Rinconada Trailhead loop from El Camino Real & Santa Clara
Rinconada Trailhead loop from El Camino Real & Santa Clara
4.6
(7504)
10,935
riders
Rinconada Trailhead loop from El Camino Real & Santa Clara
03:11
71.7km
610m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 5, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 62.9 km for 176 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
34.5 km
Pozo Saloon & Vintage Cowboy Winery
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
45.2 km
Rinconada Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
71.7 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
61.8 km
9.18 km
383 m
308 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
70.4 km
669 m
421 m
219 m
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Elevation
Highest point (540 m)
Lowest point (280 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 8 July
32°C
9°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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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 challenging yet rewarding road cycling route that takes you away from the usual paved paths, the Rinconada Trailhead loop from El Camino Real & Santa Clara is worth considering. This moderate 44.6-mile (71.7 km) route packs in 2007 feet (612 metres) of climbing over approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes, making it an excellent choice for experienced cyclists seeking a varied terrain experience rather than a smooth road ride.
What to expect on Rinconada Trailhead loop from El Camino Real & Santa Clara
This route offers a unique journey through diverse landscapes, starting with wide packed dirt and gravel sections that quickly lead into steep inclines. You'll pedal through oak woodlands, chaparral slopes, and grassy meadows, with the terrain demanding attention and effort. The highlight for many is the ascent to higher elevations, where you're rewarded with panoramic 360-degree views over the Santa Lucia Mountains and North San Luis Obispo County, offering sweeping vistas over bucolic valleys and remote ridges within the Santa Lucia Wilderness. Be prepared for a significant workout, as the trail includes challenging sections with an average grade of 9.8% in parts, making it better suited for cyclists comfortable with unpaved surfaces and sustained climbs.
Planning your visit
The Rinconada Trailhead is conveniently accessible via a paved road, Pozo Road, which means it's open year-round, even when other unpaved roads in the Santa Lucia Ranger District might be closed due to weather. This makes planning your visit straightforward, as you won't typically encounter seasonal access issues. Parking is available at the trailhead, and while it's a multi-use trail shared with hikers and equestrians, arriving earlier in the day can help ensure a quieter experience, especially on weekends.
Trail details
- Distance: 44.6 miles (71.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 2007 feet (612 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 11 minutes
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