The best cycling routes around Atherton
4.7
(278)
5,243
riders
238
rides
Touring cycling around Atherton offers a diverse landscape for riders. The region features routes along the San Francisco Bay Trail, providing flat terrain and bayfront views. Inland, trails ascend into the hills, characterized by winding roads like Kings Mountain Road and Old La Honda Road, with significant elevation changes. This area combines urban-adjacent paths with more challenging climbs through natural preserves and wooded areas.
Best touring cycling routes around Atherton
- The most popular touring cycling route is Bedwell Bayfront Park…
Last updated: August 5, 2026
5.0
(3)
4
riders
16.3km
00:59
40m
40m
Cycle the easy 10.1-mile Bedwell Bayfront Park and San Francisco Bay Trail Loop for bay views, marshlands, and birdwatching.
4.3
(6)
146
riders
47.1km
02:52
400m
400m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
43
riders
69.7km
05:06
1,520m
1,520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
25
riders
63.0km
03:40
120m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
37
riders
27.4km
01:42
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
A fun, pretty place to stop while riding Cañada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
0
0
Seal Slough, or Marina Lagoon is a narrow tidal channel through salt‑marsh wetlands. It begins at the San Mateo Bay shoreline and winds east into Foster City. It is home to dense cordgrass, pickleweed, and mudflats, as well as invertebrates, fish, and the endangered California clapper rail. Bikers can enjoy the paved Bay Trail segment that follows the slough’s east bank.
1
0
The Bay Trail wraps around Baywinds Park at Mariners Point. The views are great, and the trail is smooth and paved. Expect a bay breeze, especially windy in the afternoons.
1
0
Kite Hill Park is a lovely, low-key stop during your ride. Nestled in a small residential area, it features open grassy slopes—ideal for a quick picnic. You can also follow dirt paths that lead to the top of the small hill for a nice view.
0
0
This large complex is home to City Hall, the main library, and it adjoins Burgess Park. The pond, fountain, and other landscaping touches make it a great place to visit.
0
0
Tunitas Creek Road is a popular road climb leading up to Kings Mountain. It is normally low traffic and takes you pass beautiful forest and farms.
0
0
You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
1
0
This great little park along San Francisco Creek features El Palo Alto tree, the redwood for which the city was named. The trail is paved and shared with other hikers.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Atherton?
Atherton offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 200 options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy bayfront paths to challenging climbs in the hills.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in Atherton?
Yes, Atherton has several easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. A popular choice is the Bedwell Bayfront Park and San Francisco Bay Trail Loop, which is 10.1 miles (16.3 km) long and offers flat terrain with scenic bay views.
What are some challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders in Atherton?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Atherton's hilly terrain provides excellent options. The Tunitas Creek Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Menlo Park is a demanding 42.6 miles (68.6 km) route with significant elevation changes. Another difficult option is the Woodside Store Historic Site – Kings Mountain Road loop from Menlo Park, covering 47.4 miles (76.2 km) with substantial climbs.
What kind of scenery can I expect on Atherton's touring cycling routes?
Atherton's touring cycling routes offer diverse scenery. You can enjoy flat, scenic bayfront views along the San Francisco Bay Trail, or venture inland to experience winding roads through natural preserves and wooded areas with significant elevation changes. Routes like the Pulgas Water Temple – Alameda de las Pulgas Road loop from Menlo Park combine roads with notable landmarks.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Atherton?
The touring cycling routes around Atherton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from accessible bay trails to challenging hill climbs, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various skill levels.
Are there any notable landmarks or attractions along the touring cycling routes in Atherton?
Yes, several routes pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. For instance, the Pulgas Water Temple – Alameda de las Pulgas Road loop from Menlo Park includes the historic Pulgas Water Temple. You can also find highlights like Oracle Lagoon and the San Francisco Bay Trail itself, which is a significant attraction.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Atherton?
Atherton generally enjoys a mild climate, making touring cycling enjoyable for much of the year. Spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be warm, especially inland, while winter brings cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain, though many days remain suitable for riding.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Atherton?
Yes, many of Atherton's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your ride at the same point. Examples include the Bedwell Bayfront Park and San Francisco Bay Trail Loop and the Old La Honda Road – Old La Honda Road loop from Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.
What kind of natural areas or preserves can be explored by touring bike near Atherton?
The region around Atherton features several natural preserves accessible by touring bike. Routes often traverse or pass near areas like the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve and Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, offering opportunities to experience local flora and fauna. The Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is a notable highlight.
Are there any lakes or water features to see along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, some touring cycling routes in the Atherton area offer views of lakes and other water features. You can find highlights such as Oracle Lagoon, Arastradero Lake, and Duck Pond 🦆 Palo Alto wetlands, providing pleasant stops or scenic backdrops for your ride.
How long do touring cycling routes in Atherton typically take to complete?
The duration of touring cycling routes in Atherton varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. Easy routes like the Bedwell Bayfront Park and San Francisco Bay Trail Loop can be completed in under an hour, while more challenging and longer routes, such as the Tunitas Creek Road – Kings Mountain Road loop from Menlo Park, can take around 5 hours.
Most popular attractions around Atherton
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
