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Alameda County

San Leandro

The best cycling routes around San Leandro

By Fede from komoot

Β·

Updated May 10, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around San Leandro, you know how quickly the sheer number of routes can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which paths are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best, saving you the guesswork.

San Leandro offers a fantastic mix for touring cyclists. You'll find expansive, flat shoreline paths with incredible views of the San Francisco Bay and even Oakland International Airport, perfect for easy cruising. But head inland, and the landscape shifts to the rolling San Leandro Hills and the trails around Lake Chabot, offering more challenging climbs and diverse terrain. It's a region where you can easily switch from a relaxed bayfront pedal to a rewarding uphill effort.

If you only do one route, the Lake Chabot loop is a standout, offering 18.7 miles (30.0 km) of diverse terrain and significant climbs for a truly rewarding day. For a more relaxed ride with stunning bay views, the San Francisco Bay Trail is a fantastic choice, stretching 27.9 miles (44.9 km) along the water's edge. With more than 400 touring cyclists already exploring San Leandro with komoot, you're in good company.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Lake Chabot loop
  2. 2

    San Francisco Bay Trail
  3. 3

    Hayward Regional Shoreline – Heron Bay loop from Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Lake Chabot loop

30.0Β km

600Β m

Hard

San Francisco Bay Trail

44.9Β km

40Β m

Moderate

Hayward Regional Shoreline – Heron Bay loop from Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline

29.3Β km

30Β m

Moderate

Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline – High Street Bridge loop from Bay Fair

60.0Β km

120Β m

Moderate

Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline – Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline loop from Arroyo High School

30.2Β km

70Β m

Easy

Heron Bay – Heron Bay loop from Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline

7.05Β km

10Β m

Easy

Summit of Yerba Buena Island – Alexander Zuckermann Path loop from San Leandro

64.1Β km

180Β m

Moderate

Heron Bay – Hayward Regional Shoreline loop from San Leandro

32.1Β km

50Β m

Moderate

San Lorenzo Trail – Heron Bay loop from San Leandro

27.1Β km

50Β m

Easy

Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline – Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline loop from San Leandro

28.0Β km

60Β m

Easy

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1.

Lake Chabot loop

30.0km

02:40

600m

600m

The Lake Chabot loop offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, transitioning from bustling lakeside paths with views of fishing boats and geese to serene, wooded interiors. You'll pedal through dense eucalyptus and oak groves, navigating a mix of paved and unpaved fire roads that provide a true backcountry feel. From higher elevations, the reward for your effort includes sweeping panoramic views that can stretch all the way to San Francisco and the bay.

This difficult 18.7-mile (30.0 km) route involves a substantial 1957 feet (596 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. While the lakeside sections are relatively easy, the interior features significant climbs and descents, demanding good fitness. Parking is available at the Lake Chabot Marina, but arriving early is recommended, especially on busy days.

What sets this route apart is its blend of terrain and scenery, offering more than just a simple lakeside spin. The Lake Chabot Bicycle Loop is specifically designed to be bike-legal and provides a quieter alternative to the busier paths, connecting to the extensive trail network of Anthony Chabot Regional Park for those seeking even longer rides.

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2.

San Francisco Bay Trail

44.9km

02:51

40m

40m

The San Francisco Bay Trail offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, winding through a fascinating blend of urban waterfronts, lush parks, and vital wetlands. This moderate 27.9-mile (44.9 km) route, with a gentle 122 feet (37 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 51 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the bay, spot distant landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, and traverse diverse ecosystems, from the developed San Leandro Marina to the natural beauty of Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline.

Planning your ride on the San Francisco Bay Trail is straightforward, with many sections offering accessible, paved paths suitable for various skill levels. While specific parking can vary along its extensive length, the trail's design emphasizes connectivity, often providing good public transport access. Consider cycling during the spring or fall for the most pleasant weather conditions, and always check local conditions for any seasonal closures or specific access requirements for the section you plan to explore.

What makes the San Francisco Bay Trail truly stand out is its ambitious vision to create a continuous 500-mile loop connecting 47 cities and nine counties around the bay. It's not just a recreational path; it's a vital corridor that links communities, parks, and open spaces, offering unique opportunities for birdwatching in areas like Eden Landing Ecological Preserve and serving as an alternative commute route. This extensive network showcases the region's commitment to both recreation and environmental preservation.

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6.

