The best cycling routes around Ben Lomond
4.1
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640
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Touring cycling routes around Ben Lomond traverse a landscape characterized by redwood forests, coastal views, and varied hilly terrain. The region offers routes that combine challenging ascents through wooded areas with scenic stretches near the Pacific coastline. Elevations vary, providing diverse cycling experiences from rolling hills to more sustained climbs.
Best touring cycling routes around Ben Lomond
- The most popular touring cycling route is Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench β U-Con Trail loop from Mount Hermon, a 25.8 miles (41.5 km) trail that takes 3 hours 42 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain through forested landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Bonny Doon Beach β Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Mount Hermon, a difficult 32.8 miles (52.8 km) path. This route combines inland climbs with coastal sections, offering diverse scenery.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Mountain Charlie Road β Awesome view out to the ocean loop from Bear Mountain, a 48.4 miles (77.9 km) trail leading through mountainous terrain with ocean vistas, often completed in about 5 hours 27 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Ben Lomond is defined by redwood forests, coastal roads, and challenging climbs. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on more demanding routes.
- The routes in Ben Lomond are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 8 reviews. More than 750 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Ben Lomond's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
18
riders
50.2km
03:31
920m
920m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
riders
21.1km
01:24
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
riders
15.3km
01:05
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
11
riders
19.1km
01:42
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Also known as "fairy rings", Cathedral trees are found in a circle where they sprouted from the roots of their parent tree. Over time the Redwoods grow to incredible heights which invokes a sense of another type of Cathedral.
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Stunning Natural Bridge Beach is known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved by time, water, and wind. The beach is also known for being home to a colony of monarch butterflies, with over 150,000 coming to live here for the winter. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales!
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Granite Creek Road is a quiet local road between Scotts Valley and Soquel, with light traffic and a steady, manageable climb. The pavement is generally good, and itβs a practical way to connect to longer rides through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Itβs mostly shaded, which makes the ascent more comfortable.
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The Pipeline route is authorised for cycling and runs through the whole park diagonally. To visit the deep parts go hiking.
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This State Park allows to enjoy the original wilderness as before. Be careful on the steep hills and use authorised routes for cycling or hiking only
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George Washington Memorial Grove, adorned with majestic spruce trees, invites cyclists to immerse themselves in its natural splendor. Offering a selection of scenic trails, it provides a refreshing biking experience amidst lush surroundings.
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Felton Covered Bridge Park is a small city park and home to the Felton Covered Bridge, which is the tallest covered bridge in the United States. The bridge is a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the park offers a playground, sand volleyball court, picnic area, and access to the San Lorenzo River.
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Glenwood Open Space Preserve is 170 acres of undeveloped land on the north side of Scotts Valley. It offers 7 miles of multi-use trails, as well as diverse habitats such as redwood groves, lush wetlands, and evergreen forests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Ben Lomond?
Touring cycling routes around Ben Lomond are characterized by redwood forests, varied hilly terrain, and scenic stretches near the Pacific coastline. You'll encounter challenging ascents through wooded areas and diverse landscapes.
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Ben Lomond area?
There are over 40 touring cycling routes available around Ben Lomond, offering a range of experiences for different skill levels.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Ben Lomond?
The routes in Ben Lomond primarily focus on more demanding experiences. While there are a few easy routes, the majority are classified as moderate (22 routes) or difficult (18 routes), featuring significant elevation gains.
Are there any routes that combine inland climbs with coastal views?
Yes, routes like the Bonny Doon Beach β Natural Bridges State Beach loop from Mount Hermon offer a diverse experience, combining challenging inland climbs with beautiful coastal sections.
Can I find routes with panoramic ocean vistas?
Absolutely. The Mountain Charlie Road β Awesome view out to the ocean loop from Bear Mountain is a great option, leading through mountainous terrain with stunning ocean vistas.
What are some natural attractions or landmarks I can see along the cycling routes?
Along the routes, you can explore natural monuments like the Fremont Tree and Nesting tree, or visit the majestic Cathedral Redwoods. The beautiful Bonny Doon Beach is also accessible on some routes.
Are there any historical sites or interesting trails to explore near the cycling routes?
Yes, you can discover historical sites such as the Lime Kiln ruins. Additionally, trails like the Old Cabin Trail and Wilder Ridge Loop Trail offer further exploration opportunities.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ben Lomond?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, which includes redwood forests, challenging climbs, and beautiful coastal sections.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes are designed as loops. For example, the Chuck Beebe Scenic Bench β Old Cabin Trail loop from Felton Roaring Camp offers a circular journey through varied landscapes.
What is a good option for a challenging touring cycling route with significant elevation?
For a challenging ride with substantial elevation gain, consider the Glenwood Open Space Preserve β Granite Creek Road loop from Mount Hermon, which features over 590 meters of ascent.
What kind of natural features define the Ben Lomond cycling experience?
The Ben Lomond cycling experience is defined by its redwood forests, coastal roads, and challenging climbs through varied terrain, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and physical exertion.
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