For cycling enthusiasts and those seeking the thrill of the open road, the quest for the perfect bike ride is perpetual. While every route offers its own unique charm, some truly stand out, delivering exceptional experiences that elevate them above the rest. This curated guide highlights a selection of outstanding bike rides, categorized to help you find your next unforgettable adventure.
Best Rides Overall: A Collection of Cycling Gems
This list represents the crème de la crème of bike rides, routes that consistently impress with their scenery, challenge, and overall cycling experience. These are the rides that should be on every cyclist’s bucket list.
- Bean Creek/Mtn. Charlie/Soquel-San Jose: A diverse route offering a mix of terrains and stunning views, perfect for a challenging and rewarding day on the bike.
- Big Basin: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature with a ride through Big Basin, known for its towering redwoods and serene landscapes. (Note: Weekdays may offer a quieter experience).
- Bristlecone Pine Forest: Journey through ancient landscapes and witness the resilience of nature in the Bristlecone Pine Forest, a truly unique and awe-inspiring ride.
- Caliente Loop: Experience the beauty of open spaces and rolling hills on the Caliente Loop, a ride that captures the essence of California’s diverse terrain.
- Comptche to Ukiah: Traverse through scenic countryside connecting Comptche and Ukiah, enjoying a ride that balances charming towns with natural beauty.
- Concow Road: Discover the rugged beauty of Concow Road, a route that promises adventure and stunning vistas for the intrepid cyclist.
- Conzelman Loop: Embrace iconic views with the Conzelman Loop, offering breathtaking perspectives of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
- Crater Lake: Cycle around the mesmerizing Crater Lake, a natural wonder that provides unparalleled scenic beauty and a memorable ride.
- Cream of the Sierra Century: Test your endurance and enjoy the majestic Sierra Nevada scenery on the Cream of the Sierra Century, a challenging yet rewarding long-distance ride.
- Dead Indian Loop: Explore the intriguing Dead Indian Loop, a route that blends history with scenic landscapes, offering a unique cycling experience.
- East Carmel Valley Road/Cachagua Road: Wander through the picturesque Carmel Valley, experiencing the charm of rural landscapes and rolling vineyards.
- Ebbetts Pass: Conquer the heights of Ebbetts Pass, a ride that challenges you with elevation gains but rewards you with panoramic mountain views.
- Eureka Canyon/Highland Way: Navigate the winding roads of Eureka Canyon and Highland Way, enjoying a ride that’s both exhilarating and visually stunning.
- Felton Empire Road/Empire Grade: Ascend Felton Empire Road and Empire Grade, routes that offer challenging climbs and rewarding views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
- Forks of Salmon: Venture to the remote and beautiful Forks of Salmon, a ride that immerses you in the tranquility of nature.
- Gibraltar Road: Challenge yourself with the climb up Gibraltar Road, a route famous for its steep gradients and breathtaking summit views.
- Gold Beach Century: Experience the coastal beauty of Oregon on the Gold Beach Century, a ride that combines ocean views with scenic inland routes.
- Golden Gate Bridge Loop: Cycle across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and explore the surrounding loop, a must-do ride for any visitor to San Francisco.
- Grizzly Peak Boulevard to Redwood Road: Journey through the hills of Grizzly Peak and Redwood Road, enjoying a ride that combines urban proximity with natural escapes.
- Igo-Ono: Discover the hidden gem of Igo-Ono, a route that offers a peaceful and scenic ride through Northern California’s less-traveled paths.
- Jesus Maria Road: Explore the historic Jesus Maria Road, a ride that takes you through rolling hills and past remnants of California’s gold rush era.
- Kings Canyon: Venture into the majestic Kings Canyon National Park, cycling amidst towering granite cliffs and giant sequoia groves.
- Lassen National Park: Witness volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness in Lassen National Park, a ride that offers a unique and geologically fascinating experience.
- Limantour Road: Cycle through the Point Reyes National Seashore on Limantour Road, enjoying stunning coastal views and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- McKenzie Pass: Traverse the volcanic McKenzie Pass, a ride that showcases dramatic landscapes and offers breathtaking views from the summit.
- Mendocino/Comptche: Experience the rugged Mendocino coastline and inland routes on the Mendocino/Comptche loop, a ride that combines coastal charm with rural beauty.
- Morgan Territory Road: Explore the remote and challenging Morgan Territory Road, a ride that rewards adventurous cyclists with solitude and panoramic views.
