The best traffic-free bike rides in Santa Clara County

The Bay Area Ridge Trail: Calero Park Loop offers a scenic and accessible touring cycling experience, winding through California Oak woodlands, chaparral, and rolling grassland hills. You'll enjoy expansive views of the Calero Reservoir and the Santa Cruz Mountains, with the landscape particularly lush and vibrant with wildflowers in early spring. The trail surface varies from hard-packed dirt to fine gray gravel, providing a smooth ride through open grass meadows and sparse oak woodlands.

This moderate 9.5-mile (15.3 km) route, with 837 feet (255 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 32 minutes to complete. It's considered beginner-friendly, featuring gentle climbs without extended steep ascents, making it a great option for those transitioning from flatter gravel paths. Remember that the loop is unidirectional (counter-clockwise) for bikes, and muddy patches can occur near a natural spring during winter.

As a key segment of the ambitious 550-mile Bay Area Ridge Trail, this loop integrates several trails, including the popular Lisa Killough Trail and Cottle Trail. Calero County Park has become a significant mountain biking destination, with new "flow" trails added since 2017. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like burrowing owls, coyotes, and even bald eagles as you explore this well-regarded route.

The Bald Peaks loop via Oak Cove Trail & Chisnantuk Peak Trail offers a challenging and diverse touring cycling experience through Calero County Park. You'll navigate varied terrain from hard-packed dirt to gravel, winding through oak woodlands and chaparral. The route delivers stunning views of Calero Reservoir and the Santa Cruz Mountains, with the Chisnantuk Peak Trail providing vistas of the Almaden Valley and Mount Hamilton.

This difficult 22.7-mile (36.6 km) loop features a substantial 2688 feet (819 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Be ready for some steep unpaved climbs, particularly on the Bald Peaks Trail, which might require a hike-a-bike section. The park's main entrance serves as a convenient starting point, and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted to help tackle the ascents.

This route is a top favorite among local touring cyclists for its combination of well-maintained flow trails and more demanding sections. It's an excellent choice if you're seeking a substantial off-road adventure with rewarding panoramic views and a true test of your cycling endurance in a picturesque environment.

The Bald Peaks Loop, despite its listing, is a rugged mountain biking route, not one for traditional touring cyclists. This 8.0-mile (12.9 km) trail in Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve climbs a challenging 1457 feet (444 metres) over roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, earning its moderate difficulty rating. You'll navigate doubletrack through grassy hillsides and oak woodlands, with steep sections that demand a mountain bike's capabilities, offering views of the Santa Cruz Mountains from spots like the Bald Peaks Viewpoint.

Access to the preserve is generally straightforward, and dogs are permitted on leash, which is a plus for many. While specific parking details aren't provided, it's wise to arrive early, especially on weekends, as popular trails in the San Jose area can fill up quickly. The landscape is particularly vibrant with green grasses and lush foliage after winter and spring rains, making those seasons ideal for a visit.

This trail is a prime example of the diverse terrain found in Santa Clara County, showcasing the transition from open grasslands to dense forests. It's a popular choice for local mountain bikers seeking a good workout and scenic vistas. The area is known for its high-desert ecosystem, with scattered oaks and open meadows, providing a distinct natural experience compared to other cycling routes in the region.

Experience the challenging 27.3-mile Mississippi Lake loop from Coe Ranch, a rugged touring bicycle route in Henry W. Coe State Park.