Calero County Park Main Entrance and Trailhead

This difficult 12.8-mile touring cycling loop in Calero County Park offers reservoir views and challenging unpaved climbs.

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.