features many challenging routes with significant elevation, there are also easier options suitable for families. Look for routes categorized as 'moderate' or 'easy' to find paths that might be more suitable for a family outing. The region's diverse landscapes, including beaches and forests, offer plenty of scenic backdrops for a family adventure.
Can I bring my dog on touring cycling routes in the Coast Range?
Many outdoor areas in the Coast Range are dog-friendly, but policies can vary by specific park or trail. It's always best to check the regulations for individual routes or parks before heading out with your dog. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in many natural areas, but some protected zones or specific trails might have restrictions.
What are the parking options for touring cyclists in the Coast Range?
Parking availability for touring cyclists in the Coast Range varies depending on the specific route and starting point. Many state parks, visitor centers like the Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center, and trailheads offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to research the specific access points for your chosen route to confirm parking availability and any potential fees.
Most popular routes in the Coast Range
Most popular attractions in the Coast Range
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
