Bald Mountain Summit – Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir loop from Santa Rosa Downtown
Bald Mountain Summit – Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir loop from Santa Rosa Downtown
3.1
(28)
93
riders
Bald Mountain Summit – Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir loop from Santa Rosa Downtown
04:04
61.2km
870m
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 22, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 10.6 km for 71 m
After 12.5 km for 170 m
After 50.0 km for 170 m
After 52.0 km for 71 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
614 m
Santa Rosa Creek Bike Bridge - Joe Rodota Trailhead
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
1.47 km
Prince Greenway Park
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
32.1 km
Bald Mountain Summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
53.9 km
Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
61.0 km
Railroad Depot Square 🚂 Santa Rosa
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
61.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
28.6 km
11.3 km
9.22 km
7.73 km
3.85 km
432 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
30.4 km
20.7 km
8.96 km
1.09 km
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Elevation
Highest point (810 m)
Lowest point (50 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 25 June
21°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 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
While rated moderate, the Bald Mountain Summit – Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir loop from Santa Rosa Downtown is a demanding road cycling route that truly tests your mettle. This 38.0-mile (61.2 km) journey, with its 2842 feet (866 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 4 minutes to complete. This loop is best suited for experienced cyclists with a mixed-terrain road bike or those prepared for significant challenges on the Bald Mountain ascent.
What to expect on Bald Mountain Summit – Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir loop from Santa Rosa Downtown
Starting from Santa Rosa Downtown, you'll likely begin on the pleasant, mostly flat, and paved Santa Rosa Creek Trail, offering views of the waterway, farms, and vineyards. As you head towards the Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir area, the terrain shifts to rolling hills, still on well-paved surfaces, with picturesque vineyards surrounding you. The real challenge begins with the climb to Bald Mountain Summit, renowned as one of Sonoma County's hardest bike climbs. Expect significant elevation gains, with sections reaching 15-20% grade, and a transition from well-maintained pavement to rough, broken pavement, gravel, and even dirt stretches. This segment requires very good fitness and a bike equipped for varied terrain, rewarding your effort with spectacular 360-degree views from the summit.
Planning your visit
Given the varied and challenging terrain, especially on Bald Mountain, it's crucial to check your bike setup before heading out; standard road bikes may struggle with the unpaved sections. Parking is available in Santa Rosa Downtown, offering an accessible starting point. The best time to ride is during dry conditions to avoid muddy or slippery unpaved sections on Bald Mountain. Always carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days, as the Bald Mountain climb is exposed and strenuous.
Trail details
- Distance: 38.0 miles (61.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 2842 feet (866 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 4 minutes
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