SoCal’s weather (especially here in L.A.) makes it the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. From hitting the beach to surfing or kayaking, the list of things to do outside is endless. And biking is definitely a must! While CicLAvia is great, it’s far from your only option, there are tons of scenic trails just waiting to be explored. So, let’s dive in and check out the best spots to enjoy L.A. on two wheels!
Table Of Contents
Paved bike trails
Discover the best paved bike paths around L.A. for smooth rides and scenic views. Whether you’re a casual rider or a cycling enthusiast, these paths have something for everyone!
Venice Beach Bike Path
The Venice Beach Bike Path is a chill 2.8-mile loop that’s great for a laid-back ride. You’ll cruise through palm trees with the beach on one side and the lively boardwalk on the other. It’s paved and separate from the crowds, so you can just enjoy the views and the breeze. A fun way to see a bit of Venice without the hustle.
📍 Location: 3099-3011 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
L.A. River Bikeway
This stretch of the L.A. River trail, managed by the county, is part of the larger multi-use path that follows the river. It runs south through South Gate, Paramount, and Long Beach, winding past both concrete-lined sections and areas that feel a bit more natural. The trail ends just a few miles from the Pacific, making it a cool route if you’re heading toward the coast.
📍 Location: 4250 Coldwater Canyon Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
Chandler Bikeway
This stretch of Chandler Boulevard in Burbank, from Mariposa Street to the North Hollywood Metro stop, has been a bike-friendly path since 2004. It’s a smooth, easy ride with a few quirky sculptures and bits of street art along the way, plus some nice landscaping and views of the Verdugo Mountains to keep things interesting.
📍 Location: 10811 Chandler Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601
Elysian Park
Elysian Park has its fair share of hills, not super steep or massive, but enough to get your legs working. Biking here isn’t quite the same as hiking, but the effort’s pretty similar to doing the Wisdom Tree hike or riding up to the Hollywood Sign. So yeah, expect a bit of a climb, but it’s all part of the fun.
📍 Location: 929 Academy Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl Loop is a relaxed 3-mile ride around the stadium, some parking lots, and a golf course. It’s a solid spot for getting some exercise, whether you’re biking or running. While it’s not the most thrilling route, the gentle slopes are great for practicing uphill and downhill riding. Traffic’s usually light and drivers tend to be respectful since the area’s full of other cyclists and joggers.
📍 Location: Trail starts near 176 West Drive
Gravel bike trails
Explore L.A.’s top gravel bike paths for a more rugged and adventurous ride. Perfect for those looking to challenge themselves while enjoying nature’s beauty.
Griffith Park
This ride kicks off in Los Feliz and takes you up Mt. Hollywood Drive, a car-free road that climbs nearly 900 feet. Yeah, it’s a steady uphill (and probably sunny), but totally worth it. You’ll get sweeping views of L.A., cruise through classic California chaparral, and it’s a great spot to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. For this guide, we’re going south to north, heading toward the Burbank side.
📍 Location: Los Angeles, CA 90027
Sycamore Canyon
This trail’s gentle grade and cooler temps make it an easy intro to riding on dirt roads. There’s a great turnaround spot with views of the Boney Mountains to the east if you want a break. And if you’re up for a little more of a challenge, you can add Wood Canyon to turn it into a loop with some rolling hills.
📍 Location: 9000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills State Park has trails for all skill levels. The mostly dirt paths are a must in spring and early summer, when SoCal’s best blooms are in full swing. You’ll ride through a peaceful, wooded area and can make a stop at the Telegraph Canyon lookout for one of the trail’s best views.
📍 Location: 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823
May Canyon
After a tough uphill climb, this closed road turns into rugged gravel. At the top, you’ll find Fire Station Camp 9, a popular stop that was once a Nike missile site during the Cold War. It’s a great spot to refill your water bottle, watch the occasional helicopter land, and enjoy views of the Angeles National Forest, which has recently reopened many of its trails and campsites!
📍 Location: 425 Park Ave., San Fernando, CA 91340
Topanga State Park
Gravel cycling offers plenty of options around Topanga State Park and the Santa Monica Mountains to mix up your ride. The Paseo Miramar Loop takes you past highlights like Eagle Rock, Dirt Mulholland, and the Nike Missile Base, where you’ll find water fountains and restrooms to take a break.
📍 Location: Brentwood Country Mart, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402