The Founders Grove – Founders Tree loop from Phillipsville

If you're seeking an immersive road cycling experience through ancient redwood forests, The Founders Grove – Founders Tree loop from Phillipsville is a moderate 35.7-mile (57.4 km) route with 1254 feet (382 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 24 minutes. This ride is perfect for intermediate cyclists wanting to explore the iconic Avenue of the Giants at a leisurely pace, combining a scenic bike ride with a short, easy walk among giants.

What to expect on The Founders Grove – Founders Tree loop from Phillipsville

Expect to glide beneath a dense canopy of towering ancient redwood trees, feeling like you're cycling through a natural cathedral. The route primarily follows the paved Avenue of the Giants, offering mostly flat sections with gentle curves, though some segments can have climbs reaching 8-10% grade, so gears are recommended. You'll pass by lush green ferns and catch glimpses of the Eel River. This ride is ideal for intermediate cyclists who appreciate a serene environment and want to combine a scenic bike ride with a short, easy walk into Founders Grove to see monumental trees like the Founders Tree and the fallen Dyerville Giant.

Planning your visit

The best seasons for cycling this route are spring and early fall for lighter traffic and pleasant weather. You can park at Founders Grove, located at Avenue of the Giants mile marker 20.5, which is about 4.1 miles north of the park headquarters. While the main highway runs parallel, the Avenue of the Giants diverts through traffic, creating a quieter, more serene cycling environment with fewer cars.

Trail details

• Distance: 35.7 miles (57.4 km)
• Elevation gain: 1254 feet (382 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 24 minutes