The best MTB trails in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area)

There are over 40 mountain bike trails available in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area). These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options.

The preserve offers a diverse range of terrain, including historic ranchlands, lush redwood forests, coastal grasslands, and oak woodlands. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved segments and challenging single-track trails, with elevation changes ranging from 500 feet on easier rides to over 1,500 feet on more strenuous routes.

Yes, a no-fee permit is required for access to certain areas of the preserve, including from the Upper La Honda Creek (Allen Road entrance) and the Event Center parking area. While permits for the Allen Road entrance are currently issued for hiking only, vehicle access is generally required for biking into the permit area.

Yes, the preserve offers several easy routes suitable for families. For example, the Grasshopper Loop Trail is an easy-access option that traverses working ranchlands, coastal grasslands, oak woodlands, and redwood forests with scenic viewpoints. There are 9 easy tours in total.

You can find breathtaking vistas throughout the preserve. Coho Vista Point offers sweeping outlooks over the San Mateo County Coast, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. The Lonely Forest Trail winds beneath towering second-growth redwoods, and the Cielo Trail leads to an impressive old-growth redwood known as the 'Big Tree'.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, from redwood forests to coastal grasslands, and the variety of challenging and scenic routes available. Over 1,200 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the preserve's varied terrain.

Yes, many of the trails in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve are designed as loops. A popular moderate option is the El Corte de Madera Creek Loop, which covers approximately 18.3 km with about 450 meters of elevation gain.

A great moderate option is the Resolution Trail – North Leaf Trail loop from El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve. This 16.1 km trail leads through redwood and Douglas fir forests and typically takes about 1 hour 34 minutes to complete.

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 15 difficult routes available. A notable difficult option is the Skeggs loop, which spans over 36 km with more than 1,100 meters of elevation gain, offering a strenuous adventure.

The preserve can be enjoyed year-round, but conditions vary. The new multi-use trails, including Coho Vista, Western Meadowlark, Lone Madrone, and Lonely Forest, enhance the experience, especially during drier months. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as some trails may become muddy or challenging after rain.

While the preserve is popular for outdoor activities, specific regulations regarding dogs on mountain bike trails can vary. It's always best to check the official Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website for the most current rules on dog access within La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve.

Parking is available at designated trailheads. The Event Center parking area is one access point where permits are required. Note that while the Upper La Honda Creek (Allen Road entrance) also requires a permit, biking in from this specific point via the locked gate is not permitted; vehicle access is generally needed.