The best MTB trails around Rolling Hills
4.7
(9)
89
riders
9
rides
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Rolling Hills, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails crisscrossing the landscape, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your precious riding time and which are just filler. That's where we come in. We've sifted through countless routes, drawing on the collective wisdom of komoot's community, to bring you a curated shortlist of trails genuinely worth your time and effort.
Mountain biking in Rolling Hills is defined by its dynamic blend of undulating slopes and rounded peaks, transitioning from a rugged coastline with stunning ocean views and bluffs to varied inland vegetation. This means you'll find everything from easy loops to more challenging moderate routes, offering a diverse experience for all skill levels. The trails here are well-regarded, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from our community.
If you only do one ride, make it the Forrestal Reserve loop. At 2.5 miles (4.1 km), it's an easy, popular choice that offers a fantastic taste of the area's terrain. For something longer that truly captures the coastal vibe, the Manhattan Beach – El Segundo Beach loop from Catalina Avenue / Elena Avenue is a moderate 26.6 miles (42.8 km) ride that delivers varied scenery and a great workout. Dive in and discover why more than 30 mountain bikers have already explored Rolling Hills with komoot.
Last updated: May 30, 2026
4.11km
00:30
150m
150m
The Forrestal Reserve loop offers a compact yet varied mountain biking experience, blending shaded canyon paths with open hillside ascents. You'll navigate a mix of fire roads and fun singletrack, all while enjoying expansive ocean views where Catalina Island often appears on clear days. The route also passes the distinctive bowl-shaped basalt quarry, adding a unique geological feature to the ride. It's a great way to experience the Palos Verdes Peninsula's natural beauty in a short timeframe.
Planning your visit to the Forrestal Reserve is straightforward, though it's wise to arrive early for parking, especially on busy days. This well-maintained trail system is shared with hikers and equestrians, so mountain bikers should always yield to others. Given the potential for warm weather, particularly in summer, carrying enough water is a good idea to stay hydrated throughout your 29-minute ride.
This easy 2.6-mile (4.1 km) mountain biking loop, with 488 feet (149 metres) of elevation gain, stands out for its blend of accessibility and stunning Pacific coastline views. The geologically interesting terrain, including the old basalt quarry, provides a unique backdrop. It's a notable trail for those seeking a quick, scenic escape within the larger Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, offering a rewarding outdoor experience close to Los Angeles.
4.7
(3)
39
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The Manhattan Beach – El Segundo Beach loop from Catalina Avenue / Elena Avenue offers a classic Southern California mountain biking experience, tracing the vibrant coastline with continuous ocean views. You'll ride past sandy beaches, watch surfers, and pass through lively beach communities, with the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier serving as a notable landmark along the way. The terrain is mostly flat on paved paths, though some unpaved sections add a bit of variety to this scenic journey.
Planning your ride on this moderate 26.6-mile (42.7 km) loop, which typically takes around 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete, is straightforward. The route is part of the well-known Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, ensuring clear access. While no specific parking details are provided, the area is well-equipped for visitors. Given its popularity, an early start is recommended to make the most of the 449 feet (137 metres) of elevation gain and the beautiful coastal scenery.
This route is a fantastic way to experience the Los Angeles coastline, connecting several iconic beaches and offering a unique perspective on the region's famous seaside culture. It's highly regarded by the Komoot community, reflecting its appeal as a comprehensive tour of the area. The mix of paved and unpaved sections makes it a true mountain biking trail, distinct from other easier coastal routes.
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9
riders
48.7km
02:50
420m
430m
The Miramar Park – International Boardwalk loop from Palos Verdes offers a dynamic mountain biking experience, blending the serene beauty of a car-free public beachfront with the rugged charm of coastal bluffs. You'll cruise along an excellent bike/pedestrian boardwalk, soaking in stunning ocean views, before transitioning to more varied terrain. Expect to encounter wildflowers and local wildlife, with some sections featuring rocky outcrops and loose surfaces, making for an engaging ride that truly showcases the Palos Verdes coastline.