- Mosquito Ridge Road: Brave the winding Mosquito Ridge Road, a route known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
- Mt. Diablo: Conquer Mt. Diablo, a prominent peak in the Bay Area, offering panoramic views stretching across the entire region.
- Mt. Figueroa: Ascend Mt. Figueroa in Santa Barbara County, enjoying a challenging climb and breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and coastline.
- Mt. Hamilton: Tackle the iconic Mt. Hamilton climb, known for its observatory at the summit and challenging ascent.
- Mt. Tamalpais: Explore the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, a ride that offers redwood forests, coastal views, and challenging climbs.
- Muir Woods Loop: Combine a visit to the majestic Muir Woods National Monument with a scenic loop ride, experiencing redwood forests and coastal landscapes.
- Nacimiento-Fergusson Road: Experience the dramatic Nacimiento-Fergusson Road, clinging to the Big Sur coastline and offering unparalleled ocean views.
- Paradise to Butte Meadows: Escape to the serene landscapes between Paradise and Butte Meadows, enjoying a ride through forests and meadows in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
- Peachy Canyon Road: Discover the rolling hills and vineyards of Peachy Canyon Road in Paso Robles wine country, a ride that combines cycling with wine tasting opportunities.
- Pescadero/Tunitas Creek Road: Navigate the challenging and scenic Pescadero/Tunitas Creek Road, a favorite among local cyclists for its redwood forests and coastal views.
- Prefumo Canyon Road/See Canyon Road: Explore the lesser-known Prefumo Canyon Road and See Canyon Road near San Luis Obispo, enjoying quiet roads and agricultural landscapes.
- Robinson Canyon Road: Challenge yourself on Robinson Canyon Road, a steep and winding climb in Carmel Valley, rewarding you with panoramic views.
- Sacramento River Trail: Enjoy a more relaxed ride along sections of the Sacramento River Trail, perfect for leisurely cycling and enjoying riverside scenery.
- San Juan Canyon Road: Venture into San Juan Canyon Road, offering access to Fremont Peak State Park and stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
- Siuslaw River Road: Explore the scenic Siuslaw River Road in Oregon, a route that follows the river through lush forests and tranquil landscapes.
- Tour de Fronds: Experience the unique Tour de Fronds, a challenging and rewarding ride through Oregon’s coastal forests.
- Tuna Canyon Road Loop: Enjoy a loop ride on Tuna Canyon Road in Southern California, offering a mix of canyon scenery and challenging climbs.
- Tunnel Road/Claremont Ave. Loop: Explore the historic Tunnel Road and Claremont Avenue Loop, connecting Oakland and Berkeley with scenic views and varied terrain.
- Wildcat Canyon Road/Happy Valley Road/Nimitz Way: Discover the rolling hills and panoramic views of Wildcat Canyon Road, Happy Valley Road, and Nimitz Way in the East Bay.
Top Eleven Bike Rides: Exceptional Routes You Shouldn’t Miss
Narrowing down the best from an already exceptional list is tough, but these eleven rides consistently rank among the most highly recommended for their outstanding qualities.
- McKenzie Pass: Renowned for its volcanic scenery and breathtaking summit views, McKenzie Pass is a truly unforgettable ride.
- Tour de Fronds: A unique and challenging Oregon coastal forest ride that stands out for its natural beauty and demanding terrain.
- Forks of Salmon: The remote beauty and tranquility of Forks of Salmon make it a top choice for cyclists seeking immersion in nature.
- Ebbetts Pass: A challenging mountain pass ride with rewarding panoramic views, Ebbetts Pass is a must-do for experienced cyclists.
- Mendocino/Comptche: Combining rugged coastline and charming inland routes, Mendocino/Comptche offers a diverse and scenic cycling experience.
- Mt. Tamalpais: From redwood forests to coastal vistas, Mt. Tamalpais provides a varied and stunning backdrop for a challenging ride.
- Pescadero/Tunitas Creek Road: Beloved by local cyclists for its redwood forests and challenging terrain, Pescadero/Tunitas Creek Road is a classic choice.
- Robinson Canyon Road: Offering a steep climb and panoramic views in Carmel Valley, Robinson Canyon Road is a rewarding challenge.
- Nacimiento-Fergusson Road: The dramatic coastal scenery of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road makes it an unparalleled and breathtaking ride.
- Mt. Figueroa: Ascending Mt. Figueroa rewards cyclists with stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.
