Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)
Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)
The best traffic-free bike rides in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)
5.0
(10)
871
riders
5
rides
Car-free road biking in San Mateo County, particularly around the Tunitas Creek area, offers diverse terrain for cyclists. The region is characterized by coastal foothills, open ranch land, and dense redwood forests, providing varied landscapes for cycling. While Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve is currently closed, the surrounding Santa Cruz Mountains feature challenging ascents and scenic descents on roads with minimal traffic. These routes often transition from coastal views to shaded redwood canyons as elevation increases.
Best no traffic road cycling routes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)
- The most popular no traffic road cycling route is Stage Road – Downtown Pescadero loop from San Gregorio, a 14.8 miles (23.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 13 minutes to complete. This moderate route features a consistent climb through rural landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is San Gregorio State Beach – Stage Road loop from San Gregorio, a moderate 33.0 miles (53.1 km) path. This route offers a mix of coastal views and inland roads, with an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet (600 m).
- Local road cyclists also love the Kings Mountain Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, a 10.8 miles (17.4 km) trail leading through redwood forests and offering significant elevation changes, often completed in about 1 hour 11 minutes.
- Road cycling in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed) is defined by redwood forests, coastal foothills, and challenging ascents. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more difficult climbs.
- The routes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed) are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 800 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)'s varied terrain.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
5.0
(2)
12
riders
23.8km
01:13
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
38
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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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.
25
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
37
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)
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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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Exactly what it says on the tin! The truth is that most of the trail along Half Moon Bay is nice and flat, making for an easy, casual ride with incredible views.
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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 the Tunitas Creek area?
There are 7 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide for the Tunitas Creek area. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate climbs to more challenging ascents, all designed to minimize vehicle encounters.
What is the current status of Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve for cycling?
Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve itself is currently closed for public access, including hiking and cycling, as it undergoes development to reopen as Don Horsley Park. However, the renowned Tunitas Creek Road, which is a separate entity from the preserve, remains a popular and scenic route for road cyclists, known for its minimal traffic.
Are there any challenging no-traffic road cycling routes in this region?
Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Lobitos Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Skeggs Point offer a difficult rating with significant elevation gain over 58 kilometers. Tunitas Creek Road itself is known for its consistent and rewarding climb, often considered the most scenic and epic bike climb in San Mateo County.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes in this area offer diverse and stunning scenery. You can expect transitions from coastal foothills and open ranch land near Highway 1 to dense redwood forests as you climb towards Skyline Boulevard. The passage through lush redwood forests provides a particularly tranquil and shaded experience. Some routes also offer glimpses of coastal bluffs and ocean views.
Are there any moderate no-traffic road cycling options for a good workout?
Absolutely. Most of the routes in this guide are rated moderate, providing a good balance of distance and elevation. For example, the San Gregorio State Beach – Stage Road loop from San Gregorio covers over 53 kilometers with more than 600 meters of elevation gain, offering a rewarding ride through varied landscapes.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in the Tunitas Creek area?
The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in this area, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 11 ratings. Reviewers often praise the minimal traffic, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the beautiful, diverse scenery, especially the tranquil redwood forests.
Can I combine Tunitas Creek Road with other routes for a longer ride?
Yes, Tunitas Creek Road is strategically located and can be integrated with other popular cycling routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains, such as Kings Mountain Road and Old La Honda Road. This allows for the creation of extended and varied rides, making it a central part of many longer loops in the region.
Are there any facilities or unique stops along the no-traffic routes?
At the base of the Tunitas Creek climb, you'll find The Bike Hut, a unique self-serve oasis. It offers refreshments and supplies, and is a well-known spot for cyclists to rest and connect with fellow riders before or after their climb.
What are some notable natural features or attractions near these cycling routes?
While the preserve itself is closed, the broader Tunitas Creek area is rich in natural beauty. You'll find stunning 100-foot tall sandstone cliffs at Tunitas Creek Beach (part of the future Don Horsley Park), offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The area also features diverse habitats including coastal scrub, dunes, and dense Monterey pine and cypress forests, as well as the perennial Tunitas Creek itself, which flows to the ocean.
Is there a good route for experiencing the redwood forests without heavy traffic?
Many of the routes in this guide traverse through or near redwood forests, providing a serene cycling experience. The upper sections of Tunitas Creek Road, for instance, wind through dense redwood groves, offering welcome shade and a quiet atmosphere. The Kings Mountain Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop also offers a great opportunity to cycle through forested areas.
What is the best time of year to cycle these no-traffic routes in the Tunitas Creek area?
The Santa Cruz Mountains and San Mateo Coast generally offer pleasant cycling conditions year-round. However, spring and fall often provide the most ideal weather with moderate temperatures and less chance of coastal fog. Summer mornings can be cool, but afternoons are typically sunny. Winter can bring rain, but clear days are excellent for cycling.
Are there any loop routes available that minimize traffic exposure?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops to enhance the no-traffic experience. For example, the Stage Road – Downtown Pescadero loop from San Gregorio is a moderate 23.7 km loop that allows you to enjoy the scenic roads and return to your starting point without retracing your path on busy roads.
Most popular routes in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)
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