The best road cycling routes in Thornewood Open Space Preserve

No, road cycling is not permitted on the internal trails of Thornewood Open Space Preserve itself. However, the surrounding roads in the Santa Cruz Mountains offer excellent opportunities for road cycling, with routes often passing near or by the preserve.

The region features diverse terrain, from forested hills with a mix of redwood, Douglas fir, oak, and madrone woodlands to routes with significant elevation gain. You'll find both shaded, curvy descents and challenging climbs, often providing panoramic views of the southern San Francisco Bay and the Diablo Range.

Yes, while many routes offer significant climbs, there are options for easier rides with mostly well-paved surfaces. For example, the Manzanita Way – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop from Portola Valley is an easy 14.5-mile path offering a scenic ride through varied landscapes.

For a more challenging experience, routes incorporating roads like Old La Honda Road are popular. The Old La Honda Road – Manzanita Way loop from Portola Valley is a moderate 20.15-mile route with significant elevation gain, often completed in under two hours. Another option is the Tree Tunnel on Portola Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Portola Valley, which leads through forested hills with notable climbs.

Cyclists can enjoy glimpses of the southern San Francisco Bay, Palo Alto, and Stanford University's Hoover Tower from various points. The region is also known for its forested hills, including redwood and Douglas fir woodlands, and the tranquil Schilling Lake within the preserve (though not directly accessible by bike, its presence adds to the natural beauty of the area).

Many popular road cycling routes in the area, such as those incorporating Old La Honda Road or Alpine Road, often start from towns like Portola Valley or Woodside, where public parking may be available. It's advisable to check specific starting points for parking options.

The region offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. Wildflowers can be seen until summer, and in autumn, black oaks and big-leaf maples provide vibrant scenery. Always check local weather forecasts, especially for potential fog or rain, as conditions can vary.

Yes, the nearby historic town of Woodside is a charming and convenient spot for cyclists to refuel. It features quaint shops, a market, a bakery, and outdoor seating, making it an ideal break point.

The road cycling routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. Over 5,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs, scenic descents, and picturesque natural beauty.

Yes, many of the popular routes are designed as loops. For instance, the Old La Honda Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley is a moderate 9.4-mile option, and the Old La Honda Road loop from Woodside is another popular moderate loop covering about 12.3 miles.

There are over 50 road cycling routes available in the surrounding area of Thornewood Open Space Preserve, offering a wide range of distances and difficulties for cyclists to explore.