Northern California - Looking for a ride near Portola Redwood SP

I'll be camping at Portola Redwood State Park next weekend. I have zero knowledge of the area. Can anyone recommend a route that starts and finishes at the State Park? Safe roads would be tops on my list. Of course a beautiful route would be nice as well, but I'll take safe over beautiful if I have to choose.

Thanks in advnace,

Josh

I don't know what the road to the actual park is like (Portola State Park Road), but it's 3 miles from there to W. Alpine. Plenty of great scenic riding, either go west to Pescadero and out to the coast, or east to Skyline.

How long of a route and how much climbing did you have in mind?

A nice loop is to climb up to Skyline, then left on Skyline, left on La Honda Road, left on Pescadero Road, and left on Alpine Road back to the park entrance. The park entrance road is steep, but you only have to climb it once.

Thank you to both of you. I'd like to ride 3-4 hours, but can do more or less depending on the situation. I will bikely both of your suggestions. Idealy I'd like to get a ride Saturday, and another Sunday, but I have a feeling that I'll only get one "pass" from the wife as this is supposed to be family camping time, not me riding time.

Much appreciated,

Josh

So a more detailed suggestion:

1. Take Portola State Park Road to Alpine
2. Left on Alpine
3. Left on Pescadero Rd
4. Right on Stage Rd
5. Right on 84 (La Honda Rd)
6. Right on Pescadero
7. Stay to the left at the junction with Alpine and take that back to Portola State Park Road

Have fun! :)

So a more detailed suggestion:

1. Take Portola State Park Road to Alpine
2. Left on Alpine
3. Left on Pescadero Rd
4. Right on Stage Rd
5. Right on 84 (La Honda Rd)
6. Right on Pescadero
7. Stay to the left at the junction with Alpine and take that back to Portola State Park Road

Have fun! :)

Climbing up Hwy 84 is not very fun because of the constant traffic and motorcycle noise and no shoulders. Doing this loop counter-clockwise is much much nicer (down Hwy 84 and up Pescadero Road).

Climbing up Hwy 84 is not very fun because of the constant traffic and motorcycle noise and no shoulders. Doing this loop counter-clockwise is much much nicer (down Hwy 84 and up Pescadero Road).

True, I forgot he mentioned it will be on the weekend. Thanks for the better suggestion. :thumb:

Enjoy your trip, I was just there last weekend. It's a beautiful campground.

Hey, that's my neck of the woods (sort of)! Lots of great riding over here. Except for Hwy84, most of the roads are very safe, low traffic. You have a choice of redwood trees, rolling hills, farm land, ocean views. There are flat roads and lots of hills to climb too.

What kind of ride are you looking for? If you are riding on Sunday, I might be able to give you a guided tour.

SesameCrunch, thank you for the offer. I would actually be riding on Saturday (which may be a rainy day). I hoped to ride both days but will only get to ride Saturday. In addition I am not sure what time I will be able to ride (ideally early) so I don't want to mess up your day by setting a time to meet up and not being able to make it. I'm going to have to play it by ear and ride whenever it works best for the family. Thank you very much though, I really appreciate the effort in helping me find a nice route. I will let you know how it went but I'm really looking forward to riding in that area. Sounds beautiful.

Oh, and Ocean views and Redwoods would be ideal as I don't get those at home. Plenty of rolling hills and farmland at home.

Regards,

Josh

Josh:

Here's route I mapped out for you. It's a mild ride. 40 miles, 3300 ft of climbing. It has a little of everything, and very little traffic.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Coastal-Redwood-Special

Enjoy!

That looks awesome, thank you. If I wanted to add a little would Stage rd be a okay choice? It looks like I can add a little loop there inside of the larger loop that you provided.

Josh

Stage Road is a nice road. Instead, however, I recommend climbing the upper part of Alpine Road up to Skyline. This is a beautiful climb with continually great views.