California

★★★★★ PACIFIC COAST ROUTE from San Francisco to San Diego spans approximately 600 miles of California’s most spectacular coastline, featuring iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, dramatic Big Sur cliffs, Hearst Castle, and charming beach towns including Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Barbara, and La Jolla. This popular cycling journey typically takes 10-14 days to complete at a moderate pace of 40-60 miles per day, with the most scenic and challenging section being the Big Sur coastline where cyclists encounter breathtaking ocean vistas, the famous Bixby Creek Bridge, and McWay Falls. 

Northern California

★★★★★ SONORA PAST WEST A challenging 9-mile climb to 9,624 feet with a 7% grade, offering spectacular scenic beauty and considered the hardest climb in Northern California.

★★★★★ MT. SHASTA An epic 14.2-mile climb to 7,856 feet featuring stunning mountain vistas and challenging 5.7% average grade, making it the second hardest climb in Northern California.

★★★★★ MT. TAMALPAIS A challenging ride from Alpine Dam to Mt. Tam’s West Peak, rewarding cyclists with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the city.

★★★★☆ SAN FRANSCICO BRIDGE TO MARIN HEADLANDS A challenging 20-mile loop with 2,500 feet elevation gain, featuring iconic Golden Gate Bridge crossings and spectacular Bay Area views from Hawk Hill, though it can get crowded on weekends.

Central California

★★★★★ GLACIER POINT, YOSEMITE The most scenic bike climb in Central California, covering 25 miles with 4,815 feet elevation gain and offering breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, and Half Dome.

★★★★★ CAMBRIA ROUTE A spectacular 100-mile stretch along the Central California Coast offering a mix of coastal and inland scenery.

★★★★★ LONE PINE Features the legendary Horseshoe Meadows climb reaching over 10,000 feet with dramatic switchbacks and stunning views of the Owens Valley and Sierra Nevada mountains.  It’s home to 4 of the toughest climbs in California.

★★★★★ SEQUIOA NATIONAL PARK Offers a unique cycling experience through the Giant Forest with moderate elevation gains, allowing riders to pedal among the world’s largest trees while enjoying the majestic scenery of towering sequoias and lush meadows.

★★★★★ SANTA BARBARA WATERFRONT Perfect for families and casual riders with flat, paved roads, while the challenging Old Marcos Pass offers a 5.5-mile trail with steep climbs and rewarding views down Gibraltar.

★★★★★ SANTA YNEZ VALLEY Features the scenic Ballard Canyon Loop, a 13-mile ride through vineyard-lined roads with about 700 feet of elevation gain.

★★★★☆ SANTA MARIA VALLEY Home to the renowned Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, offering a 30-mile stretch with 13 different tasting rooms perfect for wine enthusiasts who cycle.

Southern California

★★★★★ PALOMAR MOUNTAIN CLIMB Located in San Diego County, this challenging climb is considered a rite of passage for Southern California cyclists, offering a unique experience from beach to mountaintop with stunning valley views.

★★★★★ GLENDORA MOUNTAIN ROAD (GMR) One of Southern California’s most scenic bicycle climbs featuring undulating terrain with 4,930 feet of elevation gain, characterized by beautiful mountain views and relatively quiet roads that lead towards Baldy Village.

★★★★★ MT. BALDY An iconic and challenging climb featured in the Tour de California, ascending 5,400 feet to reach an elevation of 6,500 feet with jaw-dropping mountain panoramas and steep gradients that make it one of the toughest climbs in Southern California.

★★★★★ MT. WILSON A demanding 70-mile round trip route in the San Gabriel Mountains featuring approximately 6,000 feet of elevation gain, offering spectacular natural beauty and challenging climbs that attract serious cyclists. 

★★★★★ GRIFFITH PARK Located in Los Angeles, this urban park offers various routes for different cycling styles, from casual rides to challenging climbs, all within one of America’s largest city parks.  Ride up the Hollywood Sign and the most popular observatory in the world, Griffith Observatory.

★★★★★ THE STRAND (MARVIN BRAUDE BIKE TRAIL) A stunning 22-mile coastal route from Torrance Beach through Redondo, Manhattan, and Hermosa Beach with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.

★★★★☆ SANTA ANA RIVER TRAIL A 27-mile mostly flat trail from Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach, passing notable landmarks like Angels Stadium.

★★★★★ SANTA MONICA An iconic beach route immersing cyclists in vibrant beach culture, street performers, and trendy cafes.  Take on the Santa Monica mountains for more challenging routes.

★★★★☆ LA JOLLA COAST LOOP A scenic San Diego route showcasing stunning cliffs, coves, and marine life with opportunities to spot seals and explore La Jolla Village.