One of several climbs away from Hwy 17 from Lexington Reservoir southwest of Silicon Valley.

Cycling Black Road

Ride 4.6 miles gaining 1,830’ at 7.4% average grade.

Start at the intersection of Black and Montevina Roads near Lexington Reservoir. 

Black Road is one of four great climbs in the Lexington Reservoir area.  Not much for distant views, this is a challenging climb that begins at the intersection of Black and Montevina Roads and climbs on up to Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35).  We are surrounded and covered by a canopy of tree branches throughout the climb which is a popular route for local cyclists.  Towards the top (at the steepest segment of the climb) we run through a series of ten sharp switchbacks which are quite fun on the descent.

Photos along the first half of the climb.

Photos along the redwood lined second half of the climb.  

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Climb finishes on Skyline Boulevard where you can access Gist and Bear Creek Roads to the south.

A spectacular climbing day:  Black - Gist - Thompson - Montevina - Soda Springs Roads (Map) - essentially no traffic and peaceful riding/climbing for 41 miles, gaining nearly 8,000'.  ​

​Roadway Surface and Traffic Report:  This two-lane road is in good shape with mild traffic the entire climb.  This is a safe climb.

This is a beautiful ride in the redwoods.

Hairpin at mile two just before one mile flat section.

We saw a herd of deer and a coyote (in different locations) on one of our rides here.