King Ridge Rd, Cazadero, CA

King Ridge starts in Cazadero, CA—a small redwood town known for Willys Jeeps and a classic general store where our groups always stop for ice cream.

Willys America, a world-renowned restoration shop and parts supplier dedicated to the Willys-Overland line, sits atop a five-acre former lumber mill right in town. It’s been a fixture there for as long as I can remember- decades. After snapping photos of your favorite vintage Willys and finishing your ice cream, the road forks just outside of town.

King Ridge should likely be called the King of the Goat Trails. It is single-lane, remote, paved, and truly in the middle of nowhere—exactly what you’ve been looking for. Bumping over the Coast Range, the road flows through rolling cow pastures and seems in no hurry to get anywhere. Multiple single-lane switchbacks climb the range and are just part of the scenery. There is no commercial development here; just small homesteads and wineries scattered across the ridges.

The true allure of King Ridge lies in its isolation. As you climb away from the Cazadero redwoods, the canopy opens into bald grassy ridges devoid of trees that offer 360-degree views of the Sonoma hills. The road surface is a patchwork of aged asphalt that demands a steady hand and a focused eye—especially when you encounter cattle guards or livestock.

On our last pass, we had to wait while two cows head-butted each other right in the center of the pavement, completely oblivious to our presence.

King Ridge is a quintessential California backroad: slow-going, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable. (Just keep a eye out for the local bicyclists as you burble on past them.)

King Ridge eventually reaches the crest of the Coast Range at Tin Barn Rd. From there, you can head north to Stewarts Point Rd or drop out to Highway 1 on Timber Cove Rd or Fort Ross Rd. Need more? Continue south on Meyers Grade Rd which has broad views of the Pacific Ocean high above the hurried tourist traffic on Highway 1 below.

https://www.pashnittours.com/