Casper Little Lake Road 409 – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Mendocino Woodlands Camp 1
Casper Little Lake Road 409 – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Mendocino Woodlands Camp 1
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Casper Little Lake Road 409 – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Mendocino Woodlands Camp 1
04:46
44.8km
1,010m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Get Directions
5.30 km
Casper Little Lake Road 409
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
39.0 km
Woodlands Special Treatment Area
Nature Reserve
43.3 km
Mendocino Headlands State Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
44.8 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
14.4 km
14.0 km
11.2 km
5.27 km
Surfaces
43.0 km
1.19 km
604 m
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Elevation
Highest point (310 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 7 July
16°C
9°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly challenging and rewarding touring bicycle adventure that showcases the best of the Mendocino coast, the Casper Little Lake Road 409 – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Mendocino Woodlands Camp 1 is absolutely worth your time. This difficult 27.8-mile (44.8 km) route packs in a significant 3326 feet (1014 metres) of elevation gain, taking roughly 4 hours and 46 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic choice for experienced cyclists with very good fitness who are ready for mixed terrain and stunning, varied landscapes.
What to expect on Casper Little Lake Road 409 – Mendocino Headlands State Park loop from Mendocino Woodlands Camp 1
This loop is a journey through diverse ecosystems, transitioning from grand ocean vistas to dense redwood forests. You'll start near Mendocino Woodlands Camp 1, soon encountering Casper Little Lake Road (Road 409), which includes a notable 1.4-mile (2.3 km) dirt section. While the initial 100 yards of Road 409 are steep, the subsequent climb through pleasant greenery is steady, leading you into prime woodlands and old-growth redwood groves. The route then opens up to the dramatic Mendocino Headlands, offering spectacular views of sea arches, hidden grottoes, and the world-famous village of Mendocino, before a potentially rough descent back. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, demanding a bike suitable for mixed terrain and a willingness to push your bike on some difficult segments.
Planning your visit
This route is rated difficult, so ensure you have very good fitness and a touring bicycle capable of handling both paved roads and dirt sections. Mendocino Woodlands State Park, where the route begins, has a rich history, built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps. While exploring Mendocino Headlands State Park, remember that drone usage is prohibited to protect the natural environment and wildlife. Always carry enough water, especially on warmer days, and be prepared for varied conditions along the coast.
Trail details
- Distance: 27.8 miles (44.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 3326 feet (1014 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 46 minutes
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