The best cycling routes in Mulholland Open Space Preserve

Mulholland Open Space Preserve offers varied terrain, with significant portions featuring paved surfaces, making it suitable for touring cyclists. You'll find a mix of gentle grades (3-5%) under tree canopies and steeper sections (12-15%) as you approach ridge lines and water towers. The old roadbed of Donald Drive, now closed to cars, provides a wilder path experience.

Yes, there are several easy routes. For instance, the Lafayette-Moraga Trail – Lamorinda Trail loop from Moraga is an easy 18.1 km path offering accessible cycling through local landscapes. Overall, the preserve has 6 routes rated as easy, providing options for those seeking a less strenuous ride.

For a more challenging ride, consider routes with significant elevation gain. The San Pablo Creek Bridge – Overlook - Briones Reservoir loop from Moraga is a difficult 31.1 km route with over 500 meters of elevation gain. Another option is the Redwood Grove – Pinehurst Road climb loop from Moraga, a 26.5 km trail with notable climbs, often completed in about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Yes, Mulholland Ridge Open Space Preserve is dog-friendly. Dogs are permitted off-leash on paved portions of the trail, allowing your canine companion to join you on your touring cycling adventure.

Cyclists can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Moraga Valley, Mount Diablo, the East Bay hills, and the Diablo Range. The preserve is also home to diverse wildlife, including over 77 species of birds, and features large, old Monterey pine trees, coast live oaks, and coyote bush. You might even spot grazing cattle in certain areas.

The preserve is typically accessed near the Rheem Shopping Center. A common trailhead is at the Hacienda De Las Flores parking lot, which provides convenient access for cyclists.

Yes, the preserve offers amenities such as garbage cans and running water near the water tower. Restrooms are also available at the nearby Hacienda de las Flores Park when the main building is open.

The routes in Mulholland Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers often praise the combination of stunning panoramic views, the diverse trails with both paved and unpaved sections, and the presence of beautiful natural features like Monterey pine trees and coast live oaks.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Mulholland Open Space Preserve are loops. For example, the Moraga Commons Park loop from Moraga is a popular 17.1 km trail that offers a circular ride with a mix of paved sections and varied gradients.

While the preserve can be enjoyed year-round, the spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures for cycling. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are vibrant, enhancing the scenic views. Summers can be warm, and winters may bring rain, so checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.

Yes, Mulholland Open Space Preserve is located on the boundary of Orinda and Moraga, which are towns with amenities. You can find cafes and pubs near the Rheem Shopping Center, which is a common access point for the preserve, offering options for refreshments before or after your ride.

There are over 50 touring cycling routes available in Mulholland Open Space Preserve, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These include 6 easy routes, 26 moderate routes, and 20 difficult routes.

While direct public transport access to the trailheads might be limited, the preserve is situated between Orinda and Moraga. You can research local bus services in these areas to see if they offer connections close enough to the preserve's access points, such as near the Rheem Shopping Center.