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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
San Mateo County
South San Francisco

Kings Mountain Road – El Granada Beach loop from South San Francisco

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
California
San Mateo County
South San Francisco

Kings Mountain Road – El Granada Beach loop from South San Francisco

Hard

4.8

(2673)

18,106

riders

Kings Mountain Road – El Granada Beach loop from South San Francisco

08:33

116km

1,990m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Includes a very steep uphill segment

You may need to push your bike.

After 53.6 km for 198 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

23.7 km

Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

Crystal Springs Reservoir, nestled in the northern Santa Cruz Mountains, consists of two artificial lakes formed along the San Andreas Fault and is ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing. Originally …

Tip by

2

25.3 km

Pulgas Water Temple

Highlight • Monument

San Francisco built Pulgas Water Temple as a monument to the engineering marvel that brought Hetch Hetchy water more than 160 miles across California from Yosemite National Park in the …

Tip by

3

41.3 km

Kings Mountain Road

Highlight • Cycleway

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.

Tip by

53.5 km

Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve

Nature Reserve

5

85.8 km

El Granada Beach

Highlight • Beach

El Granada Beach, managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, is a surfers paradise. While enjoying the beach, remember that fires are prohibited, except for portable camp stoves …

Tip by

6

96.9 km

At the southern opening of the 2013 Tom Lantos tunnels the old road is now a bike trail.

Tip by

7

97.8 km

Devil's Slide Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The steepest section of the former road that used to be destroyed regularly by landslides. Now a great bike trail with coastal views and no cars.

Tip by

8

99.0 km

The precarious always sliding former coastal road is now a beautiful bike trail, while the main Highway 1 is now going through the tunnel

Tip by

9

103 km

Rockaway Beach

Highlight • Beach

Protected sandy beach in a cove framed on both sides by Mori Point and Arami Point. The beachfront trail is worth a short loop off the main Pacific Bike Trail …

Tip by

B

116 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

48.6 km

35.1 km

10.5 km

9.43 km

6.63 km

5.56 km

223 m

Surfaces

92.2 km

15.8 km

7.15 km

861 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (640 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Friday 10 July

19°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 35.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a truly epic day on two wheels that blends challenging climbs with stunning coastal views, the Kings Mountain Road – El Granada Beach loop from South San Francisco is a difficult touring cycling route that delivers. This 71.7-mile (115.5 km) journey packs in 6526 feet (1989 metres) of elevation gain over an estimated 8 hours and 30 minutes, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced riders seeking a significant undertaking.

What to expect on Kings Mountain Road – El Granada Beach loop from South San Francisco

The route offers dramatic contrasts, starting with the serene, shaded redwood forests of Kings Mountain Road. This segment is a demanding climb on narrow, twisty paved roads, requiring sustained effort and careful handling on descents. As you transition towards the coast, the scenery shifts to expansive Pacific Ocean vistas, sandy beaches, and eucalyptus groves around El Granada. While the coastal paths are generally more moderate, some sections can be unpaved or bumpy, adding to the adventure. This journey is best suited for cyclists who thrive on diverse environments and are prepared for a substantial physical test.

Planning your visit

Given the significant distance and elevation, plan for an early start to complete the route within daylight hours. Kings Mountain Road is known to be popular with sports cars and motorcyclists, so maintain awareness, especially on winding sections. The coastal areas around El Granada and Half Moon Bay offer opportunities for refreshments and resupply. This loop is best tackled during drier seasons to avoid slippery conditions on mountain descents and potentially muddy coastal paths.

Trail details

  • Distance: 71.7 miles (115.5 km)
  • Elevation gain: 6526 feet (1989 metres)
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • Estimated time: 8 hours and 30 minutes

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