The best traffic-free bike rides in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
5.0
(4)
305
riders
4
rides
Touring cycling in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve offers routes through diverse landscapes. The preserve features redwood and Douglas fir forests, historic ranchlands, and expansive coastal grasslands. Riders can experience varied terrain, from open, rolling hills to forested, steeper sections, with panoramic views of the San Mateo County Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains. The trail system includes over 17 miles of designated multi-use trails suitable for no traffic touring cycling.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Skeggs Point – El Corte de Madera Creek Trail loop from Skeggs Point, a 7.4 miles (11.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 24 minutes to complete, winding through forested areas.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Dwight Crowder Path – Rossotti's Alpine Inn loop from Los Trancos Woods, a moderate 11.5 miles (18.4 km) path offering views of the surrounding hills.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Borel Hill – Mindego Hill Windmill loop from Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve, a 6.9 miles (11.2 km) trail leading through open grasslands and forested sections, often completed in about 1 hour 11 minutes.
- Touring cycling in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is defined by redwood forests, rolling grasslands, and panoramic coastal views. The network offers options for different ability levels, with all routes currently rated as moderate.
- The routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 2 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
21
riders
11.9km
01:24
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
18.4km
01:16
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
riders
11.4km
00:45
170m
170m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
From up here on the ridge you get great sweeping views across the foothills. On a clear day you can see out west to the Pacific Ocean.
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The Northern part of Alpine Road is a paved and curvy descent through wooded areas and runs parallel to Coal Mine Ridge Preserve, eventually connecting with the trailhead there.
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Tunitas Creek Road is a popular road climb leading up to Kings Mountain. It is normally low traffic and takes you pass beautiful forest and farms.
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Great view from Purisima Creek Road onto the farms leading up to Whale Bone Beach. On a clear day, you can see the Pacific from this spot.
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This mostly paved bike trail alongside Alpine Road is great for bike commuting — just don't run over any slower trail users! The trail runs all the way from Portola Valley to Stanford, offering some nice shade along the way. The brief moments of unpaved trail are near the Portola Valley end.
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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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This fantastic tavern, founded in 1852, is the second oldest in the state. It features a large, beer garden-style outdoor area with plenty of shade. An extensive beer and food menu makes it a perfect stop to enjoy a brew and some great food after a ride.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
There are 4 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes available in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in this preserve?
All the touring cycling routes listed are rated as moderate. While not technically difficult, some routes can be quite challenging due to elevation changes, requiring good to very good fitness. You might encounter unpaved segments where pushing your bike is necessary.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no traffic touring cycling routes?
You'll experience diverse landscapes, from winding through pockets of redwood and Douglas fir forests to traversing open, rolling coastal grasslands and historic ranchlands. Many routes offer panoramic views of the San Mateo County Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, you can enjoy the Skeggs Point – El Corte de Madera Creek Trail loop from Skeggs Point or the Dwight Crowder Path – Rossotti's Alpine Inn loop from Los Trancos Woods, both offering scenic circular rides.
What natural features or viewpoints can I see while touring cycling?
The preserve is rich in natural beauty. You can find the 'Big Tree,' one of the few remaining old-growth redwoods, accessible via the Cielo Trail. Many points offer spectacular panoramic views, including a grassy bluff with ocean views on clear days, and sweeping vistas of the Santa Cruz Mountains from the Coho Vista Trail.
Are there any historical sites along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, the preserve holds remnants of its past. You can spot the historic Red Barn from the Western Meadowlark Trail, and other structures reflecting the area's ranching and logging history are visible throughout the preserve.
Where can I park when visiting La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve for a bike ride?
Parking is generally available at designated trailheads and access points within or near the preserve. Specific parking information is usually provided on the individual route pages or the preserve's official website.
Is public transport available to reach the touring cycling routes?
Public transport options to La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve are limited. While SamTrans bus routes serve the general La Honda area, direct access to trailheads via public transport may require additional planning or a short ride from bus stops.
Are there restrooms available along the routes?
Yes, restrooms are available within La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve for visitor convenience.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
The preserve is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures for cycling. Summers can be warm, and winters might bring rain, making some unpaved sections muddy. Always check local weather conditions before your ride.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the sense of solitude, the stunning natural beauty, and the diverse terrain that makes for an engaging cycling experience.
Are there any longer no traffic touring cycling routes for a more extended ride?
For a longer ride, consider the Dwight Crowder Path – Rossotti's Alpine Inn loop from Los Trancos Woods, which covers approximately 18.4 kilometers and offers a substantial touring experience.
Most popular routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve
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