This moderate 30.2-mile (48.7 km) loop, with 1382 feet (421 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes to complete. It's suitable for riders with good fitness levels, though some unpaved segments might require extra effort. Remember that trails in Palos Verdes are often shared with hikers and horses, so practice good trail etiquette and always stick to paths clearly marked for bikes.
What makes this route stand out is its unique combination of a substantial boardwalk section and the adventurous mountain biking opportunities found in the Palos Verdes area. It's a great way to experience the region's natural beauty, offering panoramic ocean vistas and a blend of adrenaline with nature. Just be mindful that not all trails in the preserves are open to bikes, so always check signage.
7
riders
This Redondo Beach International Boardwalk loop offers a delightful mountain biking experience, primarily on paved, flat terrain that's perfect for a relaxed coastal spin. You'll enjoy continuous ocean views, passing by sailing boats and, on clear days, catching glimpses of Catalina Island. The route takes you through the lively Redondo Beach pier area and the International Boardwalk, where you'll find bustling crowds, shops, and the King Harbor marina, making for a scenic and engaging ride.
Starting from Saint Francis Episcopal Church, this easy 9.8-mile (15.7 km) loop involves a modest 283 feet (86 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 51 minutes. While the path is generally smooth, be prepared for potentially crowded sections near the pier and marina, where you might need to dismount and walk your bike. No special permits are required for mountain biking this family-friendly trail, and the pleasant Redondo Beach weather makes it enjoyable almost any time of year.
What makes this route stand out is its integration into the popular Marvin Braude Bike Trail, offering a segment of a much larger coastal cycling network. It's a mixed-use path, shared with pedestrians and rollerbladers, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere. This trail is an excellent choice for beginner mountain biking or anyone looking for a low-effort ride with high scenic payoff, providing a taste of the Southern California beach lifestyle.
5
riders
29.7km
02:05
510m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Has some bumps here and there nothing too crazy, fun ride
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at the end of the bike path, there's a juice bar that's fantastic!
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The city is celebrated for its affluent residential character, featuring elegant neighborhoods, top-rated public schools, and recreational amenities like the historic Palos Verdes Golf Club, which dates back to 1924. Residents enjoy access to coastal trails, serene beaches, and a strong sense of community, making it one of Southern California’s most desirable places to live.
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Captain Kidd's Fish Market & Restaurant in Redondo Beach offers a unique dining experience where patrons can select fresh seafood from the market and have it prepared to their liking, all while enjoying scenic harbor views from one of three outdoor patios. Established in 1976, this longstanding establishment has become a local favorite, known for its casual atmosphere, diverse seafood menu, and commitment to serving the freshest catches from both local and international waters.
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Redondo Beach State Park, located along Pacific Coast Highway 1, offers a vibrant mix of attractions. Once a commercial port, the area now features the Redondo Pier with shops, restaurants, marinas, live music, a skate park, and a sport fishing fleet. The oceanfront esplanade is a walkway known for its stunning sunsets and scenic ocean views. King Harbor has great seafood swimming beaches, surfing, boating, and fishing. More attractions like Veterans Park, Czuleger Park, and the famous “Whaling Wall” by artist Wyland on the old power plant are just as popular as the Redondo beach.
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Torrance Beach lies between Redondo Beach and Malaga Cove. The region shared by Torrance and Redondo Beaches is often called “RAT Beach” (short for “Right After Torrance” Beach or “Redondo and Torrance Beach”). This beautiful, soft sand beach has 40 acres of beach and is at the foot of cliffs which extend to the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There restrooms, a concession stand, showers, bike path, beach wheelchairs, and volleyball nets. Torrance Beach is great for swimming, fishing, scuba and skin diving, and surfing.
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Palos Verdes Cove begins at Flat Rock Point and rounds into Rancho Palos Verdes. The cove is a protected marine preserve and a well-known surf spot, with both left and right waves. The views from the tops of the cliffs are amazing.
