The best cycling routes in Los Angeles County

There are over 970 touring cycling routes available in Los Angeles County on komoot, offering a wide range of experiences for all skill levels. These include 278 easy routes, 350 moderate routes, and 348 difficult routes.

Los Angeles County offers incredibly diverse terrain for touring cyclists. You'll find flat, paved coastal paths along beaches like those on the Santa Monica Beach Path, urban river trails such as the Griffith Park and Los Angeles River Loop, and challenging mountain climbs in areas like the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains, exemplified by the Mount Baldy Cycling Route.

Yes, Los Angeles County has many family-friendly options, particularly along its extensive coastline and river paths. Routes like the Santa Monica Beach Path to Venice and Marina Del Ray offer flat, paved surfaces away from traffic, perfect for families. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which this route is part of, is a 22-mile paved path ideal for leisurely rides.

For stunning views, consider routes that traverse the coastal bluffs and hills, such as the Palos Verdes Drive Loop, which offers panoramic ocean vistas. Routes within Griffith Park, like the Griffith Park and LA River Bike Loop, also provide sweeping city views and natural scenery.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Los Angeles County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Griffith Park and Los Angeles River Loop, the Palos Verdes Drive Loop, and the San Francisquito Creek Trail & Santa Clara River Trail loop.

Los Angeles County's routes pass by a wealth of landmarks and natural features. Along coastal routes, you'll encounter iconic beaches like Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach. Inland, you can explore the expansive urban wilderness of Griffith Park. For unique geological formations, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park is a standout. You can also find beautiful lakes such as Century Lake and Malibu Creek Rock Pools, or even waterfalls like Eaton Canyon Waterfall and Lower Escondido Falls.

Los Angeles County enjoys over 250 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for touring cycling almost year-round. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures, ideal for longer rides. Even winter provides mild conditions, especially along the coast, though mountain areas might be cooler. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended during peak heat.

While popular coastal and urban routes can be busy, you can often find less crowded experiences by exploring routes further inland or in the mountain ranges. Routes in the San Gabriel Mountains, such as the San Gabriel Canyon Road loop from Lario Staging Area, tend to offer more solitude and challenging climbs away from the urban bustle.

Many popular trailheads and coastal access points offer parking, though it can be limited or paid in high-demand areas like Santa Monica. For public transport, Los Angeles has a growing network of buses and trains, and many routes, especially those along the LA River or connecting to urban parks, are accessible via public transit. Cyclists should check local transit agency websites for bike-on-bus/train policies.

The touring cycling routes in Los Angeles County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 990 reviews. Reviewers often praise the incredible diversity of scenery, from stunning coastal views to challenging mountain ascents and serene river paths. The consistent sunshine and variety of routes for all skill levels are also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. For advanced touring cyclists seeking significant elevation gains and longer distances, Los Angeles County offers routes in its mountainous regions. The Mount Baldy Cycling Route, with over 1450 meters of elevation gain, and the San Gabriel Canyon Road loop from Lario Staging Area, with over 1290 meters of climbing, are excellent choices for experienced riders.

Yes, Los Angeles County excels at offering routes that blend urban environments with natural beauty. The Griffith Park and Los Angeles River Loop is a prime example, utilizing river paths and offering views within Griffith Park while staying connected to the city. The Coastal, Ballona Creek & Expo Path Loop also combines coastal paths with urban greenways.