pmeThe best routes for urban explorations of Tempe’s 165-mile bikeway system are the downtown Rio Salado Paths. Flanked by the iconic Arizona State University and Sun Devil Stadium, the 5 miles of paved, landscaped pathways wind along Tempe Town Lake, past Tempe Beach Park and imaginative public art displays, like the murmuring water of the Marina Water Muse.T

The paved and mostly level 14.2-mile trail starts in Ballard, winds east through fun, funky Fremont, curves north along the shores of Lake Washington (see views of downtown) and ends in Kenmore. There’s parking at several spots, including Gas Works Park, Matthews Beach Park, and Tracy Owen Station. This year, you’ll need to detour around construction at the Fremont Bridge.

By far the prettiest way to travel from San Jose to Los Gatos is along the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The paved route’s 8.5 miles are mostly flat and screened from the South Bay’s busy roads by eucalyptus, willows, and the gentle mumurings of the creek. Stop the meander for a picnic, to feed the ducks, or for a paddleboat ride at Vasona Lake County Park