West Potrero Road – Lake Sherwood Drive loop from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
West Potrero Road – Lake Sherwood Drive loop from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
4.6
(2093)
14,907
riders
West Potrero Road – Lake Sherwood Drive loop from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
03:50
71.2km
1,180m
Road cycling
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
4.83 km
West Potrero Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.53 km
Lake Sherwood Drive
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
18.3 km
Great Views
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
24.1 km
NPS Land
Nature Reserve
33.0 km
LA County Open Space
Nature Reserve
41.0 km
View of Lake Eleanor Ridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
42.0 km
Lake Eleanor
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
58.1 km
Potrero Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
61.4 km
Lake Sherwood
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
71.2 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
33.3 km
32.7 km
3.95 km
1.32 km
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
54.3 km
16.6 km
237 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (610 m)
Lowest point (250 m)
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 12 July
28°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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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 seeking a challenging road cycling route with stunning scenery in the Santa Monica Mountains, the West Potrero Road – Lake Sherwood Drive loop from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa is definitely worth your time. This difficult 44.3 miles (71.2 km) ride packs in 3879 feet (1182 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 49 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for experienced cyclists looking for a substantial workout and picturesque views, especially if you appreciate a good climb.
What to expect on West Potrero Road – Lake Sherwood Drive loop from Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
This road cycling route offers a journey through diverse landscapes, starting from the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area. You'll wind through hills dotted with oak trees, vineyards, and ranches, eventually reaching the serene lakeside vistas of Lake Sherwood. West Potrero Road, often called the "road through Hidden Valley," is a highlight, showcasing vineyards, orchards, and stud farms with wooded hills in the distance. Expect significant elevation changes, including a notable 4.7-kilometer (2.9-mile) climb on West Potrero Road with an average grade of 6.1% and sections reaching 14.8%. This makes the loop best suited for road cyclists with good fitness who enjoy a demanding ride.
Planning your visit
The loop begins from the vicinity of Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, which provides access to the surrounding road network. While the preserve itself has multi-use trails, this route is specifically for road cycling on the well-maintained roads. Parking is available at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa. There are no specific permits or fees mentioned for cycling these public roads. Given the duration and elevation gain, ensure you carry adequate water and nutrition, especially during warmer months.
Trail details
- Distance: 44.3 miles (71.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 3879 feet (1182 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 49 minutes
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