The best road cycling routes in Midgegooroo National Park

There are over 20 road cycling routes in the Midgegooroo National Park area. These routes offer a range of difficulties, with 18 moderate and 3 difficult options, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

Road cycling in this region, part of the Perth Hills, features challenging climbs and descents through the scenic Darling Range. You'll ride through dense native woodlands of jarrah, marri, and blackbutt forests, encountering impressive granite outcrops. The routes are predominantly on paved surfaces, making them suitable for road bikes.

Yes, the region is known for its challenging climbs. For instance, the Zig Zag Scenic Drive – Champion Lakes loop from Karragullen is a difficult route covering 122.2 km with over 1900 meters of elevation gain. Another route, the Zig Zag Scenic Drive – 26% Gradient on Gray Road loop from Karragullen, includes a notable 26% gradient section.

While cycling in the Midgegooroo National Park vicinity, you can encounter impressive natural features like granite outcrops, including the well-known Boulder Rock. The nearby Canning Dam also offers scenic views and recreational facilities, accessible via roads that provide excellent cycling opportunities.

Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, as the national park and surrounding areas burst with wildflowers, including numerous orchid varieties. The weather during spring and autumn generally offers pleasant conditions for cycling, avoiding the hotter summer months.

While many routes in the Perth Hills offer significant climbs, there are moderate options available. The Minnawarra Lake – Sanctuary Lake loop from Roleystone is a moderate 26.5 km trail that provides a good option for families looking for a less strenuous ride through the landscape.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Midgegooroo National Park area are designed as loops. Examples include the Champion Lakes loop from Roleystone and the Roadbike loop from Karragullen, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

The park and its vicinity are home to native wildlife such as brush-tailed wallabies, quenda (bandicoots), and echidnas. Keep an eye out for these animals, especially during quieter times of the day, as you cycle through the dense native forests.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the immersive experience of cycling through dense native forests, and the impressive granite outcrops that define the region's unique landscape.

While Midgegooroo National Park itself has limited facilities, the broader Perth Hills region is a significant cycling destination. You'll find cafes, pubs, and accommodation options in nearby towns and communities like Kalamunda, Mundaring, and Roleystone, which serve as popular hubs for cyclists.

While the Munda Biddi Trail, which traverses Midgegooroo National Park, is primarily for off-road cycling, the broader Perth Hills region, including areas near the park, offers numerous road cycling routes. These routes feature mostly paved surfaces and are well-suited for traditional road bikes, providing challenging and scenic rides.