Arcata to San Francisco
Itinerary
Spend a week seeing the best of Northern California. From farm country to giant Redwoods, coastal mountains and cliffside ocean views, experience it all from your handlebars. Starting in Arcata, your ride begins in the rolling farmland of Northern California. Have your breath taken away by the mesmerizing Avenue of the Giants before breaking off to the coast for some of California’s best scenery. Visit old town Mendocino, tidepools near Bodega Bay, and Point Reyes National Seashore before crossing the iconic Golden Gate into San Francisco.
Day by Day
Arrival | Arcata
Arrive into Arcata and get yourself and your bike organized. Enjoy an evening in town, discovering the local scene. From small wine bars to artsy shops and eclectic options for dinner, there’s lots to explore.
Day 1 | Arcata - Avenue of the Giants | 62.9 miles
Head into the rural back roads of Northern California. Pass small towns, valley farmland and rolling hills on our way to the famous Avenue of the Giants, where you finish the day among majestic redwoods.
Day 2 | Avenue of the Giants - Standish Hickey | 47.4 miles
Start in the redwoods, and meander on quiet roads for most of the morning. After lunch, continue on side roads through small towns before finishing at a beautifully forested campsite.
Day 3 | Standish Hickey - Van Damme | 60.3 miles
After two big climbs out to the coast, be instantly rewarded with stunning rocky ocean views on California’s famous Highway 1. Pass through the towns of Westport, Fort Bragg, and Mendocino before arriving at your campsite for the night.
Day 4 | Van Damme - Gualala | 47.6 miles
Bike through the villages of Point Arena, Anchor Bay and Gualala, with several beach access points along the way.
Day 5 | Gualala - Bodega Dunes | 45.7 miles
Cycling high above the ocean, the views from this morning’s cliffside road will leave you in a state of awe. Winding along the coast, we’ll pass the relaxed riverside town of Jenner, before ending today’s ride at Bodega Dunes Campground, just outside of Bodega Bay.
Day 6 | Bodega Dunes - San Francisco | 68.5 miles
Our last day takes us along the scenic Sonoma county farmland, passing Valley Ford, Tomales. and Stinson Beach, to the last major climb of the trip. You'll head up the winding, cliffside Highway 1 into the Marin Headlands, before crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco.
A Glimpse at Day 1
Arcata - Avenue of the Giants | 62.9 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!
9 am: Pass through Eureka town center, picking up any supplies you might need for the day.
11:30 am: Hit the small hamlet on Fernbridge Rd. and grab a bite at Fernbridge Market. They have a great brunch!
12:30 pm: Get back on your bike, and cycle into the country. You'll soon be biking through farmland and rolling hills.
3 pm: Pass through the small towns of Rio Dell and Scotia (remember to get dinner and breakfast supplies here), and enter the Humboldt Redwood Forest. You are now biking the famous Avenue of the Giants. It's ok to stop and stare.
4 pm: Set up camp amongst the redwoods in the Avenue of the Giants and get some rest for the following day.
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