The best road cycling routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

Road cycling in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers a diverse experience. You'll encounter breezy, grass-covered hilltops, as well as sections through redwood, fir, and oak forests. The preserve features open grassland ridges, oak woodlands, and grassy meadows, providing varied ecosystems and scenic backdrops. While some sections can be steep, many lower trails are fire roads suitable for cycling.

The preserve offers a range of routes catering to different skill levels. You can find easy loops, moderate paths, and more challenging climbs. For instance, the Manzanita Way – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop from Portola Valley is considered easy, while routes like Old La Honda Road – Manzanita Way loop from Portola Valley are moderate, involving notable climbs and descents.

Road cycling in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve offers stunning panoramic views. From elevated points, especially the 1,905-foot summit, you can enjoy 360-degree vistas of both the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, you might even spot Stanford University, Mount Tamalpais, and Mount Diablo. The preserve's diverse trails also allow you to cycle through beautiful forested landscapes and open, grassy areas.

Yes, Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is rich in natural features and viewpoints. You can experience the distinctive, breezy, grass-covered hilltop, and cycle through areas with old-growth Douglas-Fir trees. Notable points include the Windy Hill Summit and the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve Scenic View. Sausal Pond is also a key natural feature, providing habitat for various wildlife.

Yes, parking is available. The Anniversary Trail, for example, connects two parking areas on Skyline Boulevard, providing convenient access for cyclists.

The preserve is known for its breezy conditions, which can be pleasant. Spring is particularly beautiful, as the grassy meadows burst with wildflowers. The area is often nourished by summer fog spilling over Skyline Ridge, contributing to a lush environment. The preserve opens a half-hour before sunrise and closes a half-hour after sunset, allowing ample time for rides throughout the day.

While some sections can be steep, the preserve offers a variety of trail types, including easier fire roads, that can be suitable for families. Routes like the Manzanita Way – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop from Portola Valley are rated as easy and lead through pleasant oak woodlands and open spaces.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 150 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from open grasslands to redwood forests, and the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean from the ridge tops.

There are over 35 road cycling routes available in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and skill levels.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Windy Hill Open Space Preserve are designed as loops. Examples include the Rossotti's Alpine Inn – Junipero Serra Boulevard loop from Los Trancos Woods and the Tree Tunnel on Portola Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Portola Valley, allowing cyclists to start and finish at the same point.

Absolutely. Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is known for its ascents, with the preserve encompassing the eastern side of Skyline Ridge and reaching a 1,905-foot summit. Routes like the Old La Honda Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley offer over 400 meters of elevation gain, providing a good challenge for road cyclists.