The best traffic-free bike rides in Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve (Closed)

There are 7 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide for the Tunitas Creek area. These routes offer a range of experiences, from moderate climbs to more challenging ascents, all designed to minimize vehicle encounters.

Tunitas Creek Open Space Preserve itself is currently closed for public access, including hiking and cycling, as it undergoes development to reopen as Don Horsley Park. However, the renowned Tunitas Creek Road, which is a separate entity from the preserve, remains a popular and scenic route for road cyclists, known for its minimal traffic.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Lobitos Creek Road – Higgins Canyon Road loop from Skeggs Point offer a difficult rating with significant elevation gain over 58 kilometers. Tunitas Creek Road itself is known for its consistent and rewarding climb, often considered the most scenic and epic bike climb in San Mateo County.

The routes in this area offer diverse and stunning scenery. You can expect transitions from coastal foothills and open ranch land near Highway 1 to dense redwood forests as you climb towards Skyline Boulevard. The passage through lush redwood forests provides a particularly tranquil and shaded experience. Some routes also offer glimpses of coastal bluffs and ocean views.

Absolutely. Most of the routes in this guide are rated moderate, providing a good balance of distance and elevation. For example, the San Gregorio State Beach – Stage Road loop from San Gregorio covers over 53 kilometers with more than 600 meters of elevation gain, offering a rewarding ride through varied landscapes.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in this area, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 11 ratings. Reviewers often praise the minimal traffic, the challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the beautiful, diverse scenery, especially the tranquil redwood forests.

Yes, Tunitas Creek Road is strategically located and can be integrated with other popular cycling routes in the Santa Cruz Mountains, such as Kings Mountain Road and Old La Honda Road. This allows for the creation of extended and varied rides, making it a central part of many longer loops in the region.

At the base of the Tunitas Creek climb, you'll find The Bike Hut, a unique self-serve oasis. It offers refreshments and supplies, and is a well-known spot for cyclists to rest and connect with fellow riders before or after their climb.

While the preserve itself is closed, the broader Tunitas Creek area is rich in natural beauty. You'll find stunning 100-foot tall sandstone cliffs at Tunitas Creek Beach (part of the future Don Horsley Park), offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. The area also features diverse habitats including coastal scrub, dunes, and dense Monterey pine and cypress forests, as well as the perennial Tunitas Creek itself, which flows to the ocean.

Many of the routes in this guide traverse through or near redwood forests, providing a serene cycling experience. The upper sections of Tunitas Creek Road, for instance, wind through dense redwood groves, offering welcome shade and a quiet atmosphere. The Kings Mountain Road – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop also offers a great opportunity to cycle through forested areas.

The Santa Cruz Mountains and San Mateo Coast generally offer pleasant cycling conditions year-round. However, spring and fall often provide the most ideal weather with moderate temperatures and less chance of coastal fog. Summer mornings can be cool, but afternoons are typically sunny. Winter can bring rain, but clear days are excellent for cycling.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops to enhance the no-traffic experience. For example, the Stage Road – Downtown Pescadero loop from San Gregorio is a moderate 23.7 km loop that allows you to enjoy the scenic roads and return to your starting point without retracing your path on busy roads.