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California
Monterey County

Elkhorn

The best road cycling routes around Elkhorn

4.0

(1)

144

riders

9

rides

If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Elkhorn, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many routes to choose from, it's tough to tell which ones are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in: our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, and we've curated this guide to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the best.

Road cycling around Elkhorn…

Last updated: May 28, 2026

62

riders

#1.

Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop

91.2km

04:16

460m

460m

The Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop offers a dynamic road cycling experience, blending the serene, car-free coastal path with the dramatic, hilly landscapes of the 17-Mile Drive.…

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Moderate

5

riders

73.3km

03:30

940m

940m

The San Juan Bautista Loop offers a robust road cycling experience, winding through diverse landscapes that range from expansive views of Monterey Bay to the historic charm of San Juan…

Hard
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Popular around Elkhorn

Hiking around Elkhorn

Cycling around Elkhorn

Tips from the Community

Mike Grr!
July 2, 2026, Smooth ride on San Juan Grade Road

Great pavement. The other side has very poor pavement.

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Beautiful beach

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8

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Nice hotel

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8

1

Very nice view

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8

1

Sand City, California, a small city, is home to the scenic Sand City Beach. Once an industrial area, the dunes west of Highway 1 are now protected as part of the Eolian Dunes Preserve. The Sand City Beach Trail runs through the dunes, offering access to trails for hiking, biking, and leash pets. Sand City Beach is a top spot for beachcombing, especially for finding colorful sea glass, though walking barefoot is risky due to sharp edges.

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The Del Monte Lake Trail is a part of the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail. This wide, paved, multi-use path takes you along the scenic coastline past the famous Monterey beaches. This is a fantastic bit of riding on a traffic-free path.

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The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is a 19-mile-long trail that hugs the coast from Castroville to Monterey Bay. This section is a beautiful stretch near Sand City and gives you wonderful views of the water. The trail is paved and is popular with cyclists and walkers.

2

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This section is delightful. Smooth tarmac, decent grades, and stunning views. I climbed it on my way to SJB but I can imagine the descent is even nicier.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Elkhorn?

There are over 9 road cycling routes in the Elkhorn area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes over 150 times.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Elkhorn?

Yes, Elkhorn offers at least one easy road cycling route. While specific beginner-focused routes are not detailed, routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances are generally more suitable for those new to road cycling.

What are the typical distances and durations for road cycling routes in Elkhorn?

Road cycling routes around Elkhorn vary significantly. For example, the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop is about 56.7 miles (91.2 km) and takes around 4 hours 16 minutes, while the challenging Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint 🌉 – Little Sur Creek - beach loop from Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge extends to 71.6 miles (115.19 km) and can take over 5 hours 55 minutes.

Are there challenging road cycling routes for advanced riders in Elkhorn?

Absolutely. Elkhorn features several difficult routes with significant elevation changes. The San Juan Bautista Loop, for instance, is a difficult 45.5 miles (73.3 km) path with substantial climbs, and the San Juan Batista – Fremont Peak Summit loop from San Miguel Canyon Rd / Hall includes over 1600 meters of ascent.

What kind of scenery can I expect on road cycling routes around Elkhorn?

Elkhorn's road cycling routes offer diverse scenery, from extensive coastal views along Monterey Bay to rolling inland terrain and river valleys. Routes like the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop provide iconic coastal vistas, while others explore the agricultural landscapes and hills further inland.

Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?

Yes, you can find places to stop for refreshments. For example, Pezzini Farms & coffee is a popular spot that road cyclists often pass by or visit in the region.

What attractions or landmarks can I see while road cycling near Elkhorn?

Many routes offer opportunities to see local attractions. You might cycle past the Salsipuedes-Pajaro River Cycleway or the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail to Castroville. Other points of interest include the Museum of Modern Art 🖼️ Moss Landing and Zmudowski Beach 🏖️ State Park.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Elkhorn?

The Elkhorn area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from scenic coastal paths to challenging inland climbs, and the well-maintained routes that cater to various fitness levels.

Are there any circular road cycling routes in Elkhorn?

Yes, many of the routes in Elkhorn are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail and 17-Mile Drive Loop and the Lovers Point Beach – Salinas River crossing loop from Prunedale.

What is the best time of year for road biking in Elkhorn?

Given Elkhorn's proximity to Monterey Bay, the region generally experiences mild weather year-round. Spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for road cycling. Summers are typically cool and foggy along the coast, while winters are mild but can bring rain.

Are there any road cycling routes that feature significant viewpoints?

Yes, several routes offer stunning viewpoints. The Bixby Creek Bridge Viewpoint 🌉 – Little Sur Creek - beach loop from Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge is a prime example, providing breathtaking coastal vistas including the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.

Most popular routes around Elkhorn

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