The best cycling routes around Redwood City

Redwood City offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 50 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy bayfront paths to challenging climbs in the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills.

You'll find a diverse range of terrain. Many routes feature mostly paved paths along the San Francisco Bay, offering scenic views of saltwater marshes and birdlife. For those seeking more challenge, inland routes ascend into the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills, providing significant elevation gains and rides through redwood forests. Some sections, particularly on the Redwood Shores part of the Bay Trail, might include unpaved segments where a mountain or gravel bike is recommended.

Yes, Redwood City has 25 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for a relaxed ride is the San Francisco Bay Trail, which is 16.1 miles long and mostly flat, offering pleasant bayfront scenery. These routes are generally paved and have minimal elevation changes.

For challenging rides with significant elevation, head towards the Santa Cruz Mountains foothills. Routes like the Los Trancos & Westridge loop via Portola Road, a 30-mile route with over 2,500 feet of elevation gain, are popular among experienced cyclists. Another demanding option is the Foothills Figure-8 via Portola & Moody Road, known for its challenging climbs and scenic views.

Yes, many touring cycling routes around Redwood City are circular. For example, the Crystal Springs and San Francisco Bay Trail Loop offers a moderate 29.3-mile circular ride with diverse views of the reservoir and the bay. Another challenging loop is the Portola Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Cañada College, which includes significant climbing.

Redwood City's routes offer a variety of scenic views. Along the bayfront, you'll see restored saltwater marshes, diverse birdlife, and views of the San Francisco Bay, including Belmont Slough, Bird Island, and Bair Island. Inland, routes provide vistas of redwood forests and panoramic Bay Area views from higher elevations. You might also pass by the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir.

While cycling, you can explore areas like the Eden Landing Ecological Preserve and the Hayward Regional Shoreline. Some routes may also pass by historical sites such as the Woodside Store, an 1850s stagecoach stop, or offer views of the Pulgas Water Temple, a monument commemorating the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct.

The touring cycling routes in Redwood City are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from the peaceful bayfront trails to the challenging climbs in the foothills, and the beautiful natural scenery encountered along the way.

Redwood City has an active bicycle and pedestrian master plan, and while specific public transport connections to trailheads vary, the city is generally accessible. For detailed information on public transport options that accommodate bicycles, it's best to consult local transit authority websites.

Redwood City generally enjoys a mild climate, making touring cycling enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies, ideal for both bayfront and hilly routes. Summers are typically warm and dry, while winters are mild but can bring rain. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While the focus is on touring routes, there are nearby areas with cycling interest. For instance, you can find highlights like North Leaf Trail and Resolution Trail in the broader region. However, it's important to note that some open space preserves like Edgewood Park and Pulgas Ridge generally do not permit bicycles on their trails.