- Kings Canyon: Cycling through Kings Canyon National Park immerses you in the grandeur of nature, making it an exceptional experience.
The ultimate “best ride” is subjective and depends on personal preference, but these routes consistently appear at the top of cyclists’ lists. Consider Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd., Mt. Tamalpais, Ebbetts Pass, Kings Canyon, or McKenzie Pass – each offers a strong claim to the title.
Best Descents: Thrilling Downhill Adventures
For those who love the adrenaline rush of a fast descent, these routes offer exceptional downhill experiences, listed from north to south.
- McKenzie Pass: Experience a thrilling descent from the volcanic summit of McKenzie Pass.
- Gold Beach Century: Enjoy fast downhill sections as part of the scenic Gold Beach Century route in Oregon.
- Old Siskiyou Highway: Descend sections of the historic Old Siskiyou Highway, enjoying winding roads and scenic views.
- Mt. Shasta Climbs (Inskip to Stirling City): Experience a notable descent from Inskip to Stirling City, part of the Mt. Shasta region’s varied terrain.
- Paradise to Butte Meadows (Inskip to Stirling City): Similar to above, the descent from Inskip towards Stirling City offers enjoyable downhill sections.
- Honeyrun to Centerville Road: Enjoy the final 1.5 miles of descent on Honeyrun to Centerville Road (before the gravel section).
- Leggett to the Sea (Highway 1): Experience the iconic descent from Leggett towards the Pacific Coast on Highway 1.
- Branscomb Road (west end): The western end of Branscomb Road offers a notable downhill section.
- Ebbetts Pass: Descend from the heights of Ebbetts Pass, enjoying the winding mountain roads.
- Lumpkin Road (first/last 7 miles): The initial and final 7-mile sections of Lumpkin Road provide enjoyable descents.
- Mosquito Ridge Road: Experience thrilling descents on the winding Mosquito Ridge Road.
- Clinton Road: Clinton Road features sections ideal for fast and fun descents.
- Yosemite Tour (Valley to El Portal): Enjoy the descent from Yosemite Valley towards El Portal, experiencing dramatic valley views.
- Wooden Valley/Pleasants Valley (Mix Canyon): Mix Canyon within the Wooden Valley/Pleasants Valley ride offers downhill thrills.
- Ida Clayton Road: Ida Clayton Road provides descents with scenic views in wine country.
- King’s Ridge (first 2.2 miles of Ft. Ross Rd.): The initial section of King’s Ridge (Ft. Ross Rd.) offers a notable descent.
- Limantour Road (east side only): The eastern side of Limantour Road provides a satisfying downhill experience.
- Tunnel Road/Claremont Ave. Loop: Enjoy descents on the Tunnel Road/Claremont Ave. loop.
- Mt. Diablo: Descend from the summit of Mt. Diablo, enjoying panoramic views on the way down.
- Mt. Tamalpais (south side of summit): The south side descent of Mt. Tamalpais offers thrilling downhill sections.
- Muir Woods Loop: The Muir Woods Loop includes enjoyable downhill portions.
- Grizzly Peak Boulevard to Redwood Road (Claremont Ave.): The Claremont Ave. section of this route provides a descent.
- Morgan Territory Road (south side): The southern side of Morgan Territory Road offers downhill sections.
- Sierra Road/Felter Road (Felter only): Felter Road, part of the Sierra Road/Felter Road combination, provides a descent.
- Mt. Hamilton: Descend from the summit of Mt. Hamilton, enjoying the winding road.
- Pescadero/Tunitas Creek Road (Tunitas Creek Road): Tunitas Creek Road is known for its exhilarating descents.
- Big Basin: Big Basin routes offer descents through redwood forests.
- Felton Empire/Empire Grade (Felton Empire only): Felton Empire Road provides downhill sections within this route combination.
- Bean Creek/Mtn. Charlie/Soquel-San Jose (Soquel-San Jose only): The Soquel-San Jose portion includes descent segments.
- Robinson Canyon Road: Descend Robinson Canyon Road after the challenging climb.
- Shirtail Canyon Road: Shirtail Canyon Road features descents in a canyon setting.
- Big Trees Parkway: Enjoy downhill sections on Big Trees Parkway.
- Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (east side of summit): The eastern side of Nacimiento-Fergusson Road offers coastal descents.
- Peachy Canyon Road: Peachy Canyon Road provides descents through wine country.
- Kings Canyon: Kings Canyon offers descents within its dramatic mountain landscape.
