The best gravel rides in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area)

There are nearly 10 gravel bike routes documented on komoot for La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area). These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult challenges, traversing diverse landscapes.

The preserve offers a varied landscape for gravel biking, including towering second-growth redwood forests, oak woodlands, and expansive coastal grasslands. You'll encounter both expertly designed multi-use trails and incorporated existing ranch roads, with significant elevation changes, often around 1,200 feet.

Yes, La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve features several challenging routes. For instance, the Black Mountain – Arastradero Lake loop from Portola Valley is a difficult 29.9-mile trail with substantial elevation gain, leading through varied landscapes. Another demanding option is the Portola Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley, which spans over 40 miles and features significant climbs.

The preserve is known for its sweeping vistas. From locations like the Coho Vista point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the coast, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days. Open ridge tops also offer views of the wider Bay Area. Trails like Western Meadowlark and Lone Madrone traverse open grasslands, providing expansive views.

Access to certain areas, particularly via the Allen Road Permit Parking Area, requires a free permit obtained in advance. However, biking is generally allowed on designated trails from the Sears Ranch Road parking area without a specific biking permit, though a vehicle permit might be needed for that parking area itself.

Spring is particularly beautiful, as the grasslands are dotted with wildflowers, enhancing the scenic beauty of a ride. The preserve offers a remote experience year-round, but checking local weather conditions is always advisable, especially during the rainy season when some trails might be muddy.

Absolutely. For a moderate ride, consider the Skeggs Point – Blue Blossom Trail loop from Skeggs Point, an 8.7-mile trail that takes you through varied forested areas. Another popular moderate option is the Skegg's Point – Skeggs Point loop from Skeggs Point, offering views and a mix of trail surfaces over 7.4 miles.

Beyond the diverse forests and grasslands, you can find unique geological formations, such as a large tafoni rock formation along the Coho Vista Trail. The preserve is also rich in native plants and wildlife, offering opportunities for birding and observing local fauna, especially in spring when wildflowers are abundant.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the preserve are designed as loops. For example, the Old La Honda Road – Portola Road loop from Portola Valley is a moderate 8.6-mile loop that provides a comprehensive experience of the area's terrain.

Komoot users frequently praise the preserve for its remote and challenging experience, diverse landscapes ranging from redwood forests to coastal grasslands, and the significant elevation changes that make for a rewarding ride. The extensive and varied trail system, including multi-use trails and ranch roads, is also a highlight for many.