Tips
September 11, 2014
Road cycling
December 27, 2016
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Portola Valley
5.0
(2)
334
riders
120km
06:10
2,100m
2,100m
The Old La Honda & Kings Mountain loop offers a quintessential Northern California road cycling experience, plunging you into the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. You'll climb through a stunning progression of landscapes, from sun-drenched oak woodlands to the cool, misty embrace of ancient redwood groves, especially along the famed Old La Honda Road. The route is a continuous journey of ascents and descents, with narrow, winding roads that feel far removed from urban life, occasionally revealing expansive viewpoints of the San Francisco Bay.
This difficult 74.7-mile (120.2 km) loop demands good fitness, featuring 6887 feet (2099 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 6 hours and 9 minutes. While there are no specific parking instructions, starting from Palo Alto provides convenient access to this challenging ride. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, as amenities are sparse along much of the route, though the "Bike Hut" on Tunitas Creek Road can be a welcome stop if your route includes it.
Old La Honda Road is particularly notable as a benchmark climb, attracting national-caliber riders and serving as a local proving ground. Both Old La Honda and Kings Mountain roads are celebrated for their consistent grades and excellent pavement, making them a favorite among advanced road cycling climbs near Palo Alto. The combination of a rigorous workout with serene, beautiful surroundings makes this loop a standout among Palo Alto road cycling popular routes.
4.7
(3)
173
riders
92.0km
05:05
1,830m
1,830m
The Alpine Road Loop is a challenging road cycling route that winds through the stunning Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, offering a demanding experience for seasoned cyclists. You'll navigate steep hills and switchbacks, particularly on the initial
5.0
(1)
69
riders
74.2km
03:05
470m
470m
Cycle the moderate 46.1-mile Rose Garden to Portola Valley loop, gaining 1528 feet in 3h 4m through Bay Area forests and vistas.
Details
Informations
Distance 4.36 km
Uphill 80 m
Downhill 30 m
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Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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