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Dockweiler State Beach has 3.7 miles of ocean frontage and 288 acres of beach. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic facilities, fire rings, and volleyball nets. It's the only beach on LA Bay allowing fires, BBQ, and has many trash bins. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as the beach bike path, is readily accessible, which many visitors use for roller-blading, jogging, and of course, bicycling. Jetties at the north end of the beach provide ideal fishing opportunities. Shore fishing is also popular. The beach is home to a fenced enclosure for the western snowy plover, a federally protected shore bird. The beach is quite expansive with lots of sand. In the summer it can get quite busy, especially towards the evening when everyone is trying to gather around one of the various fire rings. The only drawback here is its proximity to Los Angeles International Airport; the noise from jets taking off can get quite loud for some. The nearby parking lots have over 1,200 spaces and a Recreational Vehicle Park with 118 full hook-up spaces. Nearby is the Dockweiler Youth Center, which offers a multi-purpose room and terrace, youth camps, and community programs. Entrance is $7 for cars, free for bikers and pedestrians. https://beaches.lacounty.gov/dockweiler-beach
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of mountain bike trails can I find in Rolling Hills?
Rolling Hills offers a variety of mountain bike trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. You'll find routes that traverse undulating slopes, coastal bluffs, and areas with diverse vegetation. The region's landscape includes both rugged coastline with ocean views and inland sections with rolling hills.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Rolling Hills?
Yes, there are several easy mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills. A great option for beginners is the Forrestal Reserve loop, which is 2.5 miles (4.1 km) long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. This route is located within the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve. Another easy option is the El Segundo Beach – El Segundo Beach loop from Catalina Avenue / Elena Avenue.
What are some moderate mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills?
For those looking for a moderate challenge, the Del Cerro Park – Upper Burma Rd Trail loop from Rancho Palos Verdes is a popular choice. This 6.6-mile (10.6 km) path offers views from Del Cerro Park and winds through varied terrain. Another moderate route is the Bluff Cove – Entradero Bluffs Overlook loop from Ner Tamid, which is 18.7 miles (30.1 km) and features coastal bluffs and ocean views.
Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in Rolling Hills?
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore the area. Examples include the Forrestal Reserve loop, the Del Cerro Park – Upper Burma Rd Trail loop from Rancho Palos Verdes, and the Bluff Cove – Entradero Bluffs Overlook loop from Ner Tamid.
What can I see along the mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills?
The trails in Rolling Hills offer diverse scenery. You can expect stunning ocean views, rugged coastlines, and bluffs, especially along routes near the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Inland, you'll ride through areas with varied vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and trees. Notable attractions include Bluff Cove, Point Vicente Lighthouse, and Miramar Park. You might also catch a view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula from Forrestal Reserve.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Rolling Hills?
The Rolling Hills area, with its mild Southern California climate, generally offers good mountain biking conditions year-round. However, spring and fall often provide the most comfortable temperatures and can showcase the landscape at its best, with wildflowers in bloom during spring. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there family-friendly mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills?
Yes, the easier trails in Rolling Hills are suitable for families. The Forrestal Reserve loop is an excellent choice for families, being relatively short and easy. The generally green and blue rated trails within Forrestal Reserve and connecting to Portuguese Bend Reserve are also good options for various skill levels.
Are mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills dog-friendly?
Many trails in the Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, which includes areas like Forrestal Reserve, are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific trail regulations before you go, as rules can vary by preserve or park section.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Rolling Hills?
The mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from coastal bluffs with ocean views to the undulating inland hills, and appreciate the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
Is there parking available near the mountain bike trails in Rolling Hills?
Yes, many trailheads and parks in the Rolling Hills area, such as Del Cerro Park and Forrestal Reserve, offer designated parking areas. For coastal routes, parking can often be found near beaches or viewpoints like White Point Park, which also provides amenities such as bathrooms and water fountains.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the mountain bike trails?
While specific cafes directly on the trails are rare, the Rolling Hills area and nearby towns like Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance, and Redondo Beach offer numerous dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants. You'll find plenty of choices for refreshments and meals within a short drive of most trailheads.
How many mountain bike trails are there in Rolling Hills?
There are 9 mountain bike trails around Rolling Hills featured in this guide, offering a range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
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