The best traffic-free bike rides in the Santa Clara Mountains

There are 10 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Santa Clara Mountains featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of distances and difficulties, ensuring there's an option for various fitness levels.

The Santa Clara Mountains offer a diverse cycling landscape. While these routes are selected for their no-traffic nature, you can expect a mix of surfaces, from paved roads to potentially some fire roads or well-maintained gravel paths. The region is characterized by coastal mountains, so routes often include significant elevation changes, providing both challenging climbs and scenic descents. You might encounter majestic redwood forests and, in some areas, even breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.

Yes, there is at least one easy no-traffic touring cycling route available. The Las Campanas loop from Las Campanas is a great option, covering approximately 14.8 km with moderate elevation gain, making it suitable for those looking for a more relaxed ride away from vehicle traffic.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, several difficult no-traffic routes are available. The Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Cerro la Jara is a substantial 55.2 km ride with over 500 meters of elevation gain. Other difficult options include the Bike loop from Angostura Hill and the Pueblo Canyon view – Acid Canyon Trail loop from Los Alamos.

While cycling these routes, you'll be immersed in the natural beauty of the Santa Clara Mountains. The region is known for its towering redwood groves and diverse landscapes. For those interested in historical and natural landmarks, the area is rich with attractions such as Bandelier National Monument, the ancient Alcove House, and fascinating Cavates. You might also encounter unique geological formations like Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument or ancient Petroglyphs.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Las Campanas loop from Arroyo Vino, which is a moderate 16.8 km ride, and the longer, more challenging Cerro Piñon – View of Redondo Peak loop from Cerro la Jara.

The Santa Clara Mountains offer good cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide the most pleasant temperatures for touring. Summers can be warm, especially inland, but higher elevations or coastal routes may offer cooler breezes. Winters are typically mild, though some higher mountain roads might experience occasional closures due to weather. Always check local forecasts before heading out.

The Santa Clara Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region for its stunning natural beauty, challenging yet rewarding climbs, and the opportunity to cycle through majestic redwood forests and along scenic coastal vistas. The variety of terrain, from paved roads to more rugged paths, is also frequently highlighted.

While this guide focuses on specific no-traffic routes, the broader Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Mountains region offers many parks and preserves with excellent cycling opportunities. Wilder Ranch State Park and the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park are well-known for their extensive trail networks, often featuring redwood forests and ocean views. Stevens Creek County Park and Santa Teresa County Park also provide various loops suitable for different fitness levels, some of which are unpaved.

The no-traffic nature of these routes makes them generally suitable for touring cyclists with trailers or panniers, as you won't contend with vehicle traffic. However, given the mountainous terrain and potential for varied surfaces (including some fire roads or gravel), it's advisable to check the specific route details and elevation profiles for your chosen tour to ensure it aligns with your equipment and comfort level. Routes like the Las Campanas loop from Las Campanas might be more forgiving for heavier setups.