By Fede from komoot
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Updated May 10, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Los Altos Hills, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many roads crisscrossing this beautiful area, it's hard to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has meticulously mapped, ridden, and reviewed hundreds of routes here, and we've sifted through them all to bring you a curated shortlist of the very best, saving you the guesswork.
Road cycling in Los Altos Hills is defined by its iconic rolling hills, framed by native oak trees and expansive open spaces. It's a place where you can find everything from moderate spins through rural landscapes to seriously challenging climbs. The Mediterranean climate means you'll see green scenery in winter, shifting to drier, golden hues in summer, offering a different feel depending on when you visit.
If you're looking for a serious challenge with big rewards, the Alpine Road Loop is a difficult 57.2 miles (92.0 km) route featuring challenging climbs and expansive mountain views. For something a bit more approachable but still rewarding, the Old Page Mill Road – Arastradero Lake loop from Mountain View offers a moderate 15.7 miles (25.2 km) ride through rolling hills. With over 16,000 road cyclists having explored Los Altos Hills with komoot, you can trust our community's insights. Get out there and discover your next favorite ride!
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Road Loop | 92.0 km | 1,830 m | Hard |
| Old Page Mill Road – Arastradero Lake loop from Mountain View | 25.2 km | 240 m | Moderate |
| Adobe Creek – Moody Road Climb loop from Los Altos | 14.4 km | 210 m | Easy |
| Adobe Creek – Lincoln Park loop from Los Altos | 22.0 km | 260 m | Easy |
92.0km
05:05
1,830m
1,830m
The Alpine Road Loop is a challenging road cycling route that winds through the stunning Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering a demanding experience for seasoned cyclists. You'll navigate steep hills and switchbacks, particularly on the initial
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25.2km
01:13
240m
240m
The Old Page Mill Road – Arastradero Lake loop offers a dynamic road cycling experience, transitioning from urban approaches to the sustained climb of Page Mill Road, where you'll find sweeping views of Silicon Valley. As you continue, the route winds through the Arastradero Preserve, showcasing rolling hills, oak woodlands, and the tranquil Arastradero Lake, which can be quite dry in summer. This moderate 15.7 miles (25.2 km) ride, with 793 feet (242 metres) of elevation gain, provides a diverse blend of challenging ascents and natural beauty, typically completed in about 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Starting from Mountain View, this cycling route is easily accessible for local riders. While Page Mill Road is paved, be aware that some sections within Arastradero Preserve, particularly near Arastradero Lake, might feature unpaved or mixed surfaces, which could be challenging for a road bike. No specific permits or fees are mentioned, but it's always wise to check local regulations. Consider an early morning start to avoid peak traffic and enjoy the cooler temperatures, especially during warmer months.
This route stands out for its combination of an iconic Bay Area climb and the rich biodiversity of Arastradero Preserve. Page Mill Road is a popular training ground for cyclists, known for its significant elevation changes. The preserve itself is a haven for wildlife, including deer and various bird species, offering a peaceful contrast to the strenuous climb. It's a fantastic way to experience the varied landscapes of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the natural beauty close to urban centers.
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14.4km
00:44
210m
210m
The Adobe Creek – Moody Road Climb loop from Los Altos offers a compact yet varied road cycling experience, blending scenic creek-side sections with a challenging ascent. You'll pedal through diverse terrain, from park areas to rolling hills dotted with oak woodlands, experiencing the best of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills. This 9.0-mile (14.4 km) route, with 697 feet (212 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy but includes a significant climb, making it a great choice for a quick, engaging ride.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Los Altos Hills area is known for its quiet roads, providing a peaceful cycling environment. The Mediterranean climate ensures pleasant conditions for much of the year, with green landscapes in winter and drier, golden hues in summer. While specific parking details for this exact loop are not prominent, starting points in Los Altos are generally convenient, and riding during off-peak hours can enhance your experience.
What sets this route apart is the inclusion of the Moody Road climb, a segment renowned among local cyclists for its steep gradients, which can reach up to 17%. This makes the loop an excellent way to incorporate a serious leg-testing challenge into an otherwise accessible 43-minute ride. It's a fantastic option for those seeking to improve their climbing fitness or simply enjoy a dynamic ride with varied scenery and a rewarding effort.
