Kings Mountain Road – El Granada Beach loop from South San Francisco
Kings Mountain Road – El Granada Beach loop from South San Francisco
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
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
23.7 km
Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
25.3 km
Pulgas Water Temple
Highlight • Monument
On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the city’s relief: “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchant’s design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchant’s drawings to life.
Pulgas Water Temple is located about one-half mile south of the Cañada Road trailhead.
Open free to bikers & pedestrians every day, car parking opens only M-F 9-4
sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=93
Biketrail with more highlights and annotated photos at komoot.com/tour/11413421
Tip by
41.3 km
Kings Mountain Road
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
53.5 km
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
Nature Reserve
85.8 km
El Granada Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
96.9 km
Southern Devil's Slide Trailhead gate and overlook
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
97.8 km
Devil's Slide Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
99.0 km
Devil's Slide North Trailhead & bridge view
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
103 km
Rockaway Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
116 km
End point
Train Station
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
Highest point (640 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 10 July
19°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 35.0 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 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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