Clear Creek / Five Spot Loop

Bicycling, Wine Tasting and more in El Dorado County, California

Bike Rides

Clear Creek / Sierra Springs Loop

Level of Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (1500' total climbing)
Riding Time: 1.5 to 2 hours	Printable Area Map: Clear Creek/Sierra Springs Loop (Adobe Acrobat required)
Season to Ride: Late Spring through Fall

Description: This is one of our favorites. Clear Creek Rd is an incredibly beautiful road. Small, quiet and follows very close to the creek through old growth forest, it's a road that even bike racers will slow down to enjoy. This is a great ride on hot summer days, the canyon is definitely the coolest place in the area (conversely, it's the coldest place in Winter!). As you start to leave the canyon, Clear Creek Rd turns into Sierra Springs Rd though we've never quite figured out where the transition is. The road starts climbing out of the canyon, and on hot summer days you'll notice the temperature climb. Fortunately, this area remains much cooler than the lower foothills and the road remains quiet as it wanders through the forest. Near the top of the climb, you'll enter a section of country homes. More side roads appear, just follow the main road with the double yellow line (it's the only one with the line) and it will guide you to Sly Park Rd. Here the traffic increases, though you will be riding this section downhill back to Pleasant Valley.

Miles	Directions
0.0	Start at corner of E16 (also known as Mt. Aukum Rd) and Pleasant Valley Rd. Head East on Sly Park Rd. (If you are standing on E16 looking at Pleasant Valley Rd, you would turn Right).
1.1	Turn Left on Clear Creek (before creek bridge).
3.3	Pass Five Spot Rd (continue straight). Begin climb out of canyon.
6.5	Double yellow line starts in road. This remains until you reach Sly Park Rd. Side roads don't have this marking.
7.5	Turn Right on Sly Park Rd
11.1	Pass Clear Creek Rd (continue straight)
12.2	Ride ends at Pleasant Valley and E16 (Mt. Aukum Rd).