Old La Honda Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Palo Alto
Old La Honda Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Palo Alto
4.9
(9919)
10,720
riders
Old La Honda Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Palo Alto
04:11
78.9km
1,480m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps
You may need to carry your bike.
After 32 m for 1 m
After 78.9 km for 1 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
966 m
San Francisquito Creek Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
11.3 km
Old La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
16.5 km
West Old La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
27.1 km
La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
43.3 km
Tunitas Creek Road and The Bike Hut
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
58.5 km
Kings Mountain Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
63.4 km
Lower Kings Mountain Road
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
68.7 km
Manzanita Way
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
78.9 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
49.5 km
19.7 km
6.96 km
2.70 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
76.4 km
2.51 km
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (640 m)
Lowest point (20 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Sunday 21 June
23°C
13°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a serious challenge and a classic Bay Area cycling experience, the Old La Honda Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Palo Alto is definitely worth your time. This difficult road cycling route covers 49.0 miles (78.9 km) with a substantial 4842 feet (1476 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete. It's a benchmark ride for experienced cyclists, offering a true test of fitness with its sustained climbs and varied terrain, making it one of the best road cycling routes Palo Alto has to offer.
What to expect on Old La Honda Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Palo Alto
This loop is a journey through some of the region's most iconic cycling terrain. You'll start with the legendary Old La Honda Road climb, known for its consistent, challenging grade that averages just under 8% for nearly three miles, winding through oak woodlands that transition into peaceful redwood groves. The tree canopy provides ample shade and a tranquil ambiance with very light traffic. After a section on Skyline Boulevard, where you can catch glorious views both east and west near Windy Hill, you'll tackle Kings Mountain Road. This ascent through the redwoods of Huddart Park offers even more stunning scenery, including views overlooking the San Francisco Bay, before a narrow, twisty descent. This route demands very good fitness due to its significant climbs and is perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits.
Planning your visit
Starting from Palo Alto, this loop is a popular choice for local cyclists. While Old La Honda Road typically has very light traffic, Kings Mountain Road can get busy on weekends, so consider an early start or a weekday ride for a more serene experience. The route is well-known, and you'll likely encounter many other cyclists, especially on the benchmark climbs. Ensure you carry enough water and nutrition for the 4 hours and 10 minutes duration, as sustained climbing requires good hydration.
Trail details
- Distance: 49.0 miles (78.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 4842 feet (1476 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 10 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free