La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area)
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area)
The best traffic-free bike rides in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area)
4.7
(40)
2,289
riders
8
rides
No traffic road cycling routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area) traverse a landscape characterized by coastal grasslands, oak woodlands, and redwood forests. The region features significant elevation changes, offering challenging climbs and descents. Road cyclists can experience sweeping views of the San Mateo County Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains. The terrain primarily consists of paved roads surrounding the preserve, providing varied cycling experiences.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in La Honda Creek Open Space…
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 (Permit Area)
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
Are there truly no-traffic paved road cycling routes within La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve's permit area?
While La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve offers extensive trails for hiking and mountain biking, traditional road cycling on paved surfaces *within* the permit area is very limited. The preserve's regulations often restrict cycling on certain paved roads, and access to specific areas requires a permit. The routes featured in this guide are primarily quiet, low-traffic roads *around* the preserve, offering a road cycling experience in the general vicinity.
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve region?
There are over 10 no-traffic road cycling routes available in the region surrounding La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. These routes vary in length and difficulty, providing options for different skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these road cycling routes?
The routes in this guide primarily follow paved roads, offering a smooth surface for road cycling. While the preserve itself features diverse ecosystems like redwood forests, oak woodlands, and coastal grasslands, the road cycling routes generally traverse the scenic roads connecting these natural areas, often providing views of the varied landscapes.
What are the difficulty levels of the road cycling routes?
The routes range from easy to difficult. For instance, the Downtown Pescadero loop from Loma Mar is an easy option, while the Lobitos Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Skeggs Point is considered difficult due to its significant elevation changes and distance.
Do I need a permit to access the road cycling routes?
Access to certain parking areas and specific parts of La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve, particularly the Upper La Honda Creek area, requires a free permit obtained in advance from the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. While the road cycling routes in this guide are generally on public roads *around* the preserve, it's always wise to check the latest permit requirements if you plan to enter any designated preserve areas or use specific parking facilities.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints along these routes?
While the road cycling routes may not always pass directly through the preserve's interior, the surrounding area offers stunning vistas. La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve itself is known for panoramic views of the San Mateo County Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains, including a grassy bluff with expansive outlooks and the Coho Vista Point. You might catch glimpses of these natural features from the roads nearby.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling options?
Yes, there are easier routes suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. The Downtown Pescadero loop from Loma Mar is an easy route with minimal elevation gain, making it a good choice for a family outing.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in this region?
The region generally offers good cycling conditions year-round, but spring and fall are often ideal with milder temperatures and less chance of extreme weather. Summers can be warm, and winters might bring rain, so always check the forecast before heading out. The diverse habitats mean you'll experience different natural beauty depending on the season.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in the La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve region?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic roads, the challenging climbs, and the beautiful natural surroundings that make for a rewarding road cycling experience away from heavy traffic.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the road cycling routes?
The town of La Honda, as well as nearby Pescadero and Woodside, offer various amenities including cafes, restaurants, and small shops where you can refuel and relax before or after your ride. Many routes, like the Downtown Pescadero loop from Loma Mar, pass through or near these towns.
Can I bring my dog on these road cycling routes?
While La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve has specific rules regarding dogs on its trails, the road cycling routes in this guide are generally on public roads. However, rules for dogs can vary, especially if you plan to stop at parks or enter any preserve areas. It's best to check local regulations for specific areas you plan to visit with your dog.
Most popular routes in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (Permit Area)
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