San Francisco
TO BIG SUR
Itinerary
Starting just outside of San Francisco, begin riding past reservoirs, forests, rolling hillsides, and along mountain ridge roads into the Redwood forests in the Santa Cruz mountains. Meet the coast, and visit famous towns like Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, before entering beautiful Big Sur. Finish your adventure among the majestic Redwoods, with the crashing coastline just a short hike away.
Day by Day
Arrival Day | San Francisco
Arrive into the beautiful city by the bay, and enjoy a night in town. From the Mission, to Hayes Valley, Haight-Ashbury, SOMA, North Beach, and the famous Golden Gate Park, you'll have plenty to explore.
Day 1 | San Francisco - Big Basin | 52.1 miles
Skip the busy bay, and start riding in the South Bay. Climb up to beautiful forested bike paths along the San Andreas Lake and Crystal Spring Reservoirs, and ride along quiet cyclist filled roads into Big Basin Redwood Forest.
Day 2 | Big Basin - New Brighton | 32.3 miles
Riding downhill through the Santa Cruz mountains, pause for the awe inspiring views. Cycling through quaint mountain towns, enter one of California’s surf capitals, Santa Cruz.
Day 3 | New Brighton - Monterey | 42 miles
Biking through small communities, enjoy quiet residential roads, bike paths and seaside views with incredible wildlife on your way to Monterey.
Day 4 | Monterey - Big Sur | 44.5 miles
Start the day with the famous 17-mile drive through Pebble Beach, stopping in Carmel for a visit to a few galleries and the sandy beach. After miles of rolling coastal bliss, enter Big Sur, where you’ll finish at Pfeiffer Big Sur Campsite for a night nestled amongst giant Redwoods.
A Glimpse at Day 1
San Francisco - Big Basin | 52.1 miles
7 am: Wake up and get ready for day 1. Make sure you have all your personal belongings packed in your panniers.
8 am: Eat breakfast, load your panniers onto your bike, do a last minute check and hit the road!
8:30 am: Hop on BART, San Francisco's rapid transit system, and head to Millbrae, where you'll to begin the ride.
9:30 am: Ride out of town, along the bike path by the scenic Crystal Springs reservoir.
11:30 am: Stop at Robert's Market for lunch and pick up dinner and breakfast supplies. Perhaps grab lunch to go and enjoy a picnic lunch once you reach the Skyline Vista Point.
3 pm: Bike along the top of Skyline, catching views of rolling coastal moutains, the ocean, and the South Bay.
4 pm: Enter Big Basin Redwood Forest. Enjoy quiet roads lined with these magnificent giants.
5 pm: Arrive at Big Basin Redwoods State Park and set up camp. Check out the walking trails, visit the camp restaurant, or simply relax by the campfire.
Have questions? Check out our
PACK:
Bike Equipment
Touring bike, waterproof panniers & handlebar bag, pump, bike tools, & essential spare parts. You'll also receive a custom biking jersey to keep!
Camping Gear
Tent, sleeping mat, tarp, cookware, flashlight, sleeping bag
Route Design
Expertly designed day-by-day route suggestions, essential tips, campsite options, places of interest, and dining recommendations along the way.
PLAN FOR:
Accommodation Costs
