The best cycling routes around Concord

The Contra Costa and Ygnatio Canal Trails Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through a varied landscape that includes tranquil, tree-lined canal paths and open spaces with distant views of Mount Diablo. You'll cycle past urban parks like Heather Farm Park, where ducks often gather, and alongside the Boundary Oaks golf course on the Ygnacio Canal Trail, even passing through a distinctive, well-lit tunnel under Ygnacio Valley Road. This easy 20.3-mile (32.7 km) route with a gentle 431-foot (131 metres) elevation gain is predominantly paved, making it a smooth ride that takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is well-maintained and offers convenient amenities. Restrooms and water fountains are available at parks such as Arbolado Park, Heather Farm Park, and Los Juntas Park along the way. Heavily trafficked road crossings are clearly marked and equipped with crosswalk buttons for safety, ensuring a relaxed and accessible journey for all.

This loop is a fantastic option for a leisurely bike ride, suitable for all skill levels, including beginners. It's considered a "whole access" trail, welcoming wheelchairs and strollers, and provides a unique blend of natural and urban environments within the East Bay Regional Park District. Keep an eye out for various bird species attracted to the Contra Costa Canal as you cycle.

The Contra Costa Canal and Ygnacio Canal Trail Loop offers a pleasant touring cycling experience, blending natural beauty with urban convenience. You'll pedal along mostly paved, shaded canal-side paths, enjoying views of Mt. Diablo and passing through vibrant urban parks like Heather Farm & Lake, where local wildlife, especially birds, are often seen. It's a great way to see the area from a different perspective, following the working canal system.

This easy 20.7-mile (33.3 km) loop has a gentle elevation gain of 388 feet (118 metres) and takes about 1 hour and 57 minutes to complete. It's suitable for all skill levels, though be mindful of a short unpaved section and a gap near Ygnacio Valley Road on the Ygnacio Canal Trail where you might need to use the road or sidewalk. Restrooms and water are available at parks like Heather Farm Park and Los Juntas Park, making planning your visit straightforward.

Beyond recreation, this loop is a vital part of Contra Costa County's non-vehicular network, connecting communities and allowing residents to cycle to schools, shops, and even BART. It also links to other regional trails, like the Iron Horse Regional Trail, offering extended cycling opportunities. This connectivity and its passage through varied landscapes make it a unique and convenient option for touring cyclists.

This touring cycling loop offers a delightful journey through the East Bay, blending urban convenience with natural beauty. You'll pedal past the tranquil Heather Farm Pond, through landscaped gardens, and along marshy creeks where birds like herons and egrets often gather. The route transitions from the park's greenery to open grasslands and then to the rolling green hills of the Contra Costa Canal Trail, providing a diverse and engaging experience for cyclists.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is rated easy and covers 17.6 miles (28.3 km) with only 228 feet (70 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hour and 39 minutes. Heather Farm Park serves as a great starting point, offering restrooms and picnic areas. The paved surfaces make it suitable for all skill levels, and spring is an ideal time to go, when wildflowers like California poppies are in bloom.

The Iron Horse Regional Trail, a key part of this loop, follows a former railroad right-of-way, explaining its consistently flat and easy terrain. This multi-use path connects several cities and provides crucial recreational and transportation links. Keep an eye out for Mount Diablo views on clear days, especially in the northern sections, adding a dramatic backdrop to your ride.