Sierra Vista Viewpoint loop from Piedmont Hills High School
Sierra Vista Viewpoint loop from Piedmont Hills High School
4.7
(1712)
7,890
riders
Sierra Vista Viewpoint loop from Piedmont Hills High School
00:59
12.3km
550m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. 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 30, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.97 km
View of Milpitas and San Francisco Bay from Sierra Road
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
6.15 km
View of San Jose from Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
6.19 km
Sierra Vista Viewpoint
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
12.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.8 km
261 m
197 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
12.3 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (610 m)
Lowest point (60 m)
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Weather
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Saturday 11 July
27°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 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 road cycling route that truly earns its views, the Sierra Vista Viewpoint loop from Piedmont Hills High School is a moderate, 7.7-mile (12.3 km) challenge with a significant 1816 feet (553 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in just under an hour. This route is perfect for cyclists ready to tackle one of Northern California's iconic climbs for panoramic rewards.
What to expect on Sierra Vista Viewpoint loop from Piedmont Hills High School
The journey begins with the notorious climb up Sierra Road, a segment famous among local cyclists for its relentless gradient. You'll be pushing through an average grade of 9.5% for over three miles, with some sections hitting a grueling 15-20%. As you ascend, the landscape transitions from urban fringes to rolling grasslands and oak woodlands, gradually revealing expansive vistas. The true reward comes at Sierra Vista Point, where you're treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Santa Clara Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Hamilton and the Santa Cruz Mountains. This route demands good to very good fitness, but the views make every pedal stroke worth it.
Planning your visit
The route starts from Piedmont Hills High School, but a newer trailhead and free parking lot on Sierra Road also offer convenient access to the Sierra Vista trails. The roadway on Sierra Road is generally in excellent condition with minimal traffic as it enters the open space area. While the main climb is paved, be aware that some multi-use trails within the broader Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve may be unpaved, so plan your exact loop carefully if you're on a road bike.
Trail details
- Distance: 7.7 miles (12.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1816 feet (553 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 59 minutes
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