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The most scenic climbs in the Bay Area: Top 5 clockwise from top left
#5 Mt. Umunhum; #1 Mt. Tamalpais; #2 Mt. St. Helena
#4 Mt. Hamilton; #3 Geysers Road
THE FIFTH MOST SCENIC CLIMB IN THE BAY AREA
MT. UMUNHUM SOUTH, SANTA CLARA COUNTY
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Mt. Umunhum is Most Scenic #5 because:
- There is very little traffic (perhaps not a pure “scenic” factor, but it does add greatly to the pleasure of the ride);
- It is through wooded preserve land with zero residences or commercial buildings; and
- There are spectacular views of the Silicon Valley from The Cube.
#4 BAY AREA MOST SCENIC
MT. HAMILTON WEST (SANTA CLARA COUNTY)
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![Mt. Hamilton Cycling Mt. Hamilton - Lick Observatory aerial drone photo at sunset]()
Why #4 Most Scenic?
- Great views of the Silicon Valley for the first few miles;
- Maybe the greatest groves of oak trees on any bike climb in the Bay Area; and
- Great distant views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, including the Mt. Umunhum Cube on a clear day.
#3 BAY AREA MOST SCENIC
GEYSERS ROAD, SONOMA COUNTY
![IMG_1905.JPG]()
Why #3?
- The greatest vineyard views in California’s Wine Country; and
- Amazing views of the Alexander Valley.
#2 MOST SCENIC BAY AREA
MT. ST. HELENA, NAPA COUNTY
![Mt. St. Helena Cycling Mt. St. Helena - view of Mt. St. Helena across vineyards]()
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Why #2?
- An epic and challenging climb with minimal motor vehicle traffic for the first part, and zero traffic for the last half of the trip;
- Begin in vineyards, climb through remote mountainous roadway adjacent to the palisades, and end at the highest point in the North Bay; and
- The greatest 360 degree views in the Bay Area from the top.
THE MOST SCENIC BIKE CLIMB IN THE BAY AREA
MT. TAMALPAIS FROM ALPINE DAM, MARIN COUNTY
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Why Numero Uno?
- Of the five primary ascents to the top of Mt. Tam, this is the most scenic;
- Begins at beautiful Alpine Reservoir;
- Ride through redwood groves the first few miles;
- Ride the ridgeline with some views of the Pacific Ocean and a glimpse of Mt. St. Helena to the north; and
- For the last few miles of the climb, the most amazing views of San Francisco Bay and The City of anywhere.