The best road cycling routes around Woodland

Woodland and the surrounding Yolo County are known for their predominantly flat terrain, making them ideal for road cycling. You'll find extensive networks of scenic country roads, often passing through vast agricultural lands, fruit orchards, and alongside waterways like the Sacramento River and Putah Creek. Some routes, like the Cantelow Loop near Winters, offer gently rolling hillsides with picturesque oak-dotted grasslands.

Yes, Woodland offers several beginner-friendly, very flat routes. The The Davis Needle – Lake Spafford loop from Davis is an easy 35.7 km ride, and the SP Depot – Davis Train Station loop from Davis is an even shorter 12.7 km option. The broader region also features routes like the Davis-Woodland NE Loop, which is a beginner-friendly 27-mile training ride combining narrow rural roads with urban streets featuring bike lanes.

For longer rides, consider the Guy West Bridge – American River Bike Trail loop from Elkhorn, which covers approximately 87.5 km. The region also boasts routes like the Lamb Valley Ride, a 42-mile journey through farmlands and orchards, and the Woodland-Esparto-Dunnigan Hills-Woodland Loop, a paved route spanning about 47.5 miles with minor elevation changes.

The Woodland area offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring (February-March) is beautiful with almond blossoms, and summer (mid-June to mid-July) features vibrant sunflower fields, though temperatures can be warm. Fall offers cooler weather and changing agricultural landscapes. Winters are generally mild, making year-round cycling possible, though checking local weather is always recommended.

While dedicated viewpoints are less common on these agricultural routes, the scenery itself is a major draw. You'll enjoy expansive views of farmlands, orchards, and seasonal blooms. Routes often follow the Sacramento River or Putah Creek, offering serene riparian views. The Cantelow Loop provides distant mountain views and oak-dotted grasslands. For nature exploration off the bike, the Cache Creek Nature Preserve and Woodland Regional Park Preserve are accessible nearby, though cycling within the wilderness areas themselves is restricted.

Yes, many road cycling routes in the Woodland area are designed as loops. Examples include the Lake Spafford loop from Woodland (46.6 km), the The Davis Needle – Lake Spafford loop from Davis (35.7 km), and the Lake Spafford – 50:50 Bikeway along I-80 loop from Blue Max Kart Club (28.5 km). The region also features popular loops like the Davis to Winters Loop and the Woodland Bike Loop within the city.

The komoot community rates road cycling in the Woodland area with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the flat, open roads, the scenic agricultural landscapes, and the generally low traffic volume on many country routes, making for a pleasant and accessible riding experience.

Yes, several routes in the region follow waterways. The Davis to Winters Loop guides cyclists alongside Putah Creek, offering picturesque views. The Clarksburg Area is also ideal for road biking, with many country roads following the Sacramento River, including routes that lead to Bogle Winery.

Many road cycling routes in the Woodland area start from towns like Woodland or Davis, where public parking is generally available. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the starting point details on komoot or local city resources. For example, the Lake Spafford – 50:50 Bikeway along I-80 loop starts from the Blue Max Kart Club, which typically has parking facilities.

Yes, the Clarksburg Area is known for its country roads that are excellent for road biking and pass through wine country. Many routes in this area follow the Sacramento River and can lead you past vineyards, including the route to Bogle Winery, offering a unique scenic experience.

While Woodland itself has an Active Transportation Plan to enhance biking infrastructure, direct public transport access to the start of all rural road cycling routes can be limited. However, routes starting from urban centers like Davis, such as the The Davis Needle – Lake Spafford loop from Davis or the SP Depot – Davis Train Station loop from Davis, might be more accessible via local bus services that accommodate bikes, or by cycling to the start point within the city.