Old La Honda Road – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop from Menlo Park
Old La Honda Road – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop from Menlo Park
3.0
(6)
25
riders
Old La Honda Road – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop from Menlo Park
02:23
44.5km
820m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve (closed areas)
Audubon Society
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
10.7 km
Old La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Tip by
16.0 km
West Old La Honda Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
26.3 km
Alice's Restaurant at La Honda and Skyline Junction
Highlight • Restaurant
Tip by
32.3 km
Tree Tunnel on Portola Road
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Tip by
43.7 km
Menlo Park — Civic Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
44.5 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
20.2 km
15.6 km
8.33 km
258 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
44.3 km
149 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Wednesday 8 July
23°C
13°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a classic and challenging road cycling experience near Menlo Park, the Old La Honda Road – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop is definitely worth your time. This moderate route spans 27.4 miles (44.1 km) with a significant 2720 feet (829 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete. It's a benchmark ride for local cyclists, perfect for those seeking a rewarding workout and scenic views on one of the most popular cycling routes in the area.
What to expect on Old La Honda Road – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop from Menlo Park
This loop offers a journey through varied terrain, starting with the iconic climb up Old La Honda Road. You'll find yourself pedaling through oak woodlands that gradually transition into serene redwood groves as you ascend. The road itself is narrow with light traffic and generally good pavement, making the consistent 7.3% to 8% average grade a manageable, albeit challenging, effort for experienced riders. After the climb, the route continues onto Portola Road, where you'll experience the namesake "Tree Tunnel" feature, a pleasant, tree-lined section that can sometimes see more car traffic. Intermittent vistas of the San Francisco Bay also punctuate the ride, offering rewarding views from elevated points.
Planning your visit
The Old La Honda Road – Tree Tunnel on Portola Road loop is a well-known training ground for cyclists in the region, making it a popular choice throughout the year. Starting from Menlo Park, you can easily access this route. While the Old La Honda climb is a favorite for its consistent grade and beautiful setting, be mindful that the Portola Road section can occasionally be busy with vehicles. Consider the best time to cycle Old La Honda Road and Portola Road for lighter traffic, especially on weekends.
Trail details
- Distance: 27.4 miles (44.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 2720 feet (829 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 22 minutes
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