The best road cycling routes around Camino

Road cycling routes around Camino, situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills, are characterized by diverse terrain. You'll encounter rolling hills, historic town centers, and scenic lake areas. The routes often traverse through oak woodlands, offering a dynamic cycling experience with a mix of challenging climbs and varied landscapes.

While many routes in the Camino area feature significant elevation gain and are rated as difficult, there are options for those seeking a more moderate challenge. For example, the El Dorado Trail – Placerville Historic Downtown loop from Diamond Springs Post Office is a moderate 47.2 km route with less intense climbing, offering a good option for intermediate cyclists or those looking for a less strenuous ride.

For experienced road cyclists seeking a challenge, the Camino area offers several difficult routes. The Jenkinson Lake loop is a popular choice, spanning 65.6 km with significant elevation gain around the lake. Another demanding option is the Roadbike loop from Gold Oak Elementary School, a 60.6 km path with substantial climbing.

The road cycling routes around Camino generally feature rolling hills and significant elevation changes, making many of them more suitable for experienced cyclists. However, routes like the Placerville Historic Downtown loop from Field Number Fifteen Winery and Brewery, a moderate 36.7 km ride, might be manageable for families with older, more confident children who are accustomed to road cycling and some climbing.

The routes often pass through historic town centers, such as Placerville Historic Downtown, offering a glimpse into the region's heritage. You'll also cycle through scenic lake areas, like Jenkinson Lake, and oak woodlands, providing natural beauty and points of interest along the way.

Yes, all the highly-rated road cycling routes in the Camino area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Jenkinson Lake loop and the Negro Hill – Placerville Historic Downtown loop from Placerville.

The road cycling routes around Camino vary in length, typically ranging from approximately 36 km to 65 km. Depending on the route and your pace, these rides can take anywhere from 2 hours to nearly 4 hours to complete. For instance, the Jenkinson Lake loop is 65.6 km and takes about 3 hours 59 minutes, while the Placerville Historic Downtown loop is 36.7 km and takes around 2 hours 2 minutes.

Given its location in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Camino area generally offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring and fall, when temperatures are moderate. Summer can be warm, especially at lower elevations, while winter may bring cooler temperatures and potential for rain or snow at higher altitudes. Checking local weather forecasts before your ride is always recommended.

Many routes pass through or near historic towns like Placerville, where you can find various cafes, restaurants, and shops to refuel. While specific amenities on every stretch of road may vary, planning your stops in these towns will ensure you have access to refreshments and facilities.

Parking availability can depend on your chosen starting point. Routes often begin near towns or specific landmarks, where public parking might be accessible. For example, routes starting from Placerville or near Gold Oak Elementary School would likely have parking options nearby. It's advisable to check the specific starting point of your chosen route for detailed parking information.

Road cyclists frequently praise the diverse terrain, which offers a good mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents through oak woodlands and past lake areas. The opportunity to cycle through historic towns and experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills is also a highlight for many.