El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
The best traffic-free bike rides in El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
4.7
(47)
2,665
riders
6
rides
Road cycling in El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve offers routes primarily along Skyline Boulevard, providing a scenic experience through the Santa Cruz Mountains. The terrain features well-paved surfaces suitable for road bikes, winding through redwood and mixed evergreen forests. Cyclists encounter varied elevation changes, with routes often starting or ending near the preserve's parking areas along Skyline Boulevard. The region is characterized by dense tree cover and views of the surrounding hills.
Best no traffic road cycling…
Last updated: July 10, 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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25
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
123
riders
24.6km
01:56
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
12
riders
23.8km
01:13
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
Tips from the Community
The Bike Hut is a small hut with fresh water, organic teas and coffee and a variety of snacks for cyclist passing by. It is self-serve and open 24/7. There is also a small picnic area, a bathroom and a message board for posting road conditions or notes to fellow cyclists.
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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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Purisima Creek Trailhead features a fence separating the trail from the road and a small pit toilet at the base. Parking is available just 250 feet southeast along Skyline Boulevard. This trail offers everything, from stunning views to towering redwoods, fern-filled canyons, and creeks. Riding through the redwoods is a unique experience.
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Skyline Boulevard, also known as State Route 35, offers a scenic drive through the majestic redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Bay Area. Winding through forests, open spaces, and mountains, this section passes by the Purisima Creek Redwoods. It's a breathtaking ride through where the redwoods meet the road.
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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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An awesome descent or ascent following the pretty, tree lined mountain road. There aren't many cars, but it's not a wide road so do watch out and enjoy the road rather than race it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no traffic road cycling routes are available in El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve?
There are 11 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in and around El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, offering a variety of distances and challenges for road cyclists.
What is the best time of year to go no traffic road cycling in the preserve?
The Santa Cruz Mountains, including the area around El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, offer pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for enjoying the scenic views along Skyline Boulevard. Summers are also popular, though it can get warm, while winters can bring rain and cooler temperatures, so check the weather forecast before you head out.
Are there any challenging no traffic road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, routes like the difficult rated Lobitos Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Skeggs Point offer significant elevation gains and longer distances. This route covers over 58 km with more than 1100 meters of ascent.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these no traffic road cycling routes?
The no traffic road cycling routes, primarily along Skyline Boulevard, wind through stunning redwood and mixed evergreen forests. You'll experience lush, shaded environments and, from certain vantage points, panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and even the Pacific Ocean. The majestic redwoods meeting the road create a picturesque backdrop for your ride.
Are there any points of interest or natural features to see along the no traffic road cycling routes?
While the preserve itself is known for its unique features, road cyclists on Skyline Boulevard can access areas with notable natural attractions. You might consider exploring the Tafoni Sandstone Formation, known for its intricate honeycomb structures, or the impressive Methuselah Tree, an 1,800-year-old redwood located just across Skyline Boulevard.
Are there any loop routes for no traffic road cycling?
Yes, several loop routes are available. For example, the Old La Honda Road loop from Woodside is a moderate 19.8 km route that offers a great cycling experience. Another option is the Kings Mountain Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
Where can I park when planning a no traffic road cycling trip in the area?
Parking areas are conveniently located along Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35), which serves as a primary starting or ending point for many road cycling routes in the region. These spots provide easy access to the scenic roads.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about no traffic road cycling in El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 54 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning redwood forests, the challenging climbs, and the breathtaking views offered along Skyline Boulevard, making it a favorite for scenic and demanding road rides.
Are there any moderate no traffic road cycling routes suitable for a good workout?
Absolutely. Many routes fall into the moderate category, perfect for a solid workout without being overly extreme. The Skyline Trailhead & Boulevard – Purisima Creek Trailhead loop from Phleger Estate (GGNRA) is a great example, covering over 31 km with more than 700 meters of elevation gain.
Can I find shorter, less strenuous no traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, there are options for shorter, less strenuous rides. The guide includes one easy route, and several moderate routes are on the shorter side, such as the Lower Kings Mountain Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Teague Hill Open Space Preserve, which is under 14 km with manageable elevation.
Are there any cafes or places to refuel near the no traffic road cycling routes?
While the immediate vicinity of the preserve along Skyline Boulevard is primarily natural, you'll find cafes and services in nearby towns like Woodside or La Honda, which are common starting or ending points for many road cycling loops in the area. Plan your route to include these stops for refreshments.
Most popular routes in El Corte De Madera Creek Open Space Preserve
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