The best cycling routes around Woodside

Woodside offers a diverse range of landscapes for touring cyclists. You'll find routes winding through majestic redwood forests, along open ridgelines with expansive views, and through scenic valleys. The area is characterized by wooded hillsides and significant elevation changes, providing both physical challenges and picturesque scenery. Some routes feature paved roads, while others include packed dirt and gravel paths.

There are over 10 touring cycling routes detailed in this guide for Woodside, catering to various skill levels. In total, the region boasts an extensive network of over 210 cycling routes, including options for road and gravel biking.

Yes, Woodside offers several moderate touring cycling routes. A good option is the Pulgas Water Temple – San Andreas Lake loop from Cañada College, which is 28.7 miles (46.2 km) long and offers scenic views of the Crystal Springs Reservoir. Another moderate choice is the Pulgas Water Temple loop from Cañada College, a shorter 13.9 miles (22.3 km) route.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Woodside has several difficult routes. The Portola Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Cañada College is a demanding 24.0 miles (38.6 km) trail with significant climbs and descents. Another difficult option is the Tunitas Creek Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Cañada College, which covers 35.9 miles (57.8 km) and features over 1,400 meters of elevation gain.

The touring cycling routes in Woodside are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's stunning redwood groves, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the expansive views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Bay Area.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Woodside are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Portola Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Cañada College and the Rossotti's Alpine Inn – Portola Road loop from Cañada College, both offering varied terrain and scenic views.

Woodside's touring cycling routes offer access to numerous natural features and landmarks. You can cycle through towering redwood groves in parks like Huddart Park and Wunderlich County Park. The region also features open ridgelines with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Bay Area. Notable nearby attractions include Windy Hill Summit, Borel Hill, and various lakes such as Oracle Lagoon and Alpine Pond.

While Woodside is primarily accessed by car, some routes, particularly those starting from Cañada College, may have limited public transport connections. It's advisable to check local transit schedules and bike-on-bus policies if you plan to use public transport to reach the starting points of your touring cycling adventures.

Many parks and open space preserves in and around Woodside, such as Wunderlich County Park and El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space Preserve, offer designated parking areas. Routes often start from locations like Cañada College, which also provides parking facilities. Always check specific park regulations and parking availability before your ride.

Woodside offers good touring cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring brings beautiful wildflower displays, especially in areas like Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve, and generally mild temperatures. Fall also provides pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summers can be warm, particularly in open areas, while winters are typically mild but can bring rain, which might affect trail conditions on unpaved sections.

While many routes in Woodside feature significant elevation changes, some parks offer more gentle paths suitable for families. For easier, less strenuous rides, consider exploring sections of trails within parks like Huddart Park or looking for routes with lower elevation gains. The Pulgas Water Temple loop from Cañada College is a moderate option that might be suitable for families with some cycling experience.

Yes, Woodside and its surrounding areas offer various options for refreshments. The town of Woodside itself has cafes and restaurants. Additionally, some routes, like the Rossotti's Alpine Inn – Portola Road loop from Cañada College, pass by well-known local establishments such as Rossotti's Alpine Inn, providing convenient stops for food and drinks during your ride.