Lake Ranch Reservoir – John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint loop from Sanborn County Park
Lake Ranch Reservoir – John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint loop from Sanborn County Park
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(2623)
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riders
Lake Ranch Reservoir – John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint loop from Sanborn County Park
01:21
11.2km
410m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
Includes a very steep uphill segment
You may need to push your bike.
After 5.67 km for 370 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
773 m
Viewpoint and Picnic Spot, Sanborn County Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
792 m
View of the Santa Clara Valley from Sanborn County Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
5.60 km
Lake Ranch Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
9.04 km
John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
11.2 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.1 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
11.0 km
154 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (880 m)
Lowest point (550 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Wednesday 22 July
28°C
12°C
26 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for one of the most popular and scenic touring cycling routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Lake Ranch Reservoir – John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint loop from Sanborn County Park is a fantastic choice. This moderate 7.0-mile (11.2 km) ride packs in 1130 feet (344 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 16 minutes. It's a premiere maintained singletrack experience in the Bay Area, especially appealing for local touring cyclists seeking a rewarding workout with great views, making it an excellent option for riding during warmer months.
What to expect on Lake Ranch Reservoir – John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint loop from Sanborn County Park
This loop takes you on a journey through diverse terrain, starting with hard-packed fire roads and transitioning to a gentle, narrow singletrack "flow trail" on the John Nicholas Trail. You'll be immersed in lush second-growth redwoods and tanbark oaks, providing significant tree cover throughout much of the ride. A highlight is the serene Lake Ranch Reservoir, offering a peaceful spot for wildlife viewing. As you climb, particularly along the John Nicholas Trail, you'll reach a lookout point at approximately 2800 feet elevation, rewarding you with expansive vistas of the South Bay, Mount Diablo, and Oakland. Expect a steady climb of about 1000 feet, averaging a 7% grade, requiring good fitness, though some steeper sections might have you pushing your bike.
Planning your visit
The Lake Ranch Reservoir – John Nicholas Trail Viewpoint loop is a highly frequented route, especially on weekends, so arriving early at Sanborn County Park can help you secure parking and enjoy a less crowded experience. The extensive tree cover makes it a great option for cycling even during warmer months. Be aware that the trail is shared with hikers, so cyclists should remain alert and communicate clearly when passing to ensure everyone's safety on this popular route.
Trail details
- Distance: 7.0 miles (11.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 1130 feet (344 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 16 minutes
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