Willow Creek Fire Road

The Westminster Woods – Willow Creek Fire Road loop from Monte Rio offers a truly immersive touring cycling experience through Sonoma County's diverse landscapes. You'll pedal through ancient redwood forests, past the serene Russian River, and across open meadows, with the highlight being the quiet, unpaved climb of Willow Creek Road. From certain ridgelines, you can even catch glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, making the challenging terrain incredibly rewarding.

This difficult 36.6-mile (58.9 km) loop, with its 2970 feet (905 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 26 minutes, demanding very good fitness. Be aware that the Upper Willow Creek Road trailhead is hike-in and bike-in only, so plan to ride in from Occidental for the easiest access. Using GPS or online maps is recommended for navigation, as some areas are still getting new signage.

This route is part of the expanded Monte Rio Redwoods Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, which significantly increased public access to a previously private trail network in June 2025. The trail system benefits from decades of maintenance by the Gianni Cycling Association, ensuring a well-established network for cyclists. Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on most trails, offering more options for tackling the challenging grades.