- Tioga Pass: Experience the high-altitude descent from Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park.
- Bristlecone Pine Forest (Highway 168): Highway 168 in the Bristlecone Pine Forest area offers descents at elevation.
- Tuna Canyon Road Loop (Tuna Canyon Rd): Tuna Canyon Road provides downhill sections within its loop.
Similar to the “best overall” rides, choosing the “best descent” is subjective. However, routes like Pescadero/Tunitas Creek Road, McKenzie Pass, Ebbetts Pass, and Felton Empire are consistently mentioned for their exceptional downhill experiences. It’s a tough choice!
Hardest Climbs: For the True Climbing Enthusiast
While “bestrides.org” isn’t solely focused on difficulty, these climbs are notable for their challenge. For those seeking truly grueling climbs, resources like pjammcycling.com offer extensive lists.
- Tour de Fronds: Known for its challenging climbs as part of this Oregon forest ride.
- Forks of Salmon (clockwise only): The clockwise direction of Forks of Salmon includes significant climbs.
- Trinity Center to Callahan: The route from Trinity Center to Callahan features demanding ascents.
- Iowa Hill Road: Iowa Hill Road is known for its steep and challenging climbs.
- Wildcat Road (Wilson Hill Road): Wilson Hill Road, part of the Wildcat Road area, offers tough climbing.
- Comptche to Ukiah: The Comptche to Ukiah route includes challenging climbs within its scenic journey.
- Mountain View Road: Mountain View Road lives up to its name with significant elevation gain.
- Wooden Valley/Pleasants Valley (Mix Canyon): Mix Canyon is known for its steep climbs within this ride.
- Pine Flat Road: Pine Flat Road offers sustained climbing in a rural setting.
- Sweetwater Springs Road: Sweetwater Springs Road is another climb known for its steep sections.
- King’s Ridge: King’s Ridge features challenging ascents with rewarding views.
- Welch Creek Road (Calaveras ride): Welch Creek Road, in the Calaveras ride’s “Adding Miles” section, is a notable climb.
- Sierra Road: Sierra Road is a classic climb in the Bay Area, known for its consistent gradient.
- Big Basin (China Grade): China Grade within Big Basin is a steep and challenging climb.
- Santa Rosa Creek Road (The Wall): Santa Rosa Creek Road, nicknamed “The Wall,” is infamous for its very steep gradients.
- Gibraltar Road: Gibraltar Road is renowned for its consistently steep climb to the summit.
- Devil’s Postpile: Climbs near Devil’s Postpile offer high-altitude challenges.
- Bristlecone Pine Forest: The Bristlecone Pine Forest area involves climbs at significant elevation.
- Whitney Portal Road: Whitney Portal Road is famous for being the gateway to Mt. Whitney and a very challenging climb.
- Horseshoe Meadows Road: Horseshoe Meadows Road is another high-altitude climb in the Eastern Sierra.
Grand Vista Rides: Cycling with Breathtaking Views
These rides are selected for their exceptional panoramic views and scenic beauty, listed alphabetically.
- Bristlecone Pine Forest: Offers grand vistas from its high-altitude location.
- Carson Pass Plus: The Carson Pass Plus ride features expansive views of the Sierra Nevada.
- Conzelman Loop: Iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay are highlights of this loop.
- Crater Lake: Cycling around Crater Lake provides continuous breathtaking views of the caldera.
- Ebbetts Pass: Ebbetts Pass offers panoramic mountain vistas from its high elevation.
- Gibraltar Road: The summit of Gibraltar Road rewards climbers with sweeping views of Santa Barbara and the coastline.
- Glendora Ridge Road: Glendora Ridge Road provides ridge-top views of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounding valleys.
- Gold Beach Century: The Gold Beach Century in Oregon offers coastal and inland scenic vistas.
- Golden Gate Bridge Loop: Iconic bridge views and bay panoramas are central to the Golden Gate Bridge Loop.
- Grizzly Peak Blvd. to Redwood Road: This route offers views of the Bay Area hills and redwood forests.
- Hood River to the Dalles: The ride from Hood River to The Dalles provides views of the Columbia River Gorge and surrounding landscapes.
- Horseshoe Meadows Road: High-altitude views of the Eastern Sierra are featured on Horseshoe Meadows Road.
- Igo-Ono: Igo-Ono offers views of Northern California’s rolling hills and rural landscapes.
- Kings Canyon: Kings Canyon National Park provides dramatic canyon and mountain vistas.
