The best traffic-free bike rides in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)

There are 14 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in and around Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists.

The routes offer magnificent panoramic views, especially from higher elevations. You can expect to see across the San Francisco Bay, including landmarks like Stanford University, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo, downtown San Francisco, and even the Pacific Ocean. The Anniversary Trail, though not fully bike-accessible, provides a sense of the breathtaking vistas along Skyline Ridge.

Yes, many routes offer significant elevation gains and challenging climbs. For example, the Old La Honda Road loop from Stanford Linear Accelerator Center National Accelerator Laboratory is a moderate route with over 660 meters of elevation gain, providing a good test for experienced cyclists.

Spring is particularly beautiful, with open grassy meadows bursting with wildflowers. The preserve is known for its breezy conditions, which can be refreshing, though strong winds and coastal fog are possible, especially in summer. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, while many multi-use trails and fire roads are open to cyclists, specific trails such as the Betsy Crowder, Razorback, Lost, and Hamms Gulch Trails are closed to bicycles year-round. It's important to adhere to marked routes where cycling is permitted to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views, the challenging climbs, and the feeling of being immersed in nature away from traffic, particularly on routes like the Old La Honda Road loop from Woodside.

Absolutely. Many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Rossotti's Alpine Inn – Arastradero Lake loop from Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve and the Alpine Road loop from Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, which offer varied distances and elevations.

The preserve boasts diverse ecosystems, including oak woodlands, open grassy meadows, and lush forests. You might spot wildlife around Sausal Pond, which is home to egrets, blue herons, wood ducks, dragonflies, and the Western pond turtle. Higher elevations feature expansive grasslands, while lower areas have Douglas-fir, California bay, madrone, and redwood trees.

Cyclists are required to wear helmets. A 15 mph trail speed limit is enforced, which reduces to 5 mph when passing others. Always be mindful of hikers and equestrians, as many routes are multi-use.

While the preserve itself is primarily natural, routes often pass near or start from areas like Portola Valley or Woodside, where you can find local cafes and inns for refreshments before or after your ride. The Rossotti's Alpine Inn – Dwight Crowder Path loop from Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, for instance, suggests a stop at Rossotti's Alpine Inn.

Many routes start from designated preserves or centers that offer parking. For example, routes might begin near the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center National Accelerator Laboratory, Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, or Los Trancos Open Space Preserve, all of which typically provide parking facilities for visitors.