The best gravel rides in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
5.0
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28
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7
rides
Gravel biking in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve offers diverse landscapes, transitioning from open coastal grasslands to dense redwood and Douglas fir forests. The preserve encompasses over 6,100 acres, featuring historic ranchlands and significant elevation changes. Panoramic views of the San Mateo County Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains are available from various vista points. An extensive trail network provides routes suitable for different skill levels, often utilizing existing ranch roads.
Best gravel bike trails in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Old La Honda Road – West Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley, a 29.9 miles (48.1 km) trail that takes 3 hours 33 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain and passes through historic ranchlands.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Black Mountain – Arastradero Lake loop from Portola Valley, a difficult 29.9 miles (48.2 km) path. This challenging route leads through varied landscapes with substantial climbing.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Old La Honda Road – Portola Road loop from Portola Valley, a 8.6 miles (13.9 km) trail leading through varied terrain with moderate elevation, often completed in about 1 hour 13 minutes.
- Gravel biking in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is defined by redwood forests, coastal grasslands, and panoramic views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate rides to more demanding routes with significant elevation gains.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 20 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
5
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
48.2km
03:36
1,170m
1,170m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
48.2km
04:01
1,300m
1,300m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
13.9km
01:13
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
11.9km
01:20
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
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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Didn’t OLR used to turn into Dirt before reaching Skyline? Is it all pavement now?? Scott
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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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Boronda Lake features a couple scenic picnic areas with piers out over the water. A small arched bridge leads out to Sunfish Island from a trail on the side of the lake opposite the road. This is great place from which to enjoy beautiful Foothills Nature Preserve.
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Old La Honda Rd downhill video: https://youtu.be/icnBpBZQ8gE?si=xYovaH-Nr8llwLEM
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The top of Borel Hill has an elevation of 2,572 feet and offers panoramic views of the city below as well as views of the ocean in the distance.
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Skegg's Point, right off of Skyline Boulevard, has panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
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Arastradero Lake is a quiet pond in the hills of the Arastradero Preserve. The lake is surrounded by oak trees and can get pretty dry in summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
There are 7 gravel bike routes available in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve on komoot, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails?
The trails in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll ride through historic ranchlands, expansive coastal grasslands, and dense redwood and Douglas fir forests. Many routes follow existing ranch roads, providing a classic gravel biking experience.
Are there trails suitable for beginner gravel bikers?
Yes, there are moderate routes available. For example, the Skeggs Point – Blue Blossom Trail loop from Skeggs Point is an 8.7-mile route with moderate elevation changes, making it a good option for those newer to gravel biking in the area.
What are the more challenging gravel bike routes in the preserve?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the Old La Honda Road – West Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley offer significant elevation gain over nearly 30 miles. Another demanding option is the Black Mountain – Arastradero Lake loop from Portola Valley, which also features substantial climbing.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike routes?
You'll encounter diverse natural beauty, including impressive redwood forests, particularly in the northern sections, and expansive coastal grasslands. Many routes offer panoramic views of the San Mateo County Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains. You might also spot grazing cattle in the historic ranchlands.
Are there any loop trails for gravel biking in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
Yes, many of the gravel routes are designed as loops. For instance, the Skegg's Point – Skeggs Point loop from Skeggs Point provides a circular route through varied terrain, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
Spring is particularly beautiful, with vibrant wildflower displays in the coastal grasslands. The redwood forests offer shade, making them pleasant during warmer months. Clear days provide the best panoramic views of the coast. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, parking is generally available at designated access points for the preserve. For routes starting from Skeggs Point, you'll find parking facilities there. For routes originating from Portola Valley, look for available parking in that area.
Are dogs allowed on the gravel bike trails?
The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which manages La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, has specific regulations regarding dogs. It's best to check their official website for the most current dog policy and designated dog-friendly trails before planning your ride.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the preserve?
While the preserve itself is a natural area, you can find cafes and dining options in nearby towns such as La Honda, Portola Valley, or Woodside. These towns offer places to refuel before or after your ride.
What are the typical elevation gains on these gravel routes?
Elevation gains vary significantly depending on the route. Moderate trails might have around 1,000 to 1,500 feet of climbing, such as the Old La Honda Road – Portola Road loop from Portola Valley with over 1,400 feet. More difficult routes can exceed 3,000 feet of elevation gain, offering a substantial workout.
Are permits required to access certain areas of the preserve?
Some areas within La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve may require permits for access, which can contribute to a sense of solitude on certain trails. It's advisable to check the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's official website for the latest information on permit requirements for specific sections of the preserve.
Most popular routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
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