The best road cycling routes in Reserva Forestal Thomas Van Der Hammen

There are nearly 30 road cycling routes available in the vicinity of Reserva Forestal Thomas Van Der Hammen. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult.

The area offers a diverse selection of road cycling routes, including 6 easy, 13 moderate, and 9 difficult options. Many routes feature significant elevation changes, particularly those heading towards the Eastern Hills of Bogotá.

Yes, there are 6 easy road cycling routes available. An example is the Tosao Café – Work Warehouse 2 loop from El Carmel Reservado I, which covers approximately 29.4 km with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for a more relaxed ride.

Road cycling routes in this region often feature varied terrain. While the reserve itself is focused on ecological preservation, surrounding areas offer routes with ascents towards the Eastern Hills, providing challenging climbs and scenic views. You'll encounter a mix of natural features, including areas of Andean plain forest and wetlands.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For instance, the difficult Yerbabuena Climb – Salitre–Guasquita Climb loop from UPZ Paseo de Los Libertadores is a popular 82 km option, and the moderate Alto del Vino – Alto del Vino Rest Stop loop from E11 - Calle 145 con Carrera 145 covers nearly 70 km.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 290 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, diverse landscapes, and the sense of ecological connectivity offered by routes that navigate between the Bogotá River and the Eastern Hills.

While specific viewpoints within the reserve are not highlighted, many routes in the surrounding Andean mountains offer breathtaking vistas. For example, the moderate View of Bogotá from Patios – Alto de Patios loop from San Andrés provides impressive views of Bogotá as you ascend.

Bogotá's climate is generally mild year-round due to its altitude. However, the dry seasons (typically December to March and July to August) often offer more predictable weather conditions, making them ideal for road cycling. Always check local forecasts before heading out.

While specific parking facilities for the reserve are not detailed, many routes start from urban or suburban areas where street parking or commercial parking lots may be available. For example, the difficult El Gallo Parking Lot – Alto del Águila loop from Rancho La María suggests a starting point with parking.

Bogotá has an extensive public transport system, and many road cycling routes begin from accessible points within the city or its northern outskirts. While direct access to the reserve itself might be limited by public transport, you can often reach starting points of routes in adjacent areas via buses or other local transport options.

The Reserva Forestal Thomas Van Der Hammen is a vital environmentally protected area, connecting the Bogotá River and the Eastern Hills. It's a biodiversity hotspot with endemic flora and numerous bird species. While cycling in the surrounding areas, be mindful of its conservation purpose and respect the natural environment, as the reserve aims to preserve underground water sources and improve air quality.