Skyline Boulevard

The Manzanita Way – Kings Mountain Road loop from Palo Alto is a quintessential Bay Area road cycling experience, known for its significant climbs and diverse scenery. You'll push through shaded redwood forests on Kings Mountain Road, where the consistent 7.5% average gradient demands focus, before enjoying the quieter, canopied stretch of Manzanita Way. This difficult 30.2-mile (48.6 km) route, with its 3027 feet (923 metres) of elevation gain, offers stunning views of the Bay and South Bay, making the 3 hours and 4 minutes of effort well worth it for experienced riders.

Planning your ride from Palo Alto, you'll find Kings Mountain Road to be well-maintained and signed, with turnouts for cyclists, while Manzanita Way offers a peaceful, low-traffic alternative. The best season for road cycling in the Santa Cruz Mountains generally spans spring through fall, but always check local weather forecasts before heading out. Parking is typically available in Palo Alto for those looking to tackle this popular route.

This loop is a celebrated part of the Santa Cruz Mountains cycling network, often combined with other routes for longer adventures. Kings Mountain Road is a classic climb, frequently highlighted for its challenging profile and the rewarding vistas it provides over Silicon Valley. Manzanita Way stands out for its serene, bucolic atmosphere, offering a pleasant contrast to the more strenuous sections of the ride.

The Manzanita Way – Lower Kings Mountain Road loop from Stanford is a demanding road cycling route that takes you through a beautiful mix of canopied, car-free roads and challenging mountain climbs. You'll experience the tranquil, tree-lined Manzanita Way before tackling the renowned Kings Mountain Road, which ascends through shaded redwood forests and offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay. This difficult 81.0-mile (130.3 km) journey, with its 7557 feet (2303 metres) of elevation gain, is a true test of endurance, typically taking around 6 hours and 47 minutes to complete.

To tackle this advanced cycling route, plan for a full day on the bike, starting from Stanford. While much of the route is well-paved, be aware that some sections might be unpaved and difficult, requiring good bike handling skills. There are no specific permits required, but always ensure you carry enough water and supplies for the long duration, as amenities can be sparse on the climbs. This loop is best enjoyed by experienced cyclists with a high level of fitness.

This loop is a classic in the Bay Area cycling scene, known for its challenging climbs and diverse scenery. Kings Mountain Road is particularly famous for its consistent grade and scenic beauty, often considered more difficult than other local climbs like Old La Honda Road. The region offers many variations, allowing you to extend your ride to include other iconic roads like Tunitas Creek Road, where you might even find the unique, honor-system Bike Hut for supplies.