El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
The best road cycling routes in El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
4.7
(55)
3,797
riders
45
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If you've ever tried to plan road cycling in El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, you know how overwhelming the options can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it β you want to hit the road, not spend hours sifting through endless possibilities.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legworkβ¦
Last updated: May 29, 2026
84
riders
60.2km
03:20
1,210m
1,210m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
38
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
12
riders
If you're looking for challenging bike rides in the Woodside area, the Lower Kings Mountain Road β Woodside Store (Historic Site) loop delivers a rewarding experience. You'll pedal through majesticβ¦
24
riders
19.6km
01:14
500m
500m
The Old La Honda Road loop from Woodside offers a quintessential Bay Area road cycling experience, renowned for its challenging yet rewarding climb. You'll pedal through a verdant tunnel ofβ¦
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Popular around El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
Once upon a time this was the only general store in this area, serving not only as a general-purpose retailer but also the post office, bank, and informal dentist's office. Nowadays it's a museum, staffed by docents ready to offer drop-in history lessons.
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Didnβt OLR used to turn into Dirt before reaching Skyline? Is it all pavement now?? Scott
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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This charming park is just 3.5 miles west of Highway 84. There are barbecue pits, a playground, spacious grassy meadows, and plenty of hiking and riding trails. It's an ideal destination for a picnic or a peaceful stroll through the enchanting redwood forest along the park's beautiful winding paths. Dogs are not allowed in the park, so you'll need to leave your pup at home.
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Old La Honda Rd downhill video: https://youtu.be/icnBpBZQ8gE?si=xYovaH-Nr8llwLEM
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The Woodside Store, also known as Tripp Store, is located at 3300 Tripp Road at Kings Mountain Road in Woodside, San Mateo County, California. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985 and was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1949. The store's history dates back to October 1849 when Matthias Alfred Parkhurst purchased land in the area and began a shingle-making and lumber business with his partners, including Robert Orville Tripp. The store was established in 1853, originally serving the needs of lumbermen and settlers during the Gold Rush era. Dr. Tripp became the sole operator of the store after Parkhurst's death in 1863, running it until his own death in 1909. He was a well-known figure in Woodside, holding various public offices. The San Mateo County Historical Association acquired the store in the 1940s, and it was restored to its 1880s condition by 1994.
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Higgins Canyon Road, located near Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, California, is a scenic and narrow route that is popular among cyclists. The road begins in the quaint town of Half Moon Bay and heads inland into the Santa Cruz Mountains. Starting with a gentle incline, the road passes through farmland, horse pastures, and eucalyptus groves before climbing into dense forests of redwoods and oaks. The climb along Higgins Canyon Road is steadily uphill, but manageable, and features several sharp curves and blind corners (be alert on the descent!). The road is narrow and, unfortunately, lacks a shoulder in most areas, but the traffic is relatively light. As you climb, you are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and occasional glimpses of the distant Pacific Ocean. Higgins Canyon Road also connects to other popular cycling roads, like Tunitas Creek Road and Lobitos Creek Road, offering further opportunities for extended your ride through the scenic terrain of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve suitable for road cycling?
The preserve itself features unpaved, technical trails primarily suited for mountain biking and hiking. Traditional road cycling in this region typically utilizes paved routes in the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains, such as Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35), which offer scenic rides.
What kind of terrain and elevation can I expect on road cycling routes near El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve?
Road cycling routes in this area are characterized by significant elevation changes, with challenging climbs and descents. You'll often ride through dense redwood and mixed evergreen forests, providing shaded sections. For instance, the Lobitos Creek Road β Higgins Canyon Road loop involves over 1,100 meters of ascent.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or landmarks along the road cycling routes?
While the preserve itself is home to unique features like the Tafoni Sandstone Formation, road cycling routes in the surrounding area, particularly along Skyline Boulevard, offer panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, coastal hills, and the Pacific Ocean. Some trails within the preserve, like the Fir Trail, also provide vistas.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in this region?
The dense redwood and mixed evergreen forests provide over 95% shade, making many routes comfortable even on hot days. Coastal fog can be present year-round, but the shaded trails generally allow for pleasant riding conditions in all but the driest months.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling options in the area?
Given the challenging terrain and significant elevation changes typical of road cycling routes around El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, many routes are more suited for experienced cyclists. However, some moderate routes, like the Kings Mountain Road β Lower Kings Mountain Road loop, might be suitable for families with older, experienced children.
Where can I park when planning a road cycling trip?
Parking for road cycling routes typically involves using designated parking areas along Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) or at trailheads for routes that start from nearby open space preserves. Specific parking details are usually available on individual route pages.
Are there any loop road cycling routes available?
Yes, many road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops. Popular examples include the Lobitos Creek Road β Higgins Canyon Road loop and the Skyline Trailhead & Boulevard β Purisima Creek Trailhead loop, offering varied distances and difficulties.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in this region?
The road cycling routes in the El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the beauty of the redwood forests, and the rewarding coastal views.
Are there options for both beginner and advanced road cyclists?
Yes, the region offers a range of difficulties. There are moderate routes, such as the Lower Kings Mountain Road β Kings Mountain Road loop, which are suitable for intermediate riders. For advanced cyclists, difficult routes like the Lobitos Creek Road β Higgins Canyon Road loop provide substantial challenges with significant elevation gains.
Can I access these road cycling routes using public transport?
Public transport options directly to the starting points of many road cycling routes in this mountainous and forested region are limited. Most cyclists typically arrive by car, utilizing parking areas along the main roads or at nearby preserve entrances.
Are dogs allowed on the road cycling routes?
While some trails within the El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve are dog-friendly for hikers, road cycling routes typically follow paved public roads where local leash laws and regulations apply. Always check specific route details and local ordinances regarding pets on public roads.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the routes?
The road cycling routes often traverse scenic, less developed areas. While there might not be cafes directly on every route, towns and communities near the preserve, such as Woodside, offer various options for refreshments and dining, which can be incorporated into your ride plan.
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