4.9
(88)
1,032
riders
39
rides
Mountain biking around La Honda offers access to diverse terrain characterized by rolling hills, dense redwood forests, and open space preserves. The region features a network of trails that traverse varied landscapes, including creek beds and elevated ridges. Mountain bike trails near La Honda with elevation gain are common, providing challenging climbs and rewarding descents. This area is known for its natural beauty, with many routes winding through protected natural areas.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
22
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
riders
17.8km
02:44
550m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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5.0
(1)
25
riders
40.2km
05:10
1,280m
1,280m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(1)
16
riders
21.7km
03:09
650m
650m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
11
riders
41.8km
05:19
1,350m
1,350m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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This 3,436-acre expanse offers a vibrant tapestry of nature, just waiting to be explored. Millennia before Silicon Valley sprouted, Monte Bello Ridge and Black Mountain stood sentinel over the Santa Clara Valley. Native American tribes frequented the area, leaving behind petroglyphs and village sites whispering tales of the past.
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Borel Hill is my favorite place to watch spring flowers. The western slope near ancient oaks (5-10min west of Borel Hill) are covered with orange California Poppies and purple flowers starting in April. Borel Hill itself peaks around mid May and has a wide variety of flowers. The show lasts only a few weeks until end of May. The peak time and flower intensity varies from year to year, so come several times between April and May. There is small summit NW of Borel Hill and a narrow dirt trail leads you to a rock within 2 min. The rock is big enough for 2-3 to sit on. On a sunny day, the rock is nice warm even if the air is cold. Good views on the ocean and the Bay.
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Here, the Steve's Creek Nature Trail and the Canyon Trail intersect. A lovely patch of grass surrounds the junction, making it an ideal spot for a break.
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Black Mountain, situated on Monte Bello Ridge, is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. With an elevation of 2,812 feet, it's easy to understand why. From the summit, the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Silicon Valley are breathtaking.
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Russian Ridge is an incredible 3,137-acre preserve that boasts a rich diversity of plants and wildlife, steep forested canyons, and grasslands, with abundant wildflowers in the spring. The open ridge tops provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Bay Area, and the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most scenic preserves in the area to enjoy a picturesque ride.
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At the convergence of the Long Ridge Trail and Long Ridge Road, you will find the Wallace Stegner Bench. This overlook was one of the favorite places of author and conservationist Wallace Stegner. There are panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean to be had from here. However, if you come up by bike, the dirt trail is best suited for a touring bike with decent tires or a gravel bike.
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This 3,436-acre expanse offers a vibrant tapestry of nature, just waiting to be explored. Millennia before Silicon Valley sprouted, Monte Bello Ridge and Black Mountain stood sentinel over the Santa Clara Valley. Native American tribes frequented the area, leaving behind petroglyphs and village sites whispering tales of the past.
1
0
There are over 35 mountain bike trails around La Honda, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The region features a network of trails through redwood forests, rolling hills, and open space preserves.
The trails around La Honda cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 11 easy routes, 14 moderate routes, and 13 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners to advanced riders.
Yes, La Honda offers several family-friendly mountain biking trails. These routes are generally shorter and have less challenging terrain, making them suitable for riders of varying ages and experience levels. Look for trails rated as 'easy' or 'moderate' for the best family experience.
Many trails around La Honda feature substantial elevation gain, providing challenging climbs and rewarding descents. For example, the Old Ranch Trail – White Oak Trail loop from Portola Valley includes over 1,000 meters of ascent, and the Indian Creek Trail – Arastradero Lake loop from Los Trancos Woods also climbs over 1,000 meters.
Yes, La Honda has several longer mountain bike trails for endurance riders. The Arastradero Lake – Stevens Canyon Road loop from Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve is a challenging 54.2 km route, typically taking over 4 hours to complete. Another long option is the Old Ranch Trail – White Oak Trail loop from Portola Valley, which spans nearly 39 km.
Mountain bike trails in La Honda often provide diverse scenic views, ranging from dense redwood forests and winding creek beds to expansive vistas over rolling hills and open space preserves. Trails like the Borel Hill loop from Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offer views over the surrounding landscape.
Yes, many mountain bike trails in La Honda are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Borel Hill loop from Windy Hill Open Space Preserve and the Bowl Loop Jumps – Arastradero Lake loop from Portola Valley.
Beyond the natural beauty of redwood forests and rolling hills, you can encounter several notable landmarks. Highlights include various mountain peaks such as Black Mountain, Windy Hill Summit, and Borel Hill. You might also discover unique natural monuments like the Tafoni Sandstone Formation.
The mountain biking experience in La Honda is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, the beauty of the redwood forests, and the variety of trails that cater to different skill levels, from moderate paths to advanced routes.
While mountain biking is possible year-round, the best seasons are typically spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the trails are in good condition. Summer can be warm, and winter may bring rain, potentially affecting trail surfaces. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Yes, La Honda offers several advanced mountain bike routes for experienced riders seeking a challenge. These trails often feature significant elevation changes, technical sections, and longer distances. Examples include the Arastradero Lake – Stevens Canyon Road loop from Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and the Indian Creek Trail – Arastradero Lake loop from Los Trancos Woods, both rated as difficult.
Many trailheads and open space preserves around La Honda offer designated parking areas. Specific parking availability can vary by trail, so it's advisable to check the details for your chosen route on komoot or local park websites before your ride.


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