The best traffic-free bike rides in Thornewood Open Space Preserve
4.6
(77)
5,201
riders
11
rides
Road cycling in Thornewood Open Space Preserve's vicinity offers diverse terrain within the Santa Cruz Mountains. The area is characterized by forested hills with a mix of redwood, Douglas fir, oak, and madrone woodlands. Road cyclists can find well-paved routes with varying elevation gains, providing views of the southern San Francisco Bay and the Diablo Range. These no traffic road cycling routes cater to different fitness levels, from moderate climbs to challenging ascents.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in Thornewood Open Space Preserve
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Old La Honda Road loop from Woodside, a 12.3 miles (19.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 13 minutes to complete. This route features significant elevation gain through forested hills.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Alpine Road loop from Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, a moderate 10.4 miles (16.7 km) path. This route offers sustained climbing on well-paved roads with views of the surrounding landscape.
- Local road cyclists also love the Lower Kings Mountain Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Teague Hill Open Space Preserve, a 8.7 miles (14.0 km) trail leading through dense woodlands and offering challenging ascents, often completed in about 58 minutes.
- Road cycling in Thornewood Open Space Preserve's vicinity is defined by forested hills, challenging climbs, and well-maintained roads. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to difficult, longer rides.
- The routes in Thornewood Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 70 reviews. More than 5,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Thornewood Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
19
riders
19.8km
01:13
490m
490m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.3
(3)
119
riders
59.3km
03:36
1,500m
1,500m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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78
riders
60.2km
03:20
1,210m
1,210m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
28
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Thornewood 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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Didn’t OLR used to turn into Dirt before reaching Skyline? Is it all pavement now?? Scott
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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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This fantastic tavern, founded in 1852, is the second oldest in the state. It features a large, beer garden-style outdoor area with plenty of shade. An extensive beer and food menu makes it a perfect stop to enjoy a brew and some great food after a ride.
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From Elena Road, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding hills. The vantage point offers a peaceful scene of the landscape, showcasing the natural beauty of the Bay Area.
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Old La Honda Rd downhill video: https://youtu.be/icnBpBZQ8gE?si=xYovaH-Nr8llwLEM
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I road cycle directly within Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
No, bicycling, including road cycling, is explicitly not permitted within the trails of Thornewood Open Space Preserve itself. However, the surrounding area, particularly the Santa Cruz Mountains, is renowned for its scenic and challenging road cycling routes that offer a no-traffic experience.
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available near Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
There are over 10 curated no-traffic road cycling routes available in the vicinity of Thornewood Open Space Preserve. These routes offer a variety of distances and elevation gains for different fitness levels.
What kind of difficulty can I expect from these no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes near Thornewood Open Space Preserve cater to various skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy rides, with 2 routes suitable for beginners, to 8 moderate routes, and 2 challenging routes for experienced cyclists seeking significant elevation gains.
Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Old La Honda Road loop from Woodside offers a great circular experience, covering nearly 20 km with significant climbing.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes near Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The road cycling routes in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.56 stars from 74 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, beautiful scenery, and the quiet, traffic-free nature of roads like Old La Honda and Alpine Road.
Are there any routes suitable for beginners or families looking for a less strenuous ride?
While many routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains are known for their climbs, there are 2 routes classified as easy, which could be more suitable for beginners. For family-friendly options, it's best to check individual route descriptions for specific details on terrain and elevation, as the area generally features significant hills.
Where can I find parking for these no-traffic road cycling routes?
Parking availability varies by route starting point. Popular starting locations for routes like Old La Honda Road or Alpine Road often have designated parking areas nearby. For instance, the Alpine Road loop from Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve would typically involve parking near the preserve or a suitable public area in the vicinity.
What are some of the longer or more challenging no-traffic road cycling routes in the area?
For a significant challenge, consider routes like the Lower Kings Mountain Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Cañada College, which spans over 58 km with more than 1400 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Lobitos Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Skeggs Point, offering a similar distance and over 1100 meters of climbing.
What is the best time of year for road cycling near Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The Santa Cruz Mountains generally offer good cycling conditions year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, especially on exposed sections, while winter might bring rain, but many days remain clear and suitable for riding. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any cafes or places to refuel near the no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes often pass through or near small towns like Woodside or Portola Valley, where you can find cafes and stores for refreshments. It's advisable to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer rides, as some sections of these no-traffic roads can be quite remote.
What kind of scenery and natural features can I expect on these rides?
While you won't be cycling inside Thornewood Open Space Preserve itself, the surrounding routes offer stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You'll ride through diverse landscapes including redwood, Douglas fir, oak, and madrone woodlands. Some routes may offer glimpses of the southern San Francisco Bay and the Diablo Range, providing a truly immersive natural experience.
Most popular routes in Thornewood Open Space Preserve
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