The best traffic-free bike rides in Thornewood Open Space Preserve

While this guide focuses on traffic-free touring cycling routes, it's important to note that bicycling, including touring cycling, is not permitted within the trails of Thornewood Open Space Preserve itself. The routes featured in this guide are located in the surrounding areas, offering similar natural beauty and traffic-free experiences near the preserve.

This guide features a selection of 13 traffic-free touring cycling routes in the vicinity of Thornewood Open Space Preserve, offering diverse options for your ride.

The routes in this guide range from moderate to difficult. There are 7 moderate routes and 6 difficult routes, so you can choose an adventure that matches your skill level and fitness.

The touring cycling routes in this region are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, scenic views, and the feeling of escape on these less-trafficked roads.

Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Kings Mountain Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Woodside is a challenging circular route covering over 17 km.

While the routes are outside Thornewood Open Space Preserve, they traverse similar beautiful landscapes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can expect to cycle through redwood forests, sunlit canopies of various trees like bigleaf maples and Douglas fir, and enjoy views of rolling hills. Some routes may offer glimpses of the southern San Francisco Bay or the Diablo Range from higher elevations.

For experienced cyclists seeking a significant challenge, consider the Tunitas Creek Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Cañada College, which spans nearly 58 km with over 1400 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Kings Mountain Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Cañada College, covering over 34 km with more than 800 meters of ascent.

Absolutely. Many routes in this guide feature substantial climbs. For instance, the Old La Honda Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve includes over 530 meters of elevation gain over its 18 km distance, providing a robust workout.

The Santa Cruz Mountains generally offer pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall often provide mild temperatures and beautiful scenery, with wildflowers blooming in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. Summers can be warm, especially at lower elevations, while winters may bring rain. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Parking availability varies by route starting point. For routes like the Tunitas Creek Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Cañada College, you might find parking facilities at or near Cañada College. For routes starting from Woodside or Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, look for designated public parking areas in those vicinities. Always check local regulations for parking.

Given the moderate to difficult ratings and significant elevation changes of the routes in this guide, they are generally more suited for experienced adult touring cyclists rather than families with young children. For easier, flatter family-friendly options, you might need to explore other areas outside the immediate mountainous vicinity of Thornewood Open Space Preserve.