1.
Tollhouse Road – Auberry Road loop from Millerton Newtown
85.3km
04:30
1,590m
1,590m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
The best road cycling routes around Millerton Lake
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 30, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Millerton Lake, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many roads and trails, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where komoot comes in. Our community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the ones that truly deliver.
Millerton Lake offers a fantastic mix for road cyclists, from gentle lakeside spins to challenging climbs into the foothills. Expect picturesque rolling hills, scenic views of the lake, and the iconic Friant Dam as you explore. The terrain ranges from accessible, mostly paved routes to demanding ascents. Just a heads-up: summers here can get seriously hot, so plan your rides for early mornings to beat the heat.
If you're looking for a serious challenge, the Tollhouse Road – Auberry Road loop from Glossers Pilar is a demanding 53.0 miles (85.3 km) with over 5,200 feet (1,580 m) of climbing – it's a true test for your legs. For a more accessible ride with great views, we'd start with the Lost Lake Park – View of Friant Dam loop from Ledger Island, an easy 26.1 miles (42.1 km) that offers fantastic scenery without the extreme elevation. Dive in and discover why over 50 road cyclists have already explored Millerton Lake with komoot.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tollhouse Road – Auberry Road loop from Millerton Newtown | 85.3 km | 1,590 m | Hard |
| Lost Lake Park – View of Friant Dam loop from Ledger Island | 42.1 km | 280 m | Easy |
| Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island | 108 km | 1,550 m | Hard |
2.
Lost Lake Park – View of Friant Dam loop from Ledger Island
42.1km
01:53
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
3.
Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island
108km
05:27
1,550m
1,550m
The Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island is a formidable road cycling route designed for riders seeking a true test of endurance. You'll cover 66.9 miles (107.7 km) with a significant 5094 feet (1553 metres) of elevation gain, making it a difficult ride that typically takes around 5 hours and 26 minutes. Expect a journey through varied landscapes, likely featuring sustained climbs and rewarding descents that demand focus and fitness.
For this challenging ride, ensure you're well-prepared with a mechanically sound bike and sufficient hydration and fuel. While specific trailhead information for Ledger Island isn't widely detailed, planning for an early start is advisable to comfortably complete the route within daylight hours. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you head out, as this is a long and demanding commitment.
This route stands out as a serious undertaking for advanced road cyclists in the region, offering a distinct experience from more leisurely park loops. Its substantial distance and elevation profile suggest a tour through diverse terrain, potentially connecting various scenic points, making it a prime choice for those who appreciate a full day's effort on two wheels.
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Tips from the Community
Andrus
December 11, 2023, Auberry Road
Auberry Road provides good riding between the central valley & Sierra Nevada Mountains. With more gradual elevation changes than its neighbor Tollhouse Road, Auberry is a slightly more route into the mountains. Though that doesn't take anything away as it's still a great ride and makes for a great loop with Tollhouse.
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Andrus
December 11, 2023, Tollhouse Road
Are you in the mood for a grueling climb or an exhilarating downhill bomb? Depending on which way you tackle it Tollhouse Road, which for runs 71 miles between the central valley & Huntington Lake, can offer you some of the best riding the Sierra Nevada have to offer. With tight, hairpin turns and majestic views the entire way your efforts will be well rewarded.
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mtm05005
September 19, 2023, Lost Lake Park
Lost Lake Park is home to a primitive nature study area and a 38-acre lake. The park has restrooms and picnic shelters and is a great spot for bird watching.
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mtm05005
September 19, 2023, Lost Lake Park
Lost Lake Park is home to a primitive nature study area and 38 acre lake. The park has restrooms and picnic shelters and is a great spot for bird watching.
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mtm05005
September 19, 2023, View of Friant Dam
Friant Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the San Joaquin River. With the dam's completion in 1942, Lake Millerton was created. Before Friant Dam and Millerton Lake were created, the town of Millerton was located in the valley.
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mtm05005
September 19, 2023, Millerton Lake
Millerton Lake was created in the 1950s when the Friant Dam was built to dam up the San Joaquin River, mainly as a hydroelectric project. Today, the lake is a popular spot for hiking, fishing and water sports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Millerton Lake?
There are currently 5 road cycling routes around Millerton Lake listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Millerton Lake offers easy road cycling routes. For instance, the Lost Lake Park – View of Friant Dam loop from Ledger Island is an easy 42 km ride with moderate elevation gain, providing scenic views without being overly strenuous. Another option is the Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island, which is even shorter at 32 km.
What are the more challenging road cycling routes around Millerton Lake?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Tollhouse Road – Auberry Road loop from Glossers Pilar offer significant elevation gain, with over 1,500 meters of climbing over 85 km. Another demanding option is the 108 km Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island, also featuring over 1,500 meters of ascent.
What kind of distances and elevation gains can I expect on these routes?
Road cycling routes around Millerton Lake vary significantly. You can find shorter, easier loops around 32 km with less than 200 meters of elevation gain, such as the Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island. More challenging routes can extend over 100 km with more than 1,500 meters of climbing, like the Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling at Millerton Lake?
The region around Millerton Lake enjoys warm-to-hot summers and cool winters, making it pleasant for outdoor activities for much of the year. Spring is particularly beautiful with rolling hills vibrant with flowers. Riding early in the day is advisable, especially during warmer months or to avoid heavier traffic on some sections.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or attractions along the road cycling routes?
Yes, many routes offer picturesque views of Millerton Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills. You'll often see the historic Friant Dam, which formed the lake. The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including bald and golden eagles, especially during winter. While cycling, you'll experience rolling hills and potentially vibrant wildflowers in spring.
Where can I park my car to access the road cycling routes?
While specific parking details for each route may vary, popular access points like Lost Lake Park and areas near Friant are common starting points for cyclists. It's always a good idea to check the route details on komoot for specific trailhead access and parking recommendations before you go.
What should I be aware of regarding safety while road cycling around Millerton Lake?
While generally a great destination, some sections of roads, particularly Millerton Road between Friant and Auberry, have been noted to have narrow shoulders and fast-moving traffic. It's advisable to ride early in the day when traffic is lighter or choose routes known for better shoulders. Helmets are required for minors on all bicycling trails.
What other activities can I do at Millerton Lake besides road cycling?
Millerton Lake offers a wide array of recreational pursuits. You can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake. The Millerton Lake State Recreation Area also features multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing, especially bald eagles in winter, is a popular activity.
Are there any loop routes available for road cycling?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Millerton Lake are designed as loops. For example, the Roadbike loop from Glossers Pilar is a moderate 58 km loop. The Lost Lake Park – View of Friant Dam loop from Ledger Island and the Lost Lake Park – Lost Lake Park loop from Ledger Island are also popular loop options.
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