Heron Bay – Heron Bay loop from Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline

7.05km

00:29

10m

10m

The Heron Bay – Heron Bay loop from Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline offers a refreshing touring cycling experience with stunning San Francisco Bay views. You'll glide past wetlands, enjoy glimpses of the San Francisco skyline, and might even spot various shorebirds and raptors like marsh hawks. The route combines smooth paved paths with some sections of hard gravel and dirt, providing a varied but generally flat ride through restored natural habitats and grassy meadows.

This easy 4.4-mile (7.1 km) loop has a negligible 21 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 28-minute ride suitable for all skill levels. Be prepared for breezy conditions due to its bayfront location; bringing extra layers is always a good idea. Parking is available at Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline, and the trail is open for a relaxed outing any time of day.

What makes this route particularly interesting is its location within Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline, a vibrant public park that was once a landfill. This successful transformation into a recreational area highlights environmental stewardship and offers a unique backdrop for your ride. It's also part of the larger San Francisco Bay Trail network, connecting you to other regional routes and providing opportunities for picnicking or disc golf.

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7.

Summit of Yerba Buena Island – Alexander Zuckermann Path loop from San Leandro

64.1km

03:41

180m

180m

This touring cycling route takes you on a journey across the San Francisco Bay, offering incredible panoramic views from the Alexander Zuckermann Path and the summit of Yerba Buena Island. You'll ride on a dedicated, paved path with a gradual incline, passing observation platforms perfect for soaking in vistas of the Bay Bridge, the Port of Oakland, and the vast San Francisco Bay. While the path itself is smooth, reaching the highest points on Yerba Buena Island involves a pretty steep climb, rewarding you with even more expansive views of the city skyline and surrounding waters. This moderate 39.8-mile (64.1 km) loop, with 580 feet (177 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 3 hours and 41 minutes to complete.

Starting this adventure from San Leandro requires navigating East Bay streets or connecting via the San Francisco Bay Trail to reach the Alexander Zuckermann Path in Oakland. It's a good idea to check city-specific bike maps for the most bicycle-friendly routes to the trailhead. Keep in mind that Yerba Buena Island is currently undergoing redevelopment, so look for any construction updates or access restrictions before your trip. For a full loop back to San Leandro, you'll need to retrace your path from Yerba Buena Island, as there isn't a direct bicycle connection to San Francisco.

The Alexander Zuckermann Path holds a special place in Bay Area history, being the first time pedestrians and cyclists could cross the East Span of the Bay Bridge, thanks to the advocacy of its namesake. This route provides a unique perspective of the iconic bridge structure and its engineering marvels. On Yerba Buena Island, ongoing projects like the Multi-Use Pathway aim to improve cycling accessibility, making this a continuously evolving and exciting area for cyclists to explore.

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8.

Heron Bay – Hayward Regional Shoreline loop from San Leandro

32.1km

02:10

50m

50m

The Heron Bay – Hayward Regional Shoreline loop from San Leandro offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, blending smooth paved paths with significant gravel and dirt sections. You'll be treated to expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, including the Oakland and San Francisco skylines, as you pedal past extensive pickleweed marshes and mudflats teeming with birdlife. The route connects several key regional shoreline parks, providing a varied landscape from urban edges to serene wetlands.

This moderate 20.0-mile (32.1 km) loop, with a gentle 164 feet (50 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Given the mixed terrain, a touring bike capable of handling varied surfaces is advisable, especially if you encounter fresh gravel or muddy conditions after rain. The trail is largely exposed, so consider starting early or late in the day to make the most of the cool bay breeze.

As a significant segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail, this route is notable for its ecological diversity, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching in the extensive marshlands. It seamlessly transitions between natural environments and areas near residential developments, providing a unique perspective on the Alameda County shoreline. The ability to extend your ride further north or south adds to its appeal for those seeking longer adventures.

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Tips from the Community

Zachary
June 23, 2025, San Francisco Bay Trail

The Bay Trail is paved and takes you right up along the water's edge. On the inland side of the causeway, you can see the tidal marshlands that comprise Heron Bay.

1

0

Entry point to the Hayward Shoreline trail. You'll have to travel through some industrial areas to reach this point, and the trail is gravel. Not overly populated, but there is some road noise from the San Mateo bridge.

0

0

Long gravel stretch was no issue for my hybrid commuter on a dry day. Nice and quiet, it's a lightly populated trail.

