Starting in Palo Alto, this overnight route takes you on a tour through some of the diverse environments of the Bay Area Peninsula. Meander up and over the Skyline ridge in scenic Redwoods before intersecting with Highway 1 and Section 4 of the Pacific Coast Route. Enjoy fantastic views of the coast and arrive at the Francis Beach Campground Hiker/Biker sites. Day 2 will offer a similar landscape including an unpaved climb on the Purisima Creek Trail. This challenging route will reward you with iconic climbs/descents and memorable scenery.
The route is in the shape of a figure-8, with Day 1 shown in red, and Day 2 shown in blue, on the Ride with GPS overview route map. Some things to know before you set out on this challenging and rewarding adventure:
A) The route is ridable year-round. However, there's often coastal fog early in the day that rolls up and over the ridgeline that can make for slick conditions. Keep your speed under control on the two major descents; B) No Permits/Reservations are required for the Hiker/Biker sites at the Francis Beach campground. The cost is $7.00 per person. The Hiker/Biker camp is a large grassy area that can fit dozens of tents. Therefore, it's likely you'll be sharing the space with other campers. There are a few picnic tables, a firepit, beach access, bathrooms and showers, but no electricity; C) Highway 35 (Skyline Blvd) is popular with car enthusiasts testing their steel. Pack bike lights and hi-vis colors, like an Adventure Cycling safety triangle; D) Cell service is not good on the ridgeline, in the middle part of each day’s ride; E) There are three bike shops along the way, toward the beginning and the end of each day but not in the middle. Plan ahead if you need their services.
This route takes place on the ancestral lands of the Muwekma, Ohlone, Tamien, Awaswas, Ramaytush, and Chochenyo peoples.
