The best gravel rides in San Bernardino County

The Watershed Loop is a difficult 9.8-mile gravel biking route in SARA Park, offering 544 feet of elevation gain over 1 hour and 31 minutes.

The Sierra Peak Summit loop from Yorba Regional Park is a challenging gravel biking route that rewards your effort with truly expansive views. You'll navigate through rolling, chaparral-covered hills and tranquil canyon bottoms, encountering a mix of doubletrack and rocky singletrack. The highlight is undoubtedly the panoramic 360-degree vista from Sierra Peak, where you can see across Orange County to the San Gabriels, San Bernardino National Forest, and even San Gorgonio Mountain on a clear day. This route is for those who appreciate a tough climb and the solitude of a remote-feeling trail.

Planning your ride means preparing for a significant undertaking. The route is 34.6 miles (55.7 km) long with 3489 feet (1064 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 29 minutes. Parking is available at Yorba Regional Park, and starting early is highly recommended to beat the heat and ensure you have ample time. Be sure to carry plenty of water, as the trail can feel quite remote, and some sections are steep enough that you might need to push your bike.

This is one of the most popular trails for advanced gravel biking routes Sierra Peak Summit, offering a substantial workout and a sense of accomplishment. The varied landscape, from oak woodlands to distinctive sandstone formations like “Mini Moab,” adds to its character. Despite its proximity to Orange County, the long trek to the 3,045-foot (928-meter) summit often means you'll have much of the route to yourself, making it a rewarding experience for experienced riders.

The Queen Valley – Queen Valley Trails loop from Echo Cove South Face offers a fantastic gravel biking adventure through the less-traveled parts of Joshua Tree National Park. This moderate 23.6-mile (38.0 km) route, with 870 feet (265 metres) of elevation gain, takes around 2 hours and 42 minutes to complete, winding through a classic Mojave Desert landscape dotted with countless Joshua trees, unique rock formations, and vast desert vistas. It's a truly tranquil experience for those looking to escape the busier park areas.

Planning your ride means accounting for the Joshua Tree National Park entrance fee. While the Echo Cove South Face is a convenient starting point, be aware that some sections of the trail might have sandy patches, making wider tires (above 2.2 inches) a smart choice to avoid pushing your bike. The remote setting ensures a peaceful journey, but also means you should be self-sufficient with water and supplies.

This loop provides a unique opportunity to explore the park's distinctive desert ecosystem from a different perspective than a car. The Queen Valley area is known for its solitude, offering a chance to connect with nature and potentially access various hiking trails and backcountry campsites. It's a rewarding ride for those with good fitness seeking an authentic desert experience.

Embark on a classic Joshua Tree gravel biking adventure with the Queen Valley Trails – Queen Valley loop from Geology Tour Road. This easy 13.8-mile (22.2 km) route, with a gentle 440 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a landscape dotted with iconic Joshua Trees, ancient volcanic lava flows, and impressive rock formations. Expect a mix of hard-packed and softer sand on Geology Tour Road, while the Queen Valley sections often offer smoother riding, especially after rain, providing great views of boulder piles and Queen Mountain.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the entire loop is within Joshua Tree National Park, requiring standard park entrance. The Geology Tour Road portion is one-way for vehicles, so be mindful of traffic flow. Always carry ample water, particularly in the desert heat, and consider riding during cooler seasons to enhance your experience on these gravel biking routes.

This loop is a fantastic way to access less-visited parts of the park, offering a sense of solitude and a more immersive experience than driving. It also serves as a gateway to various hiking trails and climbing spots, making it a notable option for exploring the park's natural beauty and unique desert ecosystem away from the busiest areas.

The Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Telegraph Canyon Road loop offers a delightful escape into Southern California's natural beauty, perfect for a relaxed gravel bike ride. You'll pedal through diverse ecosystems, from the unique redwood grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park to vibrant riparian areas teeming with oak, alder, and sycamore trees. The trail itself is a mix of hard-packed dirt and some loose gravel, providing an engaging yet manageable experience for riders. Keep an eye out for the iconic "Twisted Tree" as you explore the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with paid parking available directly at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. This multi-use trail is popular, so expect to share the path with other outdoor enthusiasts. It's an excellent choice for a quick outing, especially if you're looking for beginner gravel biking routes in Carbon Canyon, offering 7.9 miles (12.8 km) of easy riding with just 459 feet (140 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 1 hour.

What makes this route particularly notable is its role as a key access point into the extensive trail system of Chino Hills State Park, allowing for longer adventures if you choose to extend your ride. Beyond the connection, the trail showcases a rich variety of natural features, from the park's redwoods to the birdwatching opportunities in the shaded riparian zones. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse ecosystems of Orange County on two wheels.

The Bighorn Pass Road – Arch Rock loop from Abbey Rock offers a demanding gravel biking experience through the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. You'll pedal past fascinating boulder fields, dense stands of Joshua Trees, and catch glimpses of iconic formations like Arch Rock and Heart Rock, all while navigating varied dirt and sandy roads. It's a true desert journey, showcasing the park's unique ecosystem and geological wonders.

This difficult 35.7-mile (57.5 km) route involves a significant 1947 feet (593 metres) of elevation gain, typically requiring about 4 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Riders should be prepared for challenging terrain, including sandy sections that demand wider tires and advanced bike handling skills. Parking is available near Abbey Rock, and it's crucial to carry ample water due to the lack of shade and limited services in the park.

What makes this route stand out is its ability to take you into less-frequented areas of Joshua Tree, offering solitude away from the more crowded spots. It provides a comprehensive desert riding experience, complete with the characteristic flora and impressive rock formations that define the park. This is a fantastic option for experienced gravel bikers looking for a substantial and scenic adventure.