La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
The best traffic-free bike rides in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
4.8
(47)
2,415
riders
9
rides
Road cycling in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas) offers a diverse and challenging experience across varied terrain. The region features significant elevation changes, with routes traversing historic ranchlands, serene redwood and Douglas fir forests, and expansive coastal grasslands. Cyclists can expect remote paths that open to panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This preserve provides a unique environment for no traffic road cycling routes, often characterized by its secluded nature and well-maintained…
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.
123
riders
24.6km
01:56
640m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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13
riders
24.7km
01:03
170m
170m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
25
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
38
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
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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 La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)?
There are 15 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes available in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas) on komoot. These routes offer a range of distances and elevations, catering to various fitness levels.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
The routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve are generally considered challenging, with many requiring very good fitness due to significant elevation changes. Out of the 15 routes, 11 are rated as moderate and 2 as difficult. However, there are also 2 easy routes available for those seeking a less strenuous ride.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly no traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, there are 2 easy routes suitable for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed ride. One such option is the Downtown Pescadero loop from Loma Mar, which covers about 24.7 km with moderate elevation gain.
What are the typical lengths and durations of these no traffic road cycling routes?
The no traffic road cycling routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve vary in length and duration. For example, the Lower Kings Mountain Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Teague Hill Open Space Preserve is about 14 km and takes around 1 hour, while the challenging Lobitos Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Skeggs Point spans over 58 km and can take more than 3 hours to complete.
What kind of terrain and scenery can I expect on these routes?
Cyclists can expect diverse and challenging terrain, with routes featuring mostly paved surfaces. The preserve offers stunning panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Bay Area, and the Pacific Ocean from various ridge tops. You'll also ride through historic ranchlands, serene redwood and Douglas fir forests, coastal grasslands, and oak woodlands.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.69 stars from 58 ratings. Reviewers often praise the sense of solitude and seclusion, the challenging climbs, and the breathtaking panoramic views that reward their efforts.
Are there any specific rules or regulations for road cycling in the preserve?
Yes, bicycles are allowed on designated trails only, and helmets are required for all riders. E-bikes are generally not permitted on most Midpen trails. Access to certain areas, particularly Upper La Honda Creek, requires a no-fee permit, which should be requested in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
Where can I find parking for these no traffic road cycling routes?
Parking information varies by route starting point. Many routes, such as the Lobitos Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop, start from areas like Skeggs Point, which typically offers designated parking. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for precise parking locations.
Are there any scenic viewpoints or natural attractions along the no traffic road cycling routes?
Absolutely. Many routes offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Bay Area, and the Pacific Ocean. You can also encounter historic ranchlands, impressive redwood and Douglas fir forests (including the 'Big Tree'), and unique geological formations like the tafoni rock formation on the Coho Vista Trail.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve?
The preserve offers cycling opportunities year-round, but conditions vary. Spring and fall generally provide the most pleasant weather for cycling. While winter can be an option, it's important to check weather conditions as some trails may be affected by rain. Summer can be warm, so early morning rides are often preferred.
Are there any loop trails for road cycling in the preserve?
Yes, many of the no traffic road cycling routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Old La Honda Road loop from Woodside and the Alpine Road loop from Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.
Most popular routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed Areas)
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