Cabrillo Highway, Cloverdale Road & Stage Road loop
Cabrillo Highway, Cloverdale Road & Stage Road loop
2.8
(21)
64
riders
Cabrillo Highway, Cloverdale Road & Stage Road loop
02:24
50.0km
580m
Road cycling
The Cabrillo Highway, Cloverdale Road & Stage Road loop is a moderate 31.1-mile road cycling route near Pescadero with 1898 feet of elevatio
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Cloverdale Coastal Ranches
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
154 m
San Gregorio State Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
6.71 km
Butano Creek estuary from the bridge
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
11.6 km
Arroyo de los Frijoles Beach
Highlight • Beach
Tip by
16.7 km
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
24.3 km
Cloverdale Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
34.5 km
Stage Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
50.0 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
21.6 km
19.5 km
8.08 km
727 m
118 m
Surfaces
49.1 km
713 m
218 m
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Elevation
Highest point (130 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 23 May
14°C
11°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty of this cycling loop?
This loop is considered a moderate road ride, requiring good fitness due to significant climbing. It's a popular route often included in local bike races, making it suitable for experienced cyclists looking for a challenge.
What is the terrain like on this loop?
The loop features varied terrain with notable ascents. On Cloverdale Road, you'll encounter a half-mile stretch averaging 7-8% grade, with a short burst up to 15%. Stage Road also has moderate climbs, some sections averaging over 5% and another testing riders with just above 7%. While generally well-paved, be aware of a reported washout on Stage Road between San Gregorio and Pescadero, which is passable for cyclists but not vehicles.
What can I see along the route?
You'll experience diverse scenery, including stretches along Highway 1 and idyllic back roads. Highlights include views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Gregorio State Beach, the Butano Creek estuary from the bridge, and the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Stage Road is particularly scenic, winding past farms and a charming section lined with tall eucalyptus trees.
Where can I park to access this cycling loop?
Pescadero is a popular hub for cyclists and a good starting point for this loop. While specific parking areas aren't detailed, you can typically find parking within or near the town to begin your ride.
Do I need any permits or pay entrance fees for this route?
No, you do not need any special permits or have to pay entrance fees to cycle this public road loop.
Is this cycling loop dog-friendly?
As this is primarily a road cycling route on public roads, dogs are generally allowed if kept on a leash and under control. However, it's important to be mindful of traffic and other cyclists, and ensure your dog is comfortable with road conditions.
What is the best time of year to cycle this loop?
The route offers good returns in terms of scenery per climbing effort, making it enjoyable in various seasons. However, coastal weather can be unpredictable, so checking the forecast for Pescadero before you go is always a good idea.
Are there places to eat or resupply along the way?
Yes, Pescadero is a popular stop for cyclists. You can find amenities such as Archangeli Bakery, known for its artichoke bread, which even provides a bike service station. It's a favored spot for many riders to refuel.
Does the route intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Old Womans Creek Road and the Sequoia Audubon Trail.
What's an insider tip for cycling this loop?
The loop is a staple in the Bay Area cycling community. For a rewarding experience, consider stopping in Pescadero at Archangeli Bakery. It's not just for food; they also offer a bike service station, which can be a lifesaver if you encounter any mechanical issues on your ride.
Is this loop suitable for advanced cyclists?
Absolutely. With its significant climbs, including sections with 7-8% and even 15% grades, and its reputation as a route used in local bike races, this loop provides a challenging and rewarding experience for advanced and experienced road cyclists.
