The best cycling routes in Fresno County

The Lewis S. Eaton Bike Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience on a wide, paved surface, winding through varied scenery. You'll pedal through the cool, shaded forests of California Redwoods and Lodgepole Pines within Woodward Park, then emerge to enjoy beautiful overlooks of the San Joaquin River and distant views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This easy 9.3-mile (15.0 km) route, with only 191 feet (58 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride that takes about 51 minutes.

Accessing the trail is straightforward, with multiple entry points along Friant Road at intersections like Audubon, Fort Washington, Champlain, and Copper. Parking is available inside Woodward Park for a fee, or you can find free parking at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies at the trail's northern end. Be aware that this is a popular multi-use path, so you'll share it with walkers, especially on busy days.

This trail is a key part of the developing San Joaquin River Parkway network, envisioned to be a 22-mile path when fully completed, offering exciting future Lewis S. Eaton Bike Trail touring routes. It also connects to other local paths like the Thomas MacMichael Sr. Loop Trail, allowing you to extend your ride. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including foxes, red-tail hawks, and various waterfowl around the river and park lakes.

The Fresno to Millerton Lake loop via Old Town Trail offers a rewarding touring cycling experience, guiding you through varied landscapes from agricultural fields to riverine paths, culminating in scenic views of Millerton Lake and the Friant Dam. This moderate 44.5-mile (71.7 km) route features 1069 feet (326 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 4 hours and 11 minutes to complete, making it a solid day trip for cyclists with good fitness.

When planning your ride, be aware of the road conditions Fresno to Millerton Lake cycling Old Town Trail presents, especially the stretch of Millerton Road between Friant and Auberry. This section is known for narrow shoulders, sharp curves, and fast-moving traffic, which some cyclists consider dangerous. There are no specific permits required for cycling this route.

Millerton Lake State Recreation Area is a significant feature along the route, boasting over 40 miles of shoreline and a multi-use trail system that makes it a hub for various outdoor activities. The lake itself was created by the Friant Dam in the 1940s, adding a historical and engineering landmark to your ride.

The Lewis S. Eaton Bike Trail Loop offers a wonderfully accessible touring cycling experience, winding through the diverse landscapes of Woodward Park. You'll glide along a well-maintained paved path, enjoying views of cool forests, including California Redwoods, and expansive vistas overlooking the San Joaquin River. This easy 7.7-mile (12.4 km) loop, with a gentle 180 feet (55 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed ride that takes around 50 minutes, making it ideal for families or a casual outing.

For your visit, parking is available at Woodward Park (with an entrance fee) or free of charge at the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies at the trail's northern end. The route is well-equipped with amenities like drinking fountains, benches, and restrooms, especially around the River Center, ensuring a comfortable journey. It's a great option for a morning or afternoon ride when you want to enjoy nature without a strenuous effort.

This trail is more than just a loop; it's a foundational segment of the ambitious 22-mile San Joaquin River Parkway network, connecting to other routes like the Clovis Old Town Trail. Beyond the cycling, the area is rich in wildlife, offering chances to spot foxes, red-tail hawks, and various waterfowl, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your ride through this scenic part of Fresno.

The Old Town Trail in Clovis, California, offers a pleasant urban cycling experience, perfect for a relaxed outing. This easy 13.2-mile (21.2 km) touring cycling route, with a minimal 60 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 14 minutes. You'll pedal on mostly paved surfaces, enjoying parks and the shade of beautiful evergreen trees, making it a family-friendly Old Town Trail cycling option.

As part of a larger rail-trail network, access to the Old Town Trail is generally straightforward. The route features community-oriented amenities like an active counter for cyclists and a book exchange, suggesting a welcoming atmosphere. For the best experience, consider riding in the morning or late afternoon, especially if you're looking for cafes and pubs near Old Town Trail cycling route, as the trail's urban setting often provides such options nearby.

This trail is notable for its integration into the broader Fresno Clovis trail system, offering potential for longer rides and future development of amenities. Its flat, accessible terrain and community features make it an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a gentle ride rather than a strenuous workout. The focus on parks and green spaces provides a refreshing contrast to the surrounding urban environment.

The Grizzly Falls to Road's End touring cycling route offers an unparalleled journey through Kings Canyon's stunning glacial valley. You'll pedal along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, surrounded by towering granite walls and mixed conifers, with the Kings River as your constant companion. The highlight is undoubtedly Grizzly Falls, an 80-foot cascade that provides a picturesque break from the saddle, showcasing the park's dramatic natural features.

This moderate 20.2-mile (32.5 km) bike ride, with 1158 feet (353 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 1 minute. The route is on paved surfaces, making it accessible for most touring cyclists. Remember that the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is subject to seasonal closures, usually from late spring through fall, so always check conditions before heading out. Road's End offers convenient parking and serves as a popular trailhead.

