Keep on Rollin'

Easygoing Road Bike Ride on the East Bay's Alameda Creek Regional Trail

09.21.2017

There are those who love to test their mettle with the pedal on road bike rides. Then there's the rest of us, looking for something more easygoing, yet still respectable in mileage! Great scenery helps, too! A mellow road bike ride along the Alameda Creek Regional Trail in Fremont is a great way to enjoy a breeze and the scenery of wetlands and salt flats.

The 24-mile (round-trip) trail runs from Niles Canyon, following Alameda Creek to the edge of the San Francisco Bay. Road bikers should follow the paved path on the south side of the creek. Snowy egrets flock to the quarry lakes south of the trail. The marshland turns to salt flats at the edge of the bay. Briny ocean air and whiffs of sulfur mix together. Stay strong, the smellier the trail gets, the prettier the ride.

The rolling hills of Coyote Hills Regional Park loom over marsh ponds, and the Dumbarton Bridge sits on the horizon. Add some twists and turns by following the Bayview Trail around Coyote Hills (it meets back up with the Alameda Creek Regional Trail and adds an additional 2 miles). The winding road follows the shore for unobstructed water views. Roll call!

TIP: Pack a lunch and enjoy views of the South Bay at the picnic tables at the west end of the trail.

Start your ride at the Niles Canyon Staging area in Fremont (map). Parking is available at the staging area.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

  2. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  3. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

    View

  4. Eat, Explore, Repeat: Point Reyes Station

    It’s small and laid-back, but Point Reyes Station is a standout gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Fresh food, cool culture, and an unfussy vibe are part of the draw.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  2. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

    View

  3. Bright Point of View

    Here's a way to brighten your day: Head to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1870 to help warn mariners of the navigational hazard that we now call Point Reyes, the lighthouse was handed over to the National Park Service after serving for 105 years.

    View
  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

    View