The best road cycling routes around San Bernardino

San Bernardino offers a wide variety of road cycling routes, with over 40 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, including 5 easy, 27 moderate, and 12 difficult trails, ensuring there's a ride for every cyclist.

Road cycling in San Bernardino features incredibly diverse terrain. You'll find routes traversing arid desert fringes, verdant river corridors like the Santa Ana River, and significant mountainous ascents into the San Bernardino National Forest. This varied topography offers everything from flatter paths to challenging climbs with stunning views of peaks like Mount San Gorgonio.

Yes, San Bernardino has several routes ideal for beginners and families. For instance, the Big Bear Alpine Pedal Path on the north side of Big Bear Lake is a 2.5-mile paved path with minimal inclines, offering scenic views. Additionally, komoot lists 5 easy road cycling routes in the region, providing gentler options for those new to the sport or riding with children.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, San Bernardino offers demanding climbs, particularly within the San Bernardino National Forest. Routes around Lake Arrowhead, Lake Gregory, Running Springs, and Keller Peak are known for significant elevation gains. The climb along Hwy 18 - Old Waterman Canyon Rd is also a very difficult ascent. One such challenging route is the University Village to Arrowhead Lake loop, which features nearly 1,800 meters of elevation gain.

Absolutely. Many routes offer breathtaking scenery. The San Bernardino to Hidden Valley Viewpoint via Santa Ana River Trail provides scenic views along the river. For panoramic vistas, sections of the Rim of the World Scenic Drive can be incorporated into challenging rides. You can also find highlights like Pilot Rock and the Rim of the World Scenic Byway offering stunning views.

Yes, you can find natural attractions like waterfalls near some cycling areas. For example, Etiwanda Falls is a notable waterfall in the region that can be accessed or viewed in conjunction with certain routes.

The road cycling experience in San Bernardino is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.1 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from river valleys to mountainous ascents, and the variety of routes that cater to different ability levels. The scenic beauty, particularly around areas like Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino National Forest, is frequently highlighted.

Yes, San Bernardino offers several excellent loop routes. A popular choice is the Redlands, Caroline Park, Panorama Point, and Sunset Park loops, a moderate 20.7-mile trail. Another option is the University Village to Arrowhead Lake loop, which is a more challenging 49-mile ride through the San Bernardino National Forest.

Yes, the region features routes that utilize historic pathways. The Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail (Pacific Electric Bike Way) is a notable example, following a historic railway route for 18-21 miles through open spaces and city centers, offering views of the local mountains.

Beyond the main routes, other popular options include the Orange Blossom Trail, Colton Rail Trail, Euclid Avenue Bridle Path, and the Mojave River Path. These trails offer varied experiences across the San Bernardino landscape.

Yes, many routes combine natural beauty with urban and park landscapes. The Redlands, Caroline Park, Panorama Point, and Sunset Park loops is a great example, passing through varied urban and park settings with mountain views. The Pacific Electric Inland Empire Trail also winds through both open spaces and downtown city centers.

The best time for road biking in San Bernardino largely depends on the specific area you plan to ride. Lower elevation routes can be enjoyed year-round, though summer months can be very hot in desert fringes. For mountainous routes, spring and fall offer ideal temperatures and stunning scenery. Winter can bring snow to higher elevations, making some mountain passes inaccessible or requiring specialized gear.

Yes, several routes offer scenic views of lakes. The Big Bear Alpine Pedal Path provides beautiful views of Big Bear Lake. The University Village to Arrowhead Lake loop takes you around Lake Arrowhead. Additionally, the Silverwood Lake Bike Path offers cycling opportunities alongside the popular Silverwood Lake recreation area.