- Lassen National Park: Lassen National Park offers unique volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness views.
- Marys Peak Road: Marys Peak Road in Oregon provides panoramic views of the Willamette Valley and Coast Range.
- Mosquito Ridge Road: Mosquito Ridge Road offers views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and surrounding forests.
- Mt. Diablo: The summit of Mt. Diablo provides 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area region.
- Mt. Figueroa: Mt. Figueroa offers panoramic views of Santa Barbara County and the coastline.
- Mt. Hamilton: The summit of Mt. Hamilton provides expansive views, including the Bay Area and surrounding mountain ranges.
- Mt. Tamalpais: Mt. Tamalpais offers views of redwood forests, the Pacific Coast, and San Francisco Bay.
- Nacimiento-Fergusson Road: Nacimiento-Fergusson Road provides unparalleled views of the Big Sur coastline.
- Pine Flat Road: Pine Flat Road offers views of rolling hills and rural landscapes.
- Prefumo Canyon Road/See Canyon Road: These roads near San Luis Obispo offer views of agricultural valleys and rolling hills.
- San Francisco’s Wiggle Loop: While primarily urban, even the Wiggle Loop offers glimpses of San Francisco scenery.
- Santa Rita Road/Cypress Mountain Road: These roads offer views of coastal and mountain landscapes near Monterey.
- Santa Rosa Creek Road: Santa Rosa Creek Road provides views of vineyards and rolling hills in wine country.
- Sierra Road/Felter Road: Sierra Road offers views of Silicon Valley and the surrounding hills.
- Tuna Canyon Road Loop: Tuna Canyon Road provides canyon views within its Southern California loop.
- Whitney Portal Road: Whitney Portal Road offers dramatic views of the Eastern Sierra and the approach to Mt. Whitney.
Flatter Rides: Easy Cycling for Relaxed Days
While “bestrides.org” generally favors routes with some elevation, these options are relatively flat, ideal for less strenuous cycling days.
- Avenue of the Giants (all): The Avenue of the Giants is known for its flat and scenic route through redwood forests.
- Bean Creek/Mtn. Charlie/Soquel-San Jose (Branciforte Dr. only): The Branciforte Dr. section offers a flatter portion of this otherwise varied ride.
- Blue Lakes Road: Blue Lakes Road gradually inclines towards the summit, offering a flatter experience for much of the ride.
- Branscomb Road (Laytonville westward): From Laytonville westward, Branscomb Road is relatively flat until the climb.
- Cabrillo National Monument (turn around at final hill): Turning around before the final hill at Cabrillo National Monument keeps this ride mostly flat.
- Camptonville to Downieville (after North Yuba River bridge): The 10 miles after the North Yuba River bridge on the Camptonville to Downieville route are relatively flat.
- Covelo Road (Eel River Bridge to Dos Rios Bridge): This section of Covelo Road is flat, following the river valley.
- East Carmel Valley Road/Cachagua Road (first several miles): The initial miles of East Carmel Valley Road are relatively flat before the climbs begin.
- Elk River Road (all): Elk River Road is generally flat, following the river.
- Galice to Golden (all): The route from Galice to Golden is mostly flat, following the river.
- Gardiner to Eugene (first 40 miles): The first 40 miles from Gardiner to Eugene are primarily flat.
- Gold Beach Century (northern loop only): The northern loop of the Gold Beach Century is flatter than the southern sections.
- Golden Gate Loop (all): The Golden Gate Loop is relatively flat, especially if sticking to the waterfront paths.
- Hood River to the Dalles (to Rowena Loops and return): Riding to the Rowena Loops and returning on the Hood River to The Dalles route keeps it flatter.
- Jalama Road (one hill): Jalama Road is mostly flat, with only one significant hill.
- Mendocino/Comptche (Hwy 128 leg only): The Hwy 128 section of the Mendocino/Comptche loop is flatter.
- Mission Bay to La Jolla (all): The Mission Bay to La Jolla route is generally flat, following the coast.
- North Fork Siuslaw Road (first 12 miles): The initial 12 miles of North Fork Siuslaw Road are relatively flat.
- San Francisco’s Wiggle Loop (bypass hills): Bypassing Fort Mason and the Legion of Honor makes the Wiggle Loop flatter.
- Scott River Road (mostly flat): Scott River Road is mostly flat, except for the very end before the turnaround.
- Seventeen-Mile Drive (Carmel turn-off and return): Riding to the Carmel turn-off and returning on Seventeen-Mile Drive keeps it flatter.
