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Old La Honda Road – Stevens Creek Reservoir loop from Saratoga

Old La Honda Road – Stevens Creek Reservoir loop from Saratoga

Hard

3.2

(12)

riders

Old La Honda Road – Stevens Creek Reservoir loop from Saratoga

04:00

77.0km

1,350m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: March 27, 2026

Tips

The surface for a segment of your route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 51.4 km for 290 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.29 km

Route 9

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

This long climb starts pretty easy, then gets more challenging. The last 1.5 miles are taxing on the legs. On the other hand, riding down is exhilarating; you have the road for yourself since cars either dare go fast or can't handle the turns as bikes do. If you leave in the South Bay, CA-9 is something you want to experience.

Tip by

24.3 km

Skyline Boulevard Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

A nice place to pause and catch the view before zipping down the hill on either side. There's a wooden fence where you can lean your bike for a moment.

Tip by

31.7 km

Old La Honda Road

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Once the "real" climb on Old La Honda starts (roughly at the first hairpin curve), it lasts for almost exactly three miles until you meet with Skyline Boulevard, and averages a grade that is a touch under 8%. Naturally, there are brief spots where it's considerably steeper than that, but all such spots recorded by my GPS receiver had a grade less than 14%. The climb will not feel like any special challenge to anyone who is used to doing road climbs, but it's a good workout. The road is very narrow but its traffic is extremely light. There is a double yellow dividing line along the middle in the earliest stretches of the climb, but it soon disappears and doesn't re-emerge until you reach Skyline.

Tip by

44.2 km

Junipero Serra Boulevard

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Junipero Serra Boulevard has a generous, paved bike lane in both directions for the entire length of the ride.
Car traffic is everpresent on this route, and it can get particularly busy during commute hours on weekdays, though this shouldn't concern you much because (other than having to switch to the left-hand side of the right-turn lane at some intersections) you will be mostly independent of the traffic lanes in your own bike lane during this ride. Meanwhile, weekends with good weather will result in heavy bicycle traffic, in which case it would be worthwhile to pay extra attention to fast riders that might be approaching from behind, at least when you're stopping or resuming after a stop.

Tip by

49.9 km

Bol Park Path

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Excellent paved north-south dedicated car-free bike trail between Palo Alto and Los Altos.

Tip by

52.1 km

Palo Alto-Los Altos Bike Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The Palo Alto-Los Altos Bike and Pedestrian Path, also known as the Hetch Hetchy Trail, is a well-maintained multi-use route that connects Los Altos Avenue to Arastradero Road. It’s popular for biking, running, and hiking, offering scenic views and access to parks like Terman Park, Bol Park, and Barron Park Donkeys. The trail includes a mini library and is part of Henry M. Gunn High School's recommended walking routes.

Tip by

67.0 km

Stevens Creek Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Stevens Creek Reservoir spans 87 acres and is surrounded by a 1,063-acre park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and limited fishing. Seasonal boating for low-power boats is available from mid-April to mid-October. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, with vehicle entry fees collected year-round at the Chestnut Parking Lot. Visitors can explore natural beauty and historic remnants like the Villa Maria orchard.

Tip by

77.0 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

46.0 km

30.1 km

667 m

309 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

76.1 km

722 m

312 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (820 m)

Lowest point (20 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 12 June

32°C

18°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a serious challenge on two wheels, the Old La Honda Road – Stevens Creek Reservoir loop from Saratoga delivers. This is a difficult road cycling route, stretching 47.9 miles (77.0 km) with a hefty 4416 feet (1346 metres) of climbing, and it will take you around 4 hours to complete. It's perfect for experienced cyclists ready to test their fitness against a local legend and enjoy diverse scenery.

What to expect on Old La Honda Road – Stevens Creek Reservoir loop from Saratoga

The ride unfolds with a mix of environments, starting with the renowned Old La Honda Road climb. Here, you'll find yourself enveloped in dense redwood groves, enjoying ample shade and a consistent, challenging gradient that makes it a benchmark for local riders. As you transition towards Stevens Creek Reservoir, the scenery shifts to tranquil water views and forested foothills, though some sections along Stevens Canyon Road can have heavier traffic. This demanding route requires good to very good fitness, offering a rewarding experience for those who love a significant climb and diverse landscapes.

Planning your visit

Planning your ride, be aware that while Old La Honda Road is known for light traffic, sections along Foothill Boulevard and Stevens Canyon Road can be busier, including quarry trucks, so ride with caution. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for tackling this route, making for an ideal time to enjoy the diverse scenery without extreme heat or cold. Always carry plenty of water, especially given the significant elevation gain over the 4 hours.

Trail details

Distance: 47.9 miles (77.0 km)
Elevation gain: 4416 feet (1346 metres)
Difficulty: difficult
Estimated time: 4 hours

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Old La Honda Road – Stevens Creek Reservoir loop from Saratoga

Route 9

Skyline Boulevard Viewpoint

Old La Honda Road

Junipero Serra Boulevard

Bol Park Path

Palo Alto-Los Altos Bike Path

Stevens Creek Reservoir

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