Nestled in the picturesque countryside west of Paso Robles, the Chimney Rock Road loop offers cyclists a refreshing escape through rolling vineyards and charming landscapes. This 23.5-mile route, boasting an elevation gain of 1980 feet, is celebrated as a top cycling experience in the region, renowned for its accessible yet engaging terrain, especially the exhilarating 6-mile “rollercoaster” section.
While the Paso Robles wine country is traversed by several inviting roads, this loop, anchored by Chimney Rock Road, stands out as a particularly enjoyable and relatively easy ride. However, cyclists should be mindful of traffic, particularly on Adelaida Road, a significant artery in the area. During peak hours or weekends, vehicle traffic can be considerable. For a more serene experience, consider cycling mid-morning on weekdays, when the roads are typically quieter, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery and the ride itself.
This route is equally rewarding when cycled in reverse, offering a different perspective and experience, as detailed in the Alternate route section below.
Panoramic vista from Adelaida Road overlooking the valley where Chimney Rock Road meanders.
The adventure begins at the intersection of Nacimiento Lake Road and Adelaida Road, where a convenient dirt pull-out provides parking. The initial five miles present the most significant climb of the route, a steady, manageable ascent gaining 910 feet at an average gradient of 3.5%. This gradual incline serves as an ideal warm-up, allowing you to settle into your rhythm while enjoying the evolving scenery. The roadside views are a pleasing blend of classic oak woodlands, verdant vineyards, and expansive vistas of the valley stretching to the north. As you ascend, Chimney Rock Road comes into view, winding through the heart of the valley, previewing the second, flatter half of your cycling journey. Observing the route ahead adds a unique dimension to the ride, offering a sense of place and anticipation. Keep an eye out for the small lake nestled in the valley below – a landmark you’ll pass by later on Chimney Rock Road.
Smooth tarmac and scenic views define the cycling experience on Adelaida Road.
After navigating a couple of false summits, you’ll reach the true summit near Adelaida Vineyards, marking the beginning of a 6-mile stretch of pure cycling bliss. The road surface here is exceptionally smooth, often described as glass-like, enhancing the joy of the ride. You’ll be enveloped by a picturesque oak forest canopy as you embark on the exhilarating “rollercoaster” descent. This isn’t a steep, breakneck downhill; instead, it’s a playful series of moderate descents, dips, turns, and short rises, maintaining a gentle 2-5% gradient. This undulating profile encourages active cycling, inviting you to pedal aggressively and maintain momentum through the rolling terrain.
At the 9-mile mark, you’ll intersect with Vineyard Drive, briefly merging onto the route shared with the Santa Rita/Cypress Mountain Road ride. This overlap extends from Vineyard Drive to the junction with Klau Mine Road, although you’ll be cycling it in the opposite direction.
Cycling through the pastoral landscapes as Chimney Rock Road unfolds.
Reaching the dead-end onto Chimney Rock Road at mile 11 marks a distinct change in scenery and character. Chimney Rock Road presents a stark contrast to Adelaida Road. While Adelaida Road is synonymous with Paso Robles wine country, characterized by rolling hills and grand estates, Chimney Rock Road offers a glimpse into a different facet of the region. Here, the landscape transitions to grassy, flatter valley floor, reminiscent of cattle country, with more modest homes dotting the scenery. While Chimney Rock Road was once known for its less-than-perfect road surface, recent resurfacing in 2021 has transformed it into a cyclist-friendly path. This section provides a refreshing change of pace after the vineyards, with enough gentle undulation to maintain interest. Despite its name, the elusive Chimney Rock itself, supposedly located at the end of Chimney Rock Road where it meets Nacimiento Lake Road, can be easily missed.
Open road and expansive skies along Chimney Rock Road.
At the intersection with Nacimiento Lake Road, turn right (R) to join Highway G14, also known as Nacimiento Lake Drive. This stretch consists of a wide, busy highway with variable shoulder conditions, ranging from generous to non-existent. The ride profile here is characterized by long, gradual, and somewhat monotonous rollers – arguably the least inspiring part of the loop. Endure these final 6 miles to return to your starting point and complete the Chimney Rock Road cycling loop.
Alternate Route: For those seeking to maximize the most scenic and thrilling sections, consider an alternative route that focuses on Adelaida Road. By turning around at Vineyard Drive, you can bypass Chimney Rock Road and Nacimiento Lake Drive altogether. This shorter option (approximately 18 miles) involves slightly more elevation gain but concentrates on the highlights. Ascending the “rollercoaster” section of Adelaida Road from Vineyard Drive is surprisingly enjoyable, offering a near-effortless climb with constantly changing gradients. At a more leisurely pace of 8-10 mph, you can better appreciate the surrounding scenery. This variation also rewards you with a fast and enjoyable descent from the summit back to your car.
Shortening the Route: For an even shorter ride, start at Vineyard Drive and cycle to the summit and back, capturing the essence of the Adelaida Road experience.
Adding Miles: This route intersects briefly with the Santa Rita Rd./Cypress Mountain Rd. ride and is also conveniently close to the Peachy Canyon Road ride via Vineyard Drive, offering numerous options to extend your cycling adventure in the Paso Robles area. For more route ideas, refer to the “Adding Miles” section of the Peachy Canyon Road ride and the Paso Robles cycling destination guide on Bestrides’ homepage.
