The best road cycling routes around Barstow

Road cycling around Barstow offers a diverse range of terrain. While generally associated with the flat desert, you'll find routes with moderate ascents and descents through rolling desert hills. The region features expansive desert landscapes, unique geological formations, and historic roads, providing varied cycling experiences.

Yes, Barstow offers routes suitable for beginners. An easy option is the Campbell Island Bridge – Safe Harbor loop from East Moline, which covers 23.7 km with a manageable elevation gain, making it a great choice for those new to road cycling or looking for a more relaxed ride.

While cycling near Barstow, you can experience unique desert vistas and geological formations. The region is close to natural attractions like Rainbow Basin Natural Area with its colorful rock formations, and the vast Mojave National Preserve. For specific landmarks, consider routes that pass by areas like Safe Harbor or the Hampton Village Hall and Soldiers Memorial.

Barstow experiences an arid climate. The optimal conditions for road cycling are typically during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. Summers can be very hot, often exceeding 100°F, so if cycling then, plan for early mornings or late afternoons and ensure you stay well-hydrated. Winter mornings can be cold, near 30°F.

Yes, you can find longer routes around Barstow. For example, the Government Bridge – Sylvan Slough loop from Le Claire is a moderate 55.1 km route, offering a substantial ride through the region's landscapes. Another option is the Duck Creek Trail – Duck Creek Trail loop from East Moline, which is 52.3 km long.

Many of the road cycling routes in the Barstow area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Safe Harbor – Campbell Island Bridge loop from Hampton (36.4 km) and the Roadbike loop from Black Hawk College (42 km).

Many road cycling routes around Barstow traverse less populated desert areas, which can offer stretches of quiet roads with minimal vehicle traffic. This is a desirable feature for cyclists seeking a peaceful ride. However, specific traffic conditions can vary depending on the chosen route and time of day.

Yes, the region offers dedicated paths. The Great River Trail is a notable cycleway in the vicinity, providing a pleasant and often traffic-free experience. Additionally, the Mojave Riverwalk offers a scenic path suitable for biking with views of the river and desert landscapes.

Cycling through the Mojave Desert around Barstow offers opportunities to observe desert wildlife. You might spot creatures like desert tortoises and bighorn sheep, especially within the vast Mojave National Preserve. Birdwatching is also popular along the Mojave Riverwalk.

Yes, Barstow's location means you can experience cycling along historic roads. The presence of routes like 'Tag 32 Route66' (mentioned in regional context) highlights the opportunity for scenic rides along these iconic pathways, offering unique vistas of the expansive desert landscapes and a sense of history.

Komoot currently features 5 road cycling routes around Barstow, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These routes have been explored by over 50 road cyclists, showcasing the diverse desert landscapes and unique geological formations of the region.

The elevation gain on Barstow's road cycling routes varies. While some sections are relatively flat, many routes feature moderate ascents and descents through rolling desert hills. For instance, the Duck Creek Trail – Duck Creek Trail loop from East Moline has an elevation gain of 209 meters, offering a good challenge.