- Siletz Bay to Newport Inland (all): The Siletz Bay to Newport Inland route is generally flat.
- Vernonia to Astoria (skip back road option and climb): Skipping the back road option and climb to the column on the Vernonia to Astoria ride makes it flatter.
- Chester Back Roads (all): The Chester Back Roads are generally flat and rural.
- Wooden Valley/Pleasants Valley (skip Mix Canyon and Cantelow Road): Avoiding Mix Canyon and the Cantelow Road detour makes this ride flatter.
- Kings Canyon (last 16 miles): The final 16 miles of Kings Canyon before the dead end are relatively flat.
- Huasna Road (to first hill and return): Riding to the first substantial hill and returning on Huasna Road provides a flatter ride.
- Mendocino Coastal (southern end to Caspar Beach): The Mendocino Coastal route from the southern end to Caspar Beach is relatively flat.
- Cañada Road Plus (drive to top of Cañada climb): Driving to the top of the Cañada Road climb and riding the rest makes for a flatter ride.
- Sacramento River Trail (sections 2 and 4): Sections 2 and 4 of the Sacramento River Trail are suitable for flat riding.
- South Round Valley Road: South Round Valley Road is a generally flat rural route.
- Adding Miles Sections (Flat Options):
- Carson Road (Apple Hill loop in Mosquito Road): Carson Road in this context is flatter.
- Old Haul Road (Mendocino/Comptche): Old Haul Road is a flatter option within the Mendocino/Comptche ride.
- Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail (Purissima Creek Road): The Coastal Trail is flat, offering a contrast to the Purissima Creek Road climb.
- Chalk Hill Road (Pine Flat Road): Chalk Hill Road provides a flatter alternative within the Pine Flat Road area.
- Bayshore Parkway (Mission Bay to La Jolla): Bayshore Parkway is a flat option when extending the Mission Bay to La Jolla ride.
Best Oregon Forest Rides: Immerse Yourself in Nature
These rides showcase the lush forests and natural beauty of Oregon, listed alphabetically.
- Alpine to Alsea: A route through Oregon’s Coast Range forests, connecting Alpine and Alsea.
- Aufderheide Hwy: The Aufderheide Memorial Drive (Hwy 19) is a scenic byway through Oregon’s forests.
- Brice Creek Road: Brice Creek Road follows a creek through lush forests in southwestern Oregon.
- Lolo Pass Back Road: The Lolo Pass Back Road offers a quieter and more forested alternative to the main highway.
- McKenzie Pass: While known for volcanic scenery, McKenzie Pass also includes sections through Oregon forests.
- Quartzville Road: Quartzville Road traverses forests and follows Quartzville Creek in the Oregon Cascades.
- Siuslaw River Road: Siuslaw River Road follows the river through Oregon’s coastal forests.
- Tour de Fronds: Specifically highlighted as an exceptional Oregon forest ride, known for its immersive nature experience.
Redwoods Rides: Cycling Among Giants
These routes take you through magnificent redwood forests, listed in order of redwood abundance and splendor.
- Avenue of the Giants: Iconic for cycling directly through towering redwood groves.
- Mendocino/Comptche: Includes sections through redwood forests along the Mendocino coast.
- Big Basin (affected by fire): Historically known for redwoods, Big Basin has been significantly impacted by fire. Note: Check current conditions before planning a ride.
- Bean Creek/Mtn. Charlie/Soquel-San Jose: Offers redwood sections as part of its diverse route.
- Felton Empire/Empire Grade (affected by fire): Historically featured redwoods, but areas have been affected by fire. Note: Check current conditions.
- Bonny Doon Rd/Empire Grade (affected by fire): Similar to Felton Empire/Empire Grade, redwood areas have been fire-affected. Note: Check current conditions.
- Pescadero/Tunitas Creek Rd.: Known for its beautiful redwood forest sections.
- Leggett to the Sea: Includes redwood forests as you approach the coast from Leggett.
- Philo-Greenwood Rd.: Philo-Greenwood Rd. traverses redwood forests in Mendocino County.
- Kings Ridge: While Kings Canyon itself doesn’t go through redwoods, it’s close to Giant Sequoias.
- Big Trees Parkway: Begins at the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, home to giant sequoias (though not redwoods).
This guide provides a starting point for discovering exceptional bike rides. Explore the linked resources for detailed route information and plan your next cycling adventure!