Touring - san francisco to big basin state park

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zoltani
10-12-07, 03:04 PM
Hi!

I am getting ready to head down to big basin state park this weekend and was wondering if anyone had any tips about which roads to take. I was think of taking skyline--->sawyer camp trail--->skyline---->hwy9--->hwy236
Hwy 9 looks pretty sketchy just look at google maps, but was want to know if anyone has experience riding on this road on a saturday.
I am kind of worried the traffic will be heavy, and especially worried about climbing back up hwy9 on sunday. Any thoughts?

Thanks

niknak
10-12-07, 07:20 PM
This is a great ride. This is what I would do:

When the Sawyer Camp Trail spits you out on Skyline Boulevard, head towards Canada Road. Take Canada Road to the town of Woodside. Roberts market is at the intersection and is a good place to grab some food and see a bunch of other cyclists hanging out. From Roberts go down Mountain Home Road, make a left on Portola Road and then make a right on Sand Hill Road (which becomes Portola Road). Make a right on Old La Honda Road. This is THE classic climb up to Skyline Boulevard. The climb is 3.5 miles with an avg. grade of about 7%. When you get to Skyline, take a breather, and then head left. Skyline rolls with short, moderate climbs and descents.

From Skyline make a right on Hwy 9. You descend for about 4 miles until you reach turn off for Hwy 236. Then you do some moderate climbing through peaceful redwood groves. Then you descend again to the park entrance. There's more traffic on weekends, but after Labor Day it isn't really that bad.

After visiting the park, I recommend heading toward Boulder Creek and then climbing up Bear Creek Road to Skyline Boulevard. Skyline starts as a one-lane country road with great views to the west. Then you can head back up Skyline and back to S.F. the way you came.

Have fun!