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22.0km
01:07
260m
260m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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This scenic linear park, separating Los Altos from Los Altos Hills, offers a smooth, uninterrupted route ideal for a relaxing bike ride. Cyclists can enjoy its shaded paths, spot public art installations along the way, and pause at the gazebo or open grass field for a break with a view.
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Downtown Los Altos is a charming six-block, pedestrian‑friendly village centered on Main and State Streets. The tree-lined streets are full of cafés, restaurants, and shops.
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This winding side road is very lightly trafficked and carries you between Stanford and the Palo Alto hills with partial shade the entire way. On the east side of the road you will find Frenchman's Tower, and old brick landmark.
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Moody Road is a short route for cyclists connected to nearby trails or longer climbs like Page Mill Road. It offers a mix of rolling hills and quiet, scenic vibes. The last km is tough, but in the end it is always worth it.
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Moody Road is a short route for cyclists connected to nearby trails or longer climbs like Page Mill Road. It offers a mix of rolling hills and quiet, scenic vibes. The last km is though, but in the end it is always worth it.
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Old La Honda Road is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the Bay Area. The road winds through Redwood forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as a peaceful and enjoyable ride.
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Alpine Rd Downhill to La Honda: https://youtu.be/MdsNqhRt4so?si=j7I-PfTWqhQc1lxf
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Arastradero Lake is a quiet pond in the hills of the Arastradero Preserve. The lake is surrounded by oak trees and can get pretty dry in summer.
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Los Altos Hills offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 260 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 113 easy, 106 moderate, and 46 difficult options.
The terrain in Los Altos Hills is characterized by rolling hills, native oak trees, and extensive open spaces. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, from moderate climbs to very challenging ascents, all on well-paved surfaces. The landscape transitions from green in winter to a drier, brown hue in summer, reflecting its Mediterranean climate.
Yes, Los Altos Hills has over 110 easy road cycling routes. An example of a more relaxed ride is the Junipero Serra Boulevard – Stanford Golf Course loop from Los Altos, which is 22.8 km with 158 meters of elevation gain.
Many routes in Los Altos Hills offer spectacular views due to the rolling hills. For expansive vistas, consider routes that climb to higher elevations. Highlights like View from Maisie's Peak and Byrne Preserve Lookout are known for their scenic outlooks over the South and East Bay communities.
Absolutely. Los Altos Hills is renowned for its challenging climbs. Routes like the Alpine Road Loop, a 92 km route with over 1,800 meters of elevation gain, offer significant challenges. Other areas like Taafe and Rhus Ridge are also known for their steep ascents, perfect for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a workout.
You'll encounter numerous natural features, including native oak trees and several open space preserves. Notable landmarks include Black Mountain and Windy Hill Summit. The area also features the Byrne Preserve and Juan Prado Mesa Preserve, offering a glimpse into the region's preserved rural character.
Los Altos Hills experiences a Mediterranean climate. The landscape is greenest during winter, while summer brings drier, brown hues. Both seasons offer unique cycling experiences, but spring and fall generally provide milder temperatures and pleasant conditions for riding.
Yes, many road cycling routes in Los Altos Hills are designed as loops. Examples include the challenging Stevens Creek Reservoir – Skyline Boulevard loop from Rancho San Antonio County Park and the more moderate Junipero Serra Boulevard – Arastradero Lake loop from Los Altos.
The road cycling routes in Los Altos Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, the challenging climbs, and the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and open spaces.
While specific parking information for every trailhead isn't provided, many open space preserves and parks in and around Los Altos Hills, such as Rancho San Antonio County Park, offer designated parking areas that serve as convenient starting points for road cycling routes.
Los Altos Hills is primarily a residential area with a focus on preserving its rural character. Public transport options directly to trailheads might be limited. It's advisable to check local transit authority websites for routes and schedules that might connect to the periphery of the town or nearby cities like Los Altos or Palo Alto, from where you could cycle to the routes.
Road cycling in Los Altos Hills is unique due to its preserved rural character, extensive 80-mile Pathway System, and diverse hilly terrain. This combination provides a rare opportunity to experience challenging climbs and scenic rides amidst vast open lands and native oak trees, offering a distinct escape from urban environments.
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