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Trail Reviews
ᗪᕮᗩᏒ ᗪ¡ᗩᏒY: Finally a Ꮢ¡ᗪᕮ with @garth. We planned to go to Mt. Hamilton, ᕼOᗯᕮᐯᕮᏒ I’m staying on the other side of the world 🌎 [or I might as well be. ᗩᑎᗪ it’s a holiday weekend so traffic on the one route Highway 17 is going to be gridlocked later. Hamilton isn’t going anywhere ᗩᑎᗪ I don’t really have the legs for 1600 meters of climbing. @garth has plotted a flat route from Pigeon-Point ᗩᑎᗪ as my ᏀᗩᏒᗰ¡ᑎ has decided it doesn’t want to show me the route @garth is the tour guide TOᗪᗩY. We start out from the car 🚗 [hmmm not red] ᗩᑎᗪ head up ᑕᗩᏞ¡ᖴOᏒᑎ¡ᗩ😎 Highway 1 towards Half Moon 🌙 Bay. The ᏒOᗩᗪ is socked in 🧦 so it’s cool 😎 17°C/62.6°F @garth has explained the mist many times ⏰ but I don’t get it. 🤷🏾♂️ My brakes are super loud screaming 😱 but they won’t wake the ᏒOᗩᗪ Kill deer 🦌 on the ᏒOᗩᗪ Ꮪide It is completely intact save for a missing area of ribecage where an animal has eaten ALL the internal organs - the carcass is hollow. There be wild cats 🐈 in these hills…😱 ᗩᑎᗪ snakes… 🐍 We pelt along at 17-18 mph as ᑕᗩᏞ¡ᖴOᏒᑎ¡ᗩ😎 Highway 1 is a false flat, when you’re not ascending. When we’re approximately 15 miles North of Pigeon-Point we turn inland for rolling hills. The first of the contraband 🫐 is consumed. The ᏒOᗩᗪ drops ᗩᑎᗪ at the junction we meet @ Rob, Greg & Pete. @garth mistakes the bearded Greg for someone who owes him money 💰 [well it’s my story ᗩᑎᗪ I’ll tell it how I like] 🤫 Our trio follow us to the ᗷ¡Ꮶᕮ ᕼᑌT. An impressive little place set up by the local farm as an honour system…😱 There’s coffee, gels, inner tubes, tools 🧰 etc. Also the leader board for the ᗷ¡Ꮶᕮ ᕼᑌT Classic Race that takes place annually with some impressive numbers!…🤔 This is a great place ᗩᑎᗪ a great idea…🫡👏🏾 We continue on ᗩᑎᗪ @garth announced the final climb out of nine 9️⃣ Remember this was supposed to be more relaxed than Hamilton in 40°C/104°F!…🥵 Apart from a constant climb it feels like what Hamilton would be like…🤷🏾♂️ Reaching Pescadero ᗩᑎᗪ the Arcangeli Grocery Co is a god send I could eat the various ᏒOᗩᗪ Kills that we have passed if there was anything left. Arcangeli does some lush sandwiches 🥪 [but toasted], bread 🍞 etc. Rob, Greg ᗩᑎᗪ Pete have reserved us a table so it would be Ꮢᑌᗪᕮ not to join them. We swap stories ᗩᑎᗪ anecdotes. At one point most of the garden is telling is where they’re from ᗩᑎᗪ where they went to collage. Everyone is very friendly it’s a great atmosphere. It’s now 34°C / 93.2°F Thankfully it’s only 6 miles flat back to the car 🚗 [not red] ᗩᑎᗪ of course @garth lies 🤥 ᗩbouts it all being flat ᗩᑎᗪ no significant climbs…🤷🏾♂️ Unfortunately the camouflage gravel is still lurking in some corners so speed isn’t an option. ᕼOᗯᕮᐯᕮᏒ, when we reach ᑕᗩᏞ¡ᖴOᏒᑎ¡ᗩ😎 Highway 1 a yellow Ferrari passes us then a Porsche 911 It was red 🚗 [better late than never] We arrive back at Pigeon-Point to be faced with one last dilemma. The restroom🚽 it is a full on building, surely it can’t be that bad?🤷🏾♂️ A lady exits before I enter that gives me hope. I enter. “Abandoned all hope ye who enters here” ᕼᗩᏒᗪ ᑎO! I’m not getting changed in here. I’d rather be arrested for homosexual behaviour, but I’m not in Oklahoma…🤷🏾♂️ [topical] While I’m at it Congrats Cav…🙌🏾👍🏾💪🏾 Fantastic journey, couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you to everyone I cycled with, or met, or had anything to do with the last two weeks. It’s been ᗩᗰᗩZ¡ᑎᏀ as always. Now to pack ᗪᗩKOTᗩ ᖴC into her box 📦 for the long journey home. She was faultless apart from the one ᕈᑌᑎᑕTᑌᏒᕮ 🤷🏾♂️ 🙏🏾👏🏾