The best cycling routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
4.7
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2,725
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149
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Touring cycling in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is not permitted on its trails, as bicycles are explicitly prohibited within the preserve. However, the surrounding area, characterized by hills, canyons, and oak woodlands, offers various touring cycling routes that start from the vicinity of the preserve. These routes often provide views of the San Francisco Bay and connect to nearby landmarks and towns. The landscape outside the preserve features mixed evergreen forests and open spaces suitable for road cycling.
Best touring cycling routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
- The most popular touring cycling route is Pulgas Water Temple – Woodside Store Historic Site loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a 19.7 miles (31.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 58 minutes to complete. This moderate route connects two notable external landmarks.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Woodside Store (Historic Site) – Portola Road loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a difficult 25.7 miles (41.4 km) path. This route features significant elevation changes on public roads outside the preserve.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Pulgas Water Temple loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, a 7.9 miles (12.7 km) trail leading through the local road network, often completed in about 45 minutes.
- Touring cycling routes starting from the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve area are defined by varied elevation, views of the San Francisco Bay, and connections to local points of interest. The network offers options for different ability levels, from shorter, easier loops to longer, more challenging rides.
- The routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 110 reviews. More than 2,800 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 27, 2026
5.0
(3)
58
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
112
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
37
riders
12.7km
00:46
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
riders
7.34km
00:49
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
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A nice pocket of multi-use, natural-surface trails. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.
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Once upon a time this was the only general store in this area, serving not only as a general-purpose retailer but also the post office, bank, and informal dentist's office. Nowadays it's a museum, staffed by docents ready to offer drop-in history lessons.
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At the top of the John Brooks Trail, you're treated to peaceful views of the surrounding San Francisco Peninsula Watershed.
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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.”
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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There are a handful of trails here which treat you to views of the foothills across the reservoir. Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir provides water to the San Francisco Peninsula, and you can bike along its entire eastern shoreline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cycle directly within Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
No, bicycles are explicitly not permitted on any trails within Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. The preserve is managed by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which prohibits cycling to protect its natural features and ensure safety for hikers and dog walkers. The touring cycling routes mentioned in this guide start from the vicinity of the preserve and utilize public roads.
What kind of touring cycling routes are available near Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
The area surrounding Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers a variety of touring cycling routes on public roads. These routes feature varied elevation, often provide views of the San Francisco Bay, and connect to local points of interest and towns. You'll find options ranging from shorter, easier loops to longer, more challenging rides.
How many touring cycling routes are there in the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve area?
There are over 140 touring cycling routes available in the vicinity of Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve. These routes cater to different skill levels, with approximately 49 easy, 46 moderate, and 47 difficult options to explore.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes near Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
Yes, there are several easier routes suitable for families. For instance, the Pulgas Water Temple loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is an easy 7.9-mile (12.7 km) route that takes about 45 minutes to complete, utilizing the local road network.
What are some popular landmarks or points of interest I can see on touring cycling routes in this area?
Many routes connect to notable external landmarks. For example, the popular Pulgas Water Temple – Woodside Store Historic Site loop from Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve links two significant historical sites. Other routes might pass by scenic viewpoints offering expansive views of the San Francisco Bay.
What is the difficulty level of touring cycling routes around Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve?
The routes vary in difficulty. You can find easy routes with minimal elevation gain, such as the Pulgas Water Temple loop. There are also moderate options like the Pulgas Water Temple – Woodside Store Historic Site loop, and challenging rides with significant elevation changes, such as the Woodside Store (Historic Site) – Portola Road loop.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in this area?
The touring cycling routes starting from the Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 110 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, and the connections to local points of interest.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Pulgas Water Temple – Woodside Store Historic Site loop and the Pulgas Water Temple loop.
Where can I park when planning a touring cycling trip in this area?
While parking directly within Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is primarily for hikers and dog walkers, you can find parking facilities in the vicinity of the preserve or in nearby towns that serve as starting points for the touring cycling routes. Always check local regulations for parking availability and restrictions.
What are the natural features I might encounter on the touring cycling routes?
The routes outside the preserve traverse areas characterized by hills, cool canyons, and scenic ridge tops. You'll cycle through mixed evergreen forests and oak woodlands, with opportunities for panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding hillsides.
Is Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve dog-friendly?
While touring cycling is not permitted within the preserve, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is very dog-friendly for hikers. It features a 17.5-acre off-leash dog area, and dogs are allowed on all other trails within the preserve as long as they are leashed.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the touring cycling routes?
The touring cycling routes often connect to nearby towns like Woodside or Belmont, where you can find various cafes, restaurants, and other amenities to refuel during or after your ride. It's advisable to plan your route to include stops in these areas.
Most popular routes in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve
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