Local Routes
Here are some of Alto Velo members’ favorite rides on the San Francisco Peninsula. If you have suggestion for a cool route in the San Francisco Bay Area or beyond, whether road, gravel or MTB, please let us know and we can add it here.
Looking for hill interval workouts? Check out our favorite Egan routes!
Reverse Pescadero
This challenging route takes you out to the coast and back, completing a reverse lap of the Pescadero Road Race course, hence the name. Resist the temptation to hammer Old La Honda early on and save your legs for the climbs up Haskins and West Alpine in the second half of the ride.
Food/Water/Bathrooms: SkyLonda, Pescadero
Half Moon Bay via Higgins
Another challenging route that takes you to the coast via Half Moon Bay, with a nice mixture of climbs and descents through dense redwoods and great views of the ocean.
Food/Water/Bathrooms: Half Moon Bay, Skylonda
Crystal Springs
This is a fast route for those who love sprinting and gentle rolling hills. Primarily an out-and-back on Cañada Road, you’ll pass through the lovely communities of Portola Valley and Woodside, heading north towards the San Mateo highlands. This route is also commonly used when it is rainy/wet/foggy up on Skyline Blvd.
Food/Water/Bathrooms: Downtown Woodside.
Alpine/Portola/Sand Hill Loop
This popular loop in the foothills near Stanford University is a great introduction to those new to the mid-peninsula. With mild rolling hills, it can be used as a recovery ride or a casual fun ride with friends.
Food/Water/Bathrooms: Downtown Palo Alto, Portola Valley town center