Gates Canyon

Gates Canyon is only 2 miles from Mix Canyon making this the best area for Northern California cycling and agriventure. The Canyon is set in the Pleasants Valley hills on the outskirts of Vacaville, off of Pleasants Valley Road. Gates Canyon Road is gentle and scenic for cyclists initially but quickly increases in grade and difficulty as you approach the summit of Mount Vaca, the highest point in Solano County. The view of the lake is beautiful and you cannot get much better when it comes to biking in California. The summit of Mount Vaca is reached via either Mix Canyon Road or Gates Canyon Road, both of which originate in Vacaville. These roads intersect Blue Ridge Road, which is the same as County Road 354, and follows the ridge top to the summit high point. Lands on either side of Blue Ridge Road are private property, but the road itself is a public thoroughfare. Although both Gates Canyon and Mix Canyon are often illegally posted with "No Trespassing" signs to prevent reaching Blue Ridge Road, public access is confirmed by the Solano County Surveyors Office. There are also Fire Department gates across Blue Ridge Road that are closed during periods of extreme fire danger but should be open otherwise. A couple of quick stats for Gates Canyon: Steepest Mile: At least 14.5% average Steepest 1/2 Mile: Over 16% average