Redwood Rd.
- December 11th, 2009
- Posted in East Bay
- Write comment
Start: I-580, Castro Valley, Ca
Finish: Skyline Blvd., Oakland, Ca
Distance: 12.5 miles
Estimated Travel Time: 23 minutes
Description:
There are some roads in the Bay Area that are better known, but this is one of my personal favorites for a drive. It starts in downtown Castro Valley, but after about 2 miles leads out into the back country. Once you pass the golf course things start to get more fun with tighter curves and a steeper road. After the first climb there is a nice decent before another climb. This second climb is really nice with lots of back-and-forth sections that get you into a perfect rhythm.
Speed:
You really have to watch your speed while driving out of Castro Valley as it’s in a busy area, including a few school zones. Also, there are also a couple of places (like by the entrance to the Chabot Regional Park) where you should make sure you are driving the posted speed limit.
Road Condition:
The road is fairly decently maintained, but there may be some dirt on the canyon side of the road. Also, the ‘cliff’ side of the road has some areas with little-to-no ‘run-off’. For the most part, the road condition has not been a concern for me when driving this road.
Traffic:
The major traffic on Redwood Rd. is from cyclists if it is a sunny/warm day. The down hill portions they will often times keep pace with vehicles, but in the up hill sections you may have to wait for a safe place to pass. If there is slower vehicle traffic there are many places to pull-off, but several times I’ve been stuck behind a slower vehicle that will not pull over.
Accessibility:
This is a great alternative road if you are driving the from Castro Valley area towards Berkeley or Orinda. There are no gas or food stops along the way, but there are facilities at the regional parks.
Length:
I really wish this road was longer, but it is what it is. I have been known to drive this road ‘out and back’ just to make the total trip a little longer.
I just got my new Porsche Cayman R, and this was the first fun drive, only my 3rd time even driving the car. What a blast! Easy to get to, off 580. Not a lot of traffic, and when there were slow cars ahead, there was always a pulloff not to far ahead to “regroup”. Bicyclists are present, which made it a bit nerve-wracking taking tight turns. The road twists and turns the whole way. Lots of fun. I will definitely be back. The length was just perfect. This has already become my signature fun driving road.
just drove it. super fun. good rhythm. lots of bikers on weekends it seems though.
remember keep the road safe for others!
Really fun road. Every time I’ve been up there you get this feel good vibe of freedom (if there are barely any cars). A relaxing and exhilarating drive. Still be careful though like on any road. Good couple of blind turns. If you connect this road with Pinehurst rd it’s an even better experience.