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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
California
Monterey County

Elkhorn

The best road cycling routes around Elkhorn

4.2

(4)

197

riders

9

rides

Road cycling routes around Elkhorn traverse a diverse landscape, featuring coastal stretches, river valleys, and rolling inland terrain. The region is characterized by its proximity to Monterey Bay, offering routes that include scenic coastal trails and more challenging climbs into the surrounding hills. Elevations vary, with some routes featuring significant ascents, while others remain closer to sea level.

Best road cycling routes around Elkhorn

  • The most popular road cycling route is Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop, a 56.7 miles (91.2 km) trail that takes 4 hours 16 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers extensive coastal views and passes through iconic scenic areas.
  • Another top favourite among local road cyclists is San Juan Bautista Loop, a difficult 45.5 miles (73.3 km) path. This route explores the inland areas with notable elevation changes.
  • Local road cyclists also love the Lovers Point Beach – Salinas River crossing loop from Prunedale, a 55.2 miles (88.9 km) trail leading through coastal areas and river valleys, often completed in about 4 hours 5 minutes.
  • Road cycling around Elkhorn is defined by coastal paths, river crossings, and varied elevation changes. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels, catering to different fitness requirements.
  • The routes in Elkhorn are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 2 reviews. More than 150 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Elkhorn's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

63

riders

#1.

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop

91.2km

04:16

460m

460m

Cycle the moderate 56.7-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop, offering stunning coastal views and wildlife.

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Moderate

7

riders

73.3km

03:30

940m

940m

This difficult 45.5-mile road cycling loop near San Juan Bautista offers challenging climbs and scenic views of Monterey Bay and historic la

Hard
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Popular around Elkhorn

Hiking around Elkhorn

Cycling around Elkhorn

Tips from the Community

Funkymaus🇦🇹
September 2, 2025, Lovers Point Beach

Beautiful beach

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8

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Nice hotel

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8

1

Very nice view

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8

1

Official viewpoint of the famous Rocky Creek Bridge. It is worth pulling off the road and making the short trip to the viewing platform to take in the wonderful views.

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The Rocky Creek Bridge is a beautiful reinforced‑concrete, open‑spandrel arch bridge finished in 1932. The bridge is one of the highlights along the Pacific Coast Highway.

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California State Route 1 is a beautiful route on the west coast of the USA. The Bixby Bridge is located between Monterey and Los Angeles and is one of the special highlights.

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A small parking lot on the side of the highway grants views across Bixby Bridge. This bridge is part of California's first scenic highway and was completed in 1932. Its concrete arches match the colors of the coastal cliffs to form an iconic Californian landmark.

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Sand City, California, a small city, is home to the scenic Sand City Beach. Once an industrial area, the dunes west of Highway 1 are now protected as part of the Eolian Dunes Preserve. The Sand City Beach Trail runs through the dunes, offering access to trails for hiking, biking, and leash pets. Sand City Beach is a top spot for beachcombing, especially for finding colorful sea glass, though walking barefoot is risky due to sharp edges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Elkhorn?

There are over 9 road cycling routes in the Elkhorn area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 150 times.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Elkhorn?

Yes, Elkhorn offers at least one easy road cycling route. While specific beginner-focused routes are not detailed, routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances are generally more suitable for those new to road cycling.

What are the typical distances and durations for road cycling routes in Elkhorn?

Road cycling routes around Elkhorn vary significantly. For example, the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop is about 56.7 miles (91.2 km) and takes around 4 hours 16 minutes, while the challenging Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint 🌉 – Little Sur Creek - beach loop from Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge extends to 71.6 miles (115.19 km) and can take over 5 hours 55 minutes.

Are there challenging road cycling routes for advanced riders in Elkhorn?

Absolutely. Elkhorn features several difficult routes with significant elevation changes. The San Juan Bautista Loop, for instance, is a difficult 45.5 miles (73.3 km) path with substantial climbs, and the San Juan Batista – Fremont Peak Summit loop from San Miguel Canyon Rd / Hall includes over 1600 meters of ascent.

What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes around Elkhorn?

Elkhorn's road cycling routes offer diverse scenery, from extensive coastal views along Monterey Bay to rolling inland terrain and river valleys. Routes like the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop provide iconic coastal vistas, while others explore the agricultural landscapes and hills further inland.

Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?

Yes, you can find places to stop for refreshments. For example, Pezzini Farms & coffee is a popular spot that road cyclists often pass by or visit in the region.

What attractions or landmarks can I see while road cycling near Elkhorn?

Many routes offer opportunities to see local attractions. You might cycle past the Salsipuedes-Pajaro River Cycleway or the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail to Castroville. Other points of interest include the Museum of Modern Art 🖼️ Moss Landing and Zmudowski Beach 🏖️ State Park.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Elkhorn?

The Elkhorn area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from scenic coastal paths to challenging inland climbs, and the well-maintained routes that cater to various fitness levels.

Are there any circular road cycling routes in Elkhorn?

Yes, many of the routes in Elkhorn are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop and the Lovers Point Beach – Salinas River crossing loop from Prunedale.

What is the best time of year for road biking in Elkhorn?

Given Elkhorn's proximity to Monterey Bay, the region generally experiences mild weather year-round. Spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for road cycling. Summers are typically cool and foggy along the coast, while winters are mild but can bring rain.

Are there any road cycling routes that feature significant viewpoints?

Yes, several routes offer stunning viewpoints. The Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint 🌉 – Little Sur Creek - beach loop from Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge is a prime example, providing breathtaking coastal vistas including the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.

Most popular routes around Elkhorn

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Most popular attractions around Elkhorn

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