0

0

The Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, established in 1986, is a fantastic educational center for school groups and the public to learn about the significance and history of the wetlands surrounding San Francisco Bay. Several exhibits, programs, and activities are designed to cultivate appreciation, respect, and stewardship for the bay and its diverse wildlife. There is parking and restrooms available here.

1

0

Nice paved trail along the bay

1

0

Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline is a park within the East Bay Regional Park District that sits along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, just south of Oakland International Airport. This bay is home to the indigenous Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) and is home to a variety of wildlife, including marsh hawks, black-shouldered kites, red-tailed hawks, and shorebirds. Bikers can circle this park on the paved San Francisco Bay Trail, a ride with a few feet of the waters edge.

0

0

Alex
December 6, 2023, East Shore Trail

The East Shore Trail along Lake Chabot is a 3.6-mile out-and-back paved trail with beautiful views of Lake Chabot. This trail has benches along the route, and conveniently located bathrooms can be found about every half mile.

0

0

Alex
December 6, 2023, Lake Chabot Marina

Lake Chabot Marina is a scenic area that has boating, bike paths, and over a dozen hiking trails. Visitors can rent boats, fish, and kayak in the lake. There is a cafe here, or just vending machines for snacks, restaurants, and picnic areas.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available in San Leandro?

There are over 15 touring cycling routes around San Leandro, offering a variety of experiences from easy, flat rides to more challenging climbs. The komoot community has explored these routes over 400 times.

What are the different difficulty levels for touring cycling routes in San Leandro?

San Leandro offers a range of routes to suit various skill levels. You'll find 10 easy routes, 6 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners and experienced cyclists alike.

When is the best time of year for touring cycling in San Leandro?

The San Leandro area generally offers pleasant cycling conditions year-round. Spring and fall often provide mild temperatures and clear skies, ideal for exploring the shoreline and regional parks. Summer can be warm but coastal breezes make bay-side rides enjoyable. Winters are typically mild, though occasional rain may occur.

Are there any flat, easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, San Leandro has several easy, flat, and paved routes perfect for beginners or family outings. A great option is the Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline – Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline loop from Arroyo High School, which leads through paved paths along the water's edge. The San Leandro Marina also features a 1-mile paved loop with excellent views.

Are there challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists?

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Lake Chabot loop is an excellent choice. This route presents diverse terrain with significant climbs and scenic views within Lake Chabot Regional Park.

Can I find touring cycling routes with scenic views of the Bay?

Absolutely. Many routes in San Leandro offer panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Segments of the San Francisco Bay Trail, such as the San Francisco Bay Trail route, provide extensive shoreline paths. The Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline and San Leandro Marina also offer stunning bay vistas, especially at sunset.

What kind of natural features or wildlife can I expect to see along the routes?

The touring cycling routes in San Leandro often pass through diverse natural environments. Along the San Francisco Bay Trail and at Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline, you can observe wetlands, marshes, and mudflats that host a variety of birdlife, including marsh hawks and shorebirds. The Hayward Regional Shoreline also features extensive marshes and wetlands.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes?

Yes, there are several circular touring cycling routes available. Besides the Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline loop, you can also explore the Hayward Regional Shoreline – Heron Bay loop, which offers a moderate ride through scenic coastal areas.

Are touring cycling routes in San Leandro accessible by public transport?

Yes, some routes are conveniently accessible by public transport. The San Leandro BART station provides a connection to the San Francisco Bay Trail, with Marina Park just a short ride away. You can find more information about biking with BART on their website: bartable.bart.gov.

What landmarks or points of interest can I explore along the touring cycling routes?

Along your touring cycling routes, you can discover several interesting points. Near Lake Chabot, you'll find the Lake Chabot Marina. The Hayward Regional Shoreline offers an Interpretive Center for learning about wetlands. Other notable spots include the East Shore Trail at Lake Chabot Regional Park and the Eden Landing Ecological Preserve.

What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in San Leandro?

The touring cycling routes in San Leandro are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from extensive shoreline paths with panoramic bay views to varied terrain within regional parks, and the well-maintained trails.

Are there any long-distance touring cycling options in the area?

For those looking for longer rides, the Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline – High Street Bridge loop from Bay Fair covers nearly 60 kilometers, offering an extended touring experience through the region's diverse landscapes.

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