The best road cycling routes around Brookdale

There are over 25 road cycling routes around Brookdale, offering a variety of experiences through redwood forests, along coastal roads, and over hilly terrain. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy to difficult.

Yes, Brookdale offers a few easier road cycling routes. While many routes feature elevation changes, there are 3 routes specifically categorized as easy. These typically involve less strenuous climbs and shorter distances, making them suitable for those new to road cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride.

Experienced road cyclists will find plenty of challenging options, with 10 routes categorized as difficult. For instance, the Big Basin Redwood State Park loop from Big Basin Way & Hilton Drive is a difficult 45.9 km route with significant elevation gain through dense redwood forests. Another demanding option is the Felton – Big Basin Redwood State Park loop from Mount Hermon, which covers 83.1 km with over 1300 meters of climbing.

Many of the road cycling routes around Brookdale are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Mountain Charlie Rd loop from Redwood Camp and the Shark Fin Cove Beach – Santa Cruz Boardwalk loop from Felton Roaring Camp, which offer varied terrain and scenic views.

Road cycling in Brookdale is characterized by diverse scenery. You'll encounter dense redwood forests, winding roads through mountainous terrain, and coastal stretches with ocean views. Routes often combine these elements, offering a rich visual experience.

Many routes pass by or near interesting natural and historical sites. You might encounter the majestic Fremont Tree or the serene Cathedral Redwoods. For historical interest, the Lime Kiln ruins are also accessible from some routes. Coastal rides can offer views from spots like the Sandhills Observation Deck – View of the Pacific Ocean.

The Brookdale region, with its proximity to the Pacific coastline, generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall often provide mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for exploring both the redwood forests and coastal roads. Summers are typically warm, while winters can bring rain, though some routes remain rideable.

Yes, the hilly terrain and coastal proximity mean many routes offer excellent viewpoints. The Sandhills Observation Deck – View of the Pacific Ocean is a specific highlight offering panoramic coastal vistas. Other routes through the mountains and redwoods provide elevated perspectives of the natural landscape.

The road cycling routes in Brookdale are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.7 stars from 6 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the beauty of the redwood forests, and the scenic coastal sections.

While popular routes can see more traffic, exploring some of the moderate or difficult routes, especially during off-peak hours or weekdays, can offer a more secluded experience. Routes that venture deeper into the redwood forests or higher into the mountains tend to be less frequented than those closer to coastal towns.

Route durations vary significantly based on distance and elevation. Shorter, moderate routes like the Felton loop from Olympia can be completed in under 2 hours. Longer, more difficult routes, such as the Shark Fin Cove Beach – Santa Cruz Boardwalk loop from Felton Roaring Camp, can take over 3.5 hours, and the longest routes can extend to over 4 hours.