Arastradero Lake – Portola Road loop from Cañada College
Arastradero Lake – Portola Road loop from Cañada College
4.7
(9060)
13,737
riders
Arastradero Lake – Portola Road loop from Cañada College
02:26
38.0km
470m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 20, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
3.88 km
Woodside
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
13.6 km
Gerona Road Tree
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Tip by
21.5 km
Arastradero Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
23.5 km
Rossotti's Alpine Inn
Highlight • Pub
Tip by
27.7 km
Portola Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
38.0 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
23.0 km
7.44 km
4.83 km
1.50 km
879 m
311 m
Surfaces
33.7 km
2.80 km
994 m
476 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (200 m)
Lowest point (40 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 16 June
26°C
14°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 touring cycling experience with rewarding views, the Arastradero Lake – Portola Road loop from Cañada College is definitely worth your time. This difficult 23.6-mile (38.0 km) route packs in 1531 feet (467 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists with very good fitness levels who enjoy varied terrain and significant climbs.
What to expect on Arastradero Lake – Portola Road loop from Cañada College
This route is a journey through diverse landscapes, blending paved roads with the mixed terrain of the Enid Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. You'll navigate rolling grasslands, evergreen forests, and oak woodlands, with higher points offering glimpses of the San Francisco Bay, Stanford, and Palo Alto. The serene Arastradero Lake, surrounded by oaks, provides a peaceful interlude, while the Portola Valley area treats you to wooded hills and even redwood forests. Be prepared for hilly terrain and some very steep sections within the preserve, requiring consistent effort, but the varied scenery and wildlife sightings make it a rewarding ride for experienced cyclists.
Planning your visit
Before heading out, especially during wet seasons, it's wise to check trail conditions as some paths in Arastradero Preserve may close after heavy rains due to muddy conditions. A significant portion of Cañada Road (3.8 miles) is closed to motor vehicles on Sundays between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, offering a safer and more enjoyable experience for cyclists during those hours. Remember that trails within the preserve are multi-use, so be ready to yield to hikers and equestrians.
Trail details
- Distance: 23.6 miles (38.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 1531 feet (467 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
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