Guide to the Best Cycling in the East Bay

It’s often said that there is no better way to experience the East Bay region of California than on two wheels, so it may be time to pump up your tires, grab a helmet and hit the road – we’re going to dive into the best cycling opportunities in the East Bay.

Introduction

Offering something for riders of every ability and interest, the East Bay is a cycling enthusiast’s paradise, regardless of whether your idea of the ultimate bike trip encompasses gentle cruising along paved flat trails, through scenic waterfront parks or if it leans towards heart-pounding pedaling up mountains boasting awe-inspiring vistas. You may even hanker for flipping over dirt jumps in custom-built terrain parks…whatever your passion, the East Bay area has it in spades.

From the sunbaked fire roads of Pleasanton to the often windswept and foggy Bay Trail, there’s an abundance of opportunities to soak in the total variety of Northern California. Not convinced? Try the cool, quiet pathways beneath gorgeous redwood trees in Joaquin Miller Park or the streets of Oakland, where guided bike tours around town await complete with a pumping soundtrack accompanying the trick riders beside Lake Merritt. And if that’s not enough, consider the impromptu “ride outs” and the colorful made-in-Oakland Scraper Bike scene.

The point is, it doesn’t matter if your choice of ride is a custom fiber road racer, clunky beach cruiser, mega-suspension mountaineer, BMX beauty or funky fixie – the following suggestions represent some of the East Bay area’s best biking options.

Scenic Road Options

The Bay Trail

The East Bay’s portion of the Bay Trail (part of a work-in-progress effort to create a 500-mile path encircling the Bay) winds 56 miles, starting in Alameda and moving across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island before cutting through Berkeley to Point Richmond.

Three Bears Loop

Considered a moderate biking trail and a must-do for cyclists in the East Bay, the famous Three Bears Loop was named after its three primary hills along the 19 miles of road around the Briones and San Pablo reservoirs. Warm up on the “Mama Bear” (approximately 250 feet uphill), move on to the longer and steeper “Papa Bear” (a 650-feet incline) and enjoy the short but sharp “Baby Bear” (200 feet uphill via a half-mile stretch).

Mount Diablo

Considered a difficult biking trail, this ride climbs nearly the full 3,849-foot elevation to the summit of Mount Diablo – and it’s an experience not for the faint of heart, what with its 12-mile-long climb on a traffic-filled road that concludes with an extra-steep segment. The summit features a visitor center with an observation deck complete with a cafe, telescopes, restrooms and gift shop.

Heart-Pumping Mountain Biking Options

Tilden Park

The easy-to-difficult trails through the large expanse of Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park range from family-friendly thoroughfares – both dirt and paved varieties – to challenging single-track side treks. Sitting atop the hills are surprise scenic overlooks, including a breathtaking Mount Diablo vista from the Skyline Trail section.

Joaquin Miller Park

This remains one of the more scenic mountain bike areas you can experience in the hills above Oakland, boasting paths beneath redwoods on trails made of dirt, complete with a moss-covered forest floor that appears to absorb all the sound around it.

Oyster Point Trail

Looking for a difficult, challenging terrain? While it’s true that Mount Diablo is best known for its epic rides to the summit, the Diablo foothills provide some of the most challenging single-track riding in the East Bay. Rugged and remote, the out-and-back 3.5-mile Oyster Point Trail begins at Finley Road or Currey Point and boasts some highly rated technical downhills into Jackass Canyon (and, when conditions are ideal, flowy sections for experts to speed up and test their skills while getting a solid workout with hundreds of feet of uphills).

Conclusion

Before heading out to explore the East Bay on your bike, plan for a safe ride. Familiarize yourself with local cycling laws, always use any available bike lanes, signal your turns and wear a helmet and other protective gear. Sadly in 2022, there were nearly 9,000 bicycle accidents in California. Ride safe and enjoy all the area has to offer cycling enthusiasts.

We hope that this guide serves as a conduit so you can explore the most popular road biking trails in the East Bay area, a region that’s teeming with lush landscapes, dazzling foliage, and scenery you won’t soon forget.