The best road cycling routes around Highlands
4.7
(57)
3,624
riders
118
rides
Road cycling around Highlands features a landscape characterized by significant bodies of water such as San Andreas Lake and Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering scenic routes alongside these natural features. The terrain includes varied elevation changes, from gentle paths suitable for leisure rides to more challenging climbs. Recreational trails and viewpoints are common, providing diverse cycling experiences. This region offers a mix of urban-adjacent routes and natural parkland paths.
Best road cycling routes around Highlands
- The most popular road cycling route…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
5.0
(4)
462
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(4)
321
riders
96.2km
04:32
1,260m
1,260m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(3)
40
riders
The Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop offers a delightful road cycling experience through the heart of San Mateo County. You'll pedal alongside the serene San Andreas Lake…
5.0
(1)
48
riders
93.2km
05:30
1,780m
1,780m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
55
riders
11.1km
00:28
80m
80m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
A fun, pretty place to stop while riding Cañada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
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Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir is part of the Crystal Springs Reservoir system, and provides water to the San Francisco Bay Area. The area surrounding the reservoir is rich in biodiversity, home to rare and endangered species like the San Mateo thornmint and the Marin Dwarf Flax. While recreational activities on the water are restricted to protect the watershed, the adjacent Crystal Springs Regional Trail offers scenic views for hikers and cyclists.
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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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There are a handful of trails here which treat you to views of the foothills across the reservoir. Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir provides water to the San Francisco Peninsula, and you can bike along its entire eastern shoreline.
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The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic. The trail runs through scenic areas like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering beautiful lake views. On Sundays, you can ride the car-free Cañada Road segment for a more relaxed experience. Be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit, especially around hikers. The Sawyer Camp segment provides a gentle descent and stunning views, perfect for an easy ride through woodlands and along the reservoir.
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scenic bike ride along the san andreas reservoir
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in the Highlands area?
There are over 120 road cycling routes available in the Highlands area, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options to explore.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Highlands?
Road cycling routes in the Highlands area feature diverse terrain, including scenic reservoir-side paths, dedicated recreational trails like the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail, and routes with varied elevation changes. You can find everything from gentle, flat sections to more challenging climbs, such as those encountered on the Old La Honda Road – Crystal Springs Reservoir dam loop.
Are there any easy or family-friendly road cycling routes in the Highlands area?
Yes, the Highlands area offers several easy road cycling routes suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride. For instance, the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Highlands-Baywood Park is an easy 9.6-mile trail through parkland, often completed in under an hour. There are over 50 easy routes in total.
What are some popular landmarks or natural features to see along road cycling routes?
Many routes offer views of significant bodies of water like San Andreas Lake and Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir. You can also pass by the historic Pulgas Water Temple or explore areas like Edgewood Park and Nature Preserve. The Margarita Ave viewpoint – San Andrea's Lake View loop offers particularly scenic vistas.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in the Highlands area?
The Highlands area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic reservoir-side paths, the variety of routes for different skill levels, and the well-maintained recreational trails.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Old La Honda Road – Crystal Springs Reservoir dam loop from San Mateo County is a difficult 30.1-mile path featuring significant elevation gain. There are 15 difficult routes in the area, offering plenty of opportunities for a strenuous workout.
Can I find circular road cycling routes in the Highlands area?
Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Highlands area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular San Andreas Lake loop from Hillsborough and the Pulgas Water Temple loop from San Mateo County.
What is the typical duration for road cycling routes in this region?
Route durations vary significantly based on distance and difficulty. Easy routes like the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop can be completed in under 40 minutes, while more challenging and longer routes, such as the Old La Honda Road – Crystal Springs Reservoir dam loop, can take over 2.5 hours.
Are there any historical sites or points of interest near the cycling routes?
Yes, beyond natural beauty, you can find historical points of interest. For example, the Woodside Store (Historic Site) is located near some of the cycling routes, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
What are the most visited road cycling routes in the Highlands area?
The San Andreas Lake loop from Hillsborough is a highly popular choice, offering scenic views and a moderate challenge. Another favorite is the Old La Honda Road – Crystal Springs Reservoir dam loop from San Mateo County, known for its challenging climbs and reservoir vistas.
Can I find routes that offer viewpoints or particularly scenic sections?
Many routes are designed to showcase the area's beauty. The Margarita Ave viewpoint – San Andrea's Lake View loop is specifically highlighted for its scenic vistas. Additionally, routes along San Andreas Lake and Crystal Springs Reservoir consistently offer picturesque views.
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