This cycling route provides a unique way to experience the grandeur of Kings Canyon, offering a different perspective than the park's hiking trails. It's an excellent option for those who want to explore the deep canyon by bike, immersing themselves in the landscape carved by ancient glaciers. The continuous scenic viewpoints along the way make it one of the best bike trails in Kings Canyon, especially for those interested in the Grizzly Falls to Road's End cycling profile.

The Hume Lake to Grizzly Falls via Kings Canyon Scenic Byway offers an immersive touring bicycle experience through the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada. You'll traverse diverse landscapes, from oak chaparral to dense pine and fir forests, with continuous stunning scenery along the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. The route offers breathtaking views, including the Kings River Canyon overlook and magnificent groves of Giant Sequoia Trees, culminating at the picturesque Grizzly Falls.

This is a difficult 45.5-mile (73.3 km) ride with a significant 6334 feet (1931 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes. It's best suited for experienced touring cyclists with a very good fitness level. Be prepared for substantial elevation changes, climbing from around 1,800-2,000 feet near Hume Lake to 6,400-6,500 feet within Kings Canyon National Park. While mostly paved, some segments may be unpaved.

This route is lauded as one of the most beautiful roads in the United States, providing an unparalleled natural grandeur. You'll pass by the historic Hume Lake, home to the world's first concrete-reinforced multiple arch dam, and have the option to explore Boyden Cavern along the way. It's a journey that combines physical challenge with the awe-inspiring natural features of Kings Canyon.

This touring cycling route from Sanger, California, to Pine Flat Lake offers a fantastic journey through the Sierra Nevada foothills, culminating in stunning lake views. You'll cycle through oak-covered landscapes, with the scenery gradually opening up to reveal the expansive Pine Flat Lake and the rugged Kings River Canyon. The route is approximately 38.6 miles (62.1 km) long, with a manageable 1311 feet (399 metres) of elevation gain, making it a moderate ride that takes about 3 hours and 46 minutes to complete.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is generally accessible and primarily on paved surfaces. While most of the journey is smooth, be aware that some segments, particularly closer to Pine Flat Lake, might be rougher or even unpaved. The best time to cycle Sanger to Pine Flat Lake is typically during the spring or fall to avoid the extremes of summer heat or potential winter chill. Parking is usually available at the start in Sanger, and facilities are well-maintained at Pine Flat Lake.

Pine Flat Lake itself is a significant feature, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills and known for its natural beauty, rolling hills, and lush greenery. It's a popular spot for various water-based activities like boating and fishing, and the area is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, hawks, and bald eagles in winter. This route provides a unique opportunity to experience the transition from agricultural lands to the serene natural beauty of the foothills and a major recreational lake.

The Kaiser Peak loop offers a dramatic touring cycling journey through the Sierra Nevada, transitioning from dense pine forests to rugged bouldery sections and high-alpine grasses. You'll be treated to expansive views of surrounding mountains and pristine lakes like Huntington Lake, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Kaiser Wilderness. It's a challenging ride that rewards with a true wilderness experience.

This difficult 48.7-mile (78.4 km) route demands significant endurance, featuring 6029 feet (1837 metres) of elevation gain and typically requiring around 6 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Be prepared for varied terrain, as Kaiser Pass Road can be narrow and bumpy, and sections within the Kaiser Wilderness become unpaved and rough, potentially requiring you to push your touring bicycle. This route is best suited for experienced cyclists with very good fitness levels.

What makes the Kaiser Peak loop truly stand out is its unique opportunity to explore the diverse and pristine landscapes of the Sierra National Forest, venturing into areas known primarily to locals and outdoor enthusiasts. The dramatic granite formations and high-altitude lakes provide a distinct character, offering views and experiences that many travelers might miss on more conventional routes.

The Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake touring cycling route offers a truly epic ride through the Sierra National Forest, challenging you with significant elevation changes while rewarding you with expansive mountain vistas. You'll climb past dense pine forests and prominent granite domes, with stunning views of both Shaver Lake and the higher-elevation Huntington Lake. This difficult route is a hard road ride, best suited for experienced cyclists who crave a demanding alpine adventure.

Planning your visit means preparing for a substantial physical effort; this 31.4 miles (50.5 km) route includes 5139 feet (1566 metres) of climbing, taking around 4 hours and 18 minutes. Be aware that while mostly paved, some sections can be unpaved and tough. The best time to cycle is during the warmer seasons, as winter conditions can close mountain roads, making this route inaccessible.

This area is a premier cycling destination, known for its challenging terrain and high-elevation landscapes, including the famous Kaiser Pass. Shaver Lake, at 5,500 feet, serves as a gateway to the High Sierra, and the region is also a starting point for major backpacking trails like the John Muir Trail. The route's difficulty and the stunning natural features make it a significant undertaking for those seeking advanced cycling routes in the Sierra Nevada.