The best traffic-free bike rides in Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

While road cycling is not permitted on the trails within the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve itself, the adjacent Bear Creek Road is a highly regarded route for road cyclists. Many routes in the area incorporate sections of Bear Creek Road, offering challenging climbs and scenic beauty with minimal traffic on portions. You can explore routes like the Roadbike loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park or the more challenging Top of Eureka Canyon – Old Santa Cruz Highway loop.

The road cycling routes around Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve are known for their challenging nature. You can expect substantial elevation gains, with some segments reaching grades of 15-20%. The 'Mama Bear' and 'Papa Bear' climbs on Bear Creek Road, for instance, feature steady gradients around 7%. Routes vary from moderate, like the Mountain Charlie Road loop with over 880 meters of ascent, to difficult, such as the Mount Umunhum Road loop which climbs over 1300 meters.

Most road cycling routes in the Bear Creek Redwoods area are geared towards intermediate to advanced riders due to significant elevation gains and challenging terrain. However, there is at least one easy route available, and some moderate options that might be suitable for families with older, experienced children or beginners looking for a challenge. Always check the route details, including distance and elevation, before heading out.

While cycling on Bear Creek Road and surrounding routes, you'll experience extensive views of the natural landscape. The area is characterized by lush second-growth redwood forests, Douglas fir, and oak woodlands. Although the preserve itself is known for its perennial creeks and Upper Lake, the primary cycling routes offer a different perspective, often providing panoramic vistas as you climb. You'll be riding through a biologically diverse ecosystem, though direct access to many of the preserve's specific features like the Old Growth Redwood Trees is typically for hikers.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the scenic beauty, and the feeling of being immersed in nature away from heavy traffic. The varying terrain and substantial elevation gains provide a rewarding workout, making it a favorite for those seeking a demanding yet picturesque road cycling experience.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park, which is a moderate 27.5 km ride, and the more extensive Old Santa Cruz Highway – Top of Eureka Canyon loop, covering over 84 km.

The region generally offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall often provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, but many sections of the roads are shaded by dense tree cover. Winter can bring rain, but clear days are still excellent for cycling. Always check the local weather forecast before planning your ride.

Parking is available at various points that serve as starting locations for these routes. For example, routes like the Roadbike loop from Lexington Reservoir County Park typically start from Lexington Reservoir County Park, which offers parking facilities. Always verify parking availability and any potential fees for your chosen starting point.

While the immediate vicinity of Bear Creek Road is largely natural and residential, you can find cafes and dining options in nearby towns such as Los Gatos. These towns offer a variety of establishments where you can refuel before or after your ride.

Given the challenging nature of these routes and the potential for varying conditions, it's advisable to bring plenty of water, nutrition, and appropriate layers of clothing. A helmet is essential, and a repair kit with spare tubes and tools is highly recommended. Due to the significant elevation changes, ensure your bike is in good working order, especially your brakes.

This guide features 8 carefully selected road cycling routes that focus on minimal traffic, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty and challenging climbs of the Bear Creek Redwoods area. These routes range in difficulty from easy to difficult, catering to various fitness levels.