The best gravel rides in Thornewood Open Space Preserve
26
riders
13
rides
Gravel biking in Thornewood Open Space Preserve, while not permitted within the preserve itself, refers to routes in the surrounding area that offer diverse terrain. The region features varied forest environments, including second-growth Douglas fir and redwood forests, alongside oak and madrone trees. While the preserve is known for accessible hiking and horseback riding trails around Schilling Lake, the broader area provides gravel biking opportunities with elevation changes and natural features. These routes often traverse areas with mixed tree canopiesβ¦
Last updated: July 12, 2026
4
riders
48.2km
03:59
1,300m
1,300m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
13.9km
01:13
440m
440m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
48.0km
03:34
1,170m
1,170m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
6.49km
00:32
140m
140m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Borel Hill is my favorite place to watch spring flowers. The western slope near ancient oaks (5-10min west of Borel Hill) are covered with orange California Poppies and purple flowers starting in April. Borel Hill itself peaks around mid May and has a wide variety of flowers. The show lasts only a few weeks until end of May. The peak time and flower intensity varies from year to year, so come several times between April and May. There is small summit NW of Borel Hill and a narrow dirt trail leads you to a rock within 2 min. The rock is big enough for 2-3 to sit on. On a sunny day, the rock is nice warm even if the air is cold. Good views on the ocean and the Bay.
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Didnβt OLR used to turn into Dirt before reaching Skyline? Is it all pavement now?? Scott
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Black Mountain, situated on Monte Bello Ridge, is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. With an elevation of 2,812 feet, it's easy to understand why. From the summit, the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Silicon Valley are breathtaking.
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Boronda Lake features a couple scenic picnic areas with piers out over the water. A small arched bridge leads out to Sunfish Island from a trail on the side of the lake opposite the road. This is great place from which to enjoy beautiful Foothills Nature Preserve.
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Old La Honda Rd downhill video: https://youtu.be/icnBpBZQ8gE?si=xYovaH-Nr8llwLEM
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The top of Borel Hill has an elevation of 2,572 feet and offers panoramic views of the city below as well as views of the ocean in the distance.
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Skegg's Point, right off of Skyline Boulevard, has panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
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Arastradero Lake is a quiet pond in the hills of the Arastradero Preserve. The lake is surrounded by oak trees and can get pretty dry in summer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go gravel biking inside Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
No, bicycles are explicitly prohibited within Thornewood Open Space Preserve itself. The gravel biking routes discussed in this guide are located in the surrounding area, offering diverse terrain and scenic views near the preserve.
How many gravel bike routes are available in the Thornewood Open Space Preserve region?
There are 11 gravel bike routes available in the region surrounding Thornewood Open Space Preserve. These routes offer a variety of challenges, from moderate climbs to more demanding, longer rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails near Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The gravel bike trails in the Thornewood Open Space Preserve region feature rolling hills, forested sections with diverse tree canopies including Douglas fir, redwood, oak, and madrone, and open stretches. You'll encounter varying elevation profiles, from moderate climbs to significant ascents.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options in the area?
While the preserve itself is not suitable for biking, the surrounding area offers a range of routes. For a moderate option that might be suitable for families with some biking experience, consider the Old La Honda Road β Portola Road loop from Portola Valley, which is 8.6 miles long.
What is a challenging gravel bike route in the Thornewood Open Space Preserve region?
For a challenging ride, the Portola Road β Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley is a difficult 40.7-mile trail that takes nearly 6 hours to complete and features significant elevation gain through varied forest and open areas.
Are there any long-distance gravel bike loops available?
Yes, for a longer ride, the Portola Road β Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley covers 40.7 miles (65.6 km) and is a popular choice for experienced gravel bikers. Another option is the Black Mountain β Arastradero Lake loop from Portola Valley, which is 29.9 miles (48.2 km).
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in this region?
The region generally offers pleasant conditions for gravel biking during spring and fall when temperatures are mild. Summer can be warm, and winter might bring rain, affecting trail conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
What do other gravel bikers say about the routes near Thornewood Open Space Preserve?
The routes in the Thornewood Open Space Preserve region are highly rated by the komoot community. More than 20 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs and scenic forested sections.
Are there any routes that offer views of lakes or other natural features?
While Thornewood Open Space Preserve itself features Schilling Lake, which is accessible via hiking trails, the gravel biking routes in the surrounding area traverse diverse landscapes. For example, the Black Mountain β Arastradero Lake loop from Portola Valley includes Arastradero Lake, offering scenic views along the way.
What is a good gravel bike route for someone looking for a moderate challenge?
The Old La Honda Road β Portola Road loop from Portola Valley is an excellent moderate option. This 8.6-mile (13.9 km) path includes a notable climb and descent through the local landscape, providing a good workout without being overly strenuous.
Are there any gravel routes that explore the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains?
Many of the gravel routes in this region, including the Old La Honda Road β West Old La Honda Road loop from Portola Valley, traverse the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains. These routes offer varied elevation profiles and views characteristic of the area.
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