The best cycling routes around Alum Rock
4.7
(111)
1,834
riders
74
rides
Touring cycling around Alum Rock features routes with significant elevation changes, traversing hilly terrain that includes ascents to prominent peaks like Mount Hamilton. The area offers a mix of challenging climbs and scenic loops, often passing through natural parks and near bodies of water. The landscape is characterized by varied topography, providing diverse conditions for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Alum Rock
- The most popular touring cycling route is Mount Hamilton Ride, a difficult 19.1 miles (30.7β¦
Last updated: May 13, 2026
231
riders
30.7km
03:09
1,330m
180m
Tackle the difficult 19.1-mile Mount Hamilton Ride, gaining 4362 feet in elevation to the historic Lick Observatory with panoramic views.
5.0
(1)
122
riders
68.0km
05:05
1,680m
1,680m
Challenging 42.2-mile touring bicycle ascent of Mount Hamilton from McKee, gaining 5500 feet with panoramic Bay Area views.
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62
riders
29.0km
02:08
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
30
riders
16.5km
01:53
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
24
riders
16.9km
01:11
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Donald Shane telescope is a 3 m reflector to the north-east of the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton. The outside areas are open and free to access. For interior visits, check at https://mthamilton.ucolick.org
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I object to this user "Mirsaid Abdullaev" stealing my images and passing them off as his. Please stop this. He has been to none of these locations, so cannot create highlights there, and should not create highlights with other people's IP.
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Beautiful peak with 40 community images. All images will be uploaded for background filtering.
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Biggest peak in the area. If you go when it's open (weekends as of today), you can do the tour of what was once the largest telescope in the world (still one of the biggest refraction telescopes). The observatory is still active
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Lick Observatory is a must-visit destination for cyclists, featuring historic and modern telescopes, including the worldβs largest glass lens observatory. Free tours provide fascinating insights into astronomy and the observatoryβs history. At 4,209 feet, temperatures can drop significantly compared to Silicon Valley, especially in winterβbring warm layers.
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Alum Rock Park, established in 1872, is one of California's oldest municipal parks, spanning 720 acres. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and family picnicking with amenities like picnic tables, barbecue pits, restrooms, and a playground in the mid-canyon area. The park is wheelchair accessible and open daily from 8 a.m. to half an hour after sunset, a great spot to explore year-round.
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The Penitencia Creek Trail is a four-mile rail trail. The trail follows the Penitencia Creek from Alum Rock Park in San Jose to Coyote Creek. The trail is paved and mostly flat, so it is an easy ride.
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It's really amazing that this stone bridge is still here. I understand it was originally built to easily get pack horses across the creek β and of course the people with them, too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Alum Rock?
There are over 70 touring cycling routes recorded in the Alum Rock area on komoot. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from challenging mountain ascents to scenic loops through local parks.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Alum Rock?
Touring cycling around Alum Rock is characterized by significant elevation changes and hilly terrain. While there are 25 easy and 19 moderate routes, a substantial number, 26, are rated as difficult. Many routes feature considerable elevation gains, making them suitable for cyclists seeking a challenge.
Are there any family-friendly touring bike trails in Alum Rock?
While many routes in Alum Rock feature significant elevation gains, there are 25 routes classified as easy, which may be more suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. For a scenic option, consider exploring areas around JD Grant Park, which is part of the McCreery Lake β JD Grant Park loop from Alum Rock, though this specific loop is rated difficult due to its length and elevation.
What kind of natural attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes?
The routes often pass by various natural attractions. You might encounter natural monuments like the Historic Mineral Springs Grotto or Eagle Rock. Several routes also lead near bodies of water, including Calaveras Reservoir Scenic Segment, Cottonwood Lake, Hellyer County Park, and Piedmont Ponds.
Are there any routes that offer panoramic views of the region?
Yes, routes that ascend to higher elevations often provide extensive views. The challenging Mount Hamilton ascent from McKee offers sustained climbs with expansive vistas. Additionally, the View of San Jose from Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve is a notable highlight that can be incorporated into rides.
Are there any circular touring bike routes in Alum Rock?
Yes, there are several loop routes available. An example is the McCreery Lake β JD Grant Park loop from Alum Rock, which takes you through parklands and past a lake. Another option is the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) loop from McKee.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Alum Rock?
The Alum Rock area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 110 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging mountain ascents, scenic loops, and the diverse terrain that provides varied conditions for touring.
What are some notable landmarks or points of interest to explore near the cycling routes?
Beyond natural features, you can explore cultural and historical points of interest. The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden is a beautiful spot, and the Historic Mineral Springs Grotto offers a glimpse into the area's past. The Gurdwara (Sikh temple) loop from McKee also passes by a significant cultural site.
Are there any routes that pass by lakes or reservoirs?
Yes, several routes offer views of or pass near water bodies. The McCreery Lake β JD Grant Park loop from Alum Rock goes past a lake. Other highlights in the vicinity include the Calaveras Reservoir Scenic Segment, Cottonwood Lake, Hellyer County Park, and the Penitencia (Gross) Ponds.
What is the longest touring cycling route in Alum Rock?
One of the longest and most challenging routes is the Mount Hamilton ascent from McKee, which spans 42.2 miles (68.0 km) and involves a significant sustained climb.
Are there any shorter, yet still challenging, touring routes?
For a challenging ride that's not as long as the full Mount Hamilton ascent, consider the Mount Hamilton Ride. This route is 19.1 miles (30.7 km) and features substantial climbing towards the Mount Hamilton summit, offering a good workout in a shorter distance.
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