4.6
(12)
891
riders
86
rides
Road cycling routes around El Dorado Hills navigate a landscape characterized by rolling hills, oak woodlands, and proximity to Folsom Lake. The region features varied terrain, including gentle ascents and descents, suitable for different cycling preferences. Many routes offer views of the lake and surrounding natural areas. The area's geography provides a mix of open roads and tree-lined sections for road cyclists.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.0
(1)
8
riders
43.7km
02:10
440m
440m
The Granite Bay loop offers a delightful road cycling experience, winding through picturesque landscapes of expansive oak woodlands and rolling terrain. You'll enjoy wide-open vistas of the sparkling Folsom Lake, particularly along the lakeshore, and pass by the impressive Folsom Dam. The route's mostly paved surfaces and gentle hills make it a welcoming journey for a range of cyclists, providing a scenic escape into nature.
This moderate 27.1 miles (43.7 km) ride, with 1440 feet (439 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 9 minutes. Accessing parts of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area may require an entrance fee. For the best conditions, plan your ride in spring or fall; summer mornings are also good to avoid the heat.
Situated at the edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills, this route is a prime example of Granite Bay cycling trails that cater to road bikes. It offers a blend of natural beauty and accessible challenge, making it a popular choice for those looking to explore the region's extensive oak woodlands and lake views.
37.6km
01:42
270m
270m
This easy 23.4-mile road cycling loop around Lake Natoma and the American River offers scenic views and gentle terrain in Folsom Lake State

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17
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
14
riders
50.1km
02:37
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
12
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Two trail loops, the North and the Interpretative Loop, at the east of Miners Ravine creek, with a large Trailhead parking off Auborn Road.
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From this spot, you can exit the paved American River Trail onto a shorter, packed-dirt trail that follows the same direction as the paved trail. Both trails are multi-use, so watch out for hikers.
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From this spot, you can see three bridges that cross the American River. The Rainbow Bridge along Greenback Lane, the Folsom Historic Truss Bridge along the American River Bike Trail, and the bridge along Folsom Boulevard.
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Folsom Historic District is a small area of town that is representative of some of the cultural history of Folsom, dating back to the 1850s. This spot has hundreds of businesses and tons of historical landmarks discussing gold prospectors, the Pony Express, and other notable notches on the city's timeline.
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Two loop trails on either side of the parking area, the North Trail Loop and the Interpretive Trail on the south side, explore the area along Miner's Ravine, which runs just northwest of the Trailhead.
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Granite Bay is probably the most popular location along the shores of Folsom Lake. It includes a sandy beach and swimming opportunities in the summer, multiple picnic areas and many more amenities. Furthermore, it is a great spot to enjoy a little ride with great views of the lake.
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Folsom Lake is at the base of the beautiful Sierra foothills. The lake offers a variety of activities from hiking and camping to boating and water-skiing. Please note, there's not much shade on most of the trails around the lake, so come prepared with lots of water and sunscreen.
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There are over 90 road cycling routes around El Dorado Hills, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The region's varied terrain, including rolling hills and oak woodlands, provides diverse cycling experiences.
Yes, El Dorado Hills offers a good selection of routes suitable for beginners. There are 31 easy road cycling routes available. An example of an easy route is the Bakerie & Latte Chateau Arme loop from Stephen Harris Park, which covers 14.1 miles (22.7 km) with moderate elevation gain.
For advanced road cyclists seeking a challenge, El Dorado Hills features 20 difficult routes. These typically involve more significant elevation changes and longer distances, providing a robust workout amidst the region's hilly landscape.
While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always available for road cycling, many of the easy and moderate routes can be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with road riding. Consider routes with less traffic and flatter sections, often found closer to residential areas or along designated bike paths.
Road cycling routes in El Dorado Hills offer diverse scenery, characterized by rolling hills, picturesque oak woodlands, and frequent views of Folsom Lake. You'll find a mix of open roads and tree-lined sections, providing a pleasant backdrop for your ride. Many routes also pass by local points of interest.
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in El Dorado Hills are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular loop options include the Granite Bay loop and the Folsom Dam – Folsom Lake loop from Stephen Harris Park, both offering scenic circular rides.
Many routes offer views or pass near significant landmarks. For instance, the Folsom Dam – Folsom Lake loop from Stephen Harris Park provides views of Folsom Dam and Folsom Lake. Other nearby attractions include the Folsom Historic Truss Bridge and Lake Natoma.
The road cycling experience in El Dorado Hills is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic views of Folsom Lake, and the well-maintained roads that wind through oak woodlands and rolling hills.
While specific cafes on every route aren't listed, many routes, especially those traversing local roads and suburban areas like the Bakerie & Latte Chateau Arme loop from Heritage Carson Creek, will likely have opportunities to stop for refreshments in nearby towns or commercial centers. Planning your route with a map can help identify such stops.
El Dorado Hills generally offers good cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures, ideal for longer rides. Summers can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended. Winters are typically mild, allowing for year-round cycling, though occasional rain may occur.
Many routes in El Dorado Hills offer scenic viewpoints, especially those that hug the shores of Folsom Lake or climb to higher elevations. The Top of Buck's Creek Trail – Humbug Willow Creek Trail loop from El Dorado Hills, for example, provides opportunities for expansive views of the surrounding landscape and natural areas.


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