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Turnbull Debris Basin β Turnbull Canyon loop from La Serna High School
48.6km
03:59
1,010m
1,010m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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By Fede from komoot
Β·
Updated June 6, 2026
If you've ever tried planning gravel biking around La Mirada, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. Sifting through countless routes to find the ones genuinely worth your time and effort can be a real pain. That's exactly why we're here: our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these trails, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best gravel routes in the area. Consider this your shortcut to an amazing ride, saving you all the guesswork.
Gravel biking around La Mirada is all about embracing a diverse landscape. Expect a fantastic mix of rolling hills, expansive green spaces, and natural creek areas, with routes that blend paved sections with unpaved dirt paths and fire roads. You'll find everything from easy park loops to challenging climbs through canyons, offering panoramic views. The area truly shines with its varied terrain, making it a great spot for all levels of gravel cyclists.
If you're looking for an easy win with a great payoff, we'd start with the Laguna Lake β Brea Dam Trail loop from Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve. This 6.7 miles (10.7 km) route is perfect for a relaxed ride, offering a lovely mix of surfaces. For those craving a real challenge and some serious elevation, the Turnbull Debris Basin β Turnbull Canyon loop from La Serna High School is a must-do. At 30.2 miles (48.6 km) with over 3,300 feet (1,000 m) of climbing, it delivers incredible views and a proper workout. With more than 30 gravel bikers already exploring La Mirada with komoot, you're in good company.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turnbull Debris Basin β Turnbull Canyon loop from La Serna High School | 48.6Β km | 1,010Β m | Hard |
| Laguna Lake β Brea Dam Trail loop from Sunny Hills High School | 11.0Β km | 90Β m | Easy |
| Laguna Lake β Four Corners loop from Fullerton | 52.1Β km | 550Β m | Hard |
| Turnbull Debris Basin β Puente Hills Preserve loop from Whittier | 11.9Β km | 250Β m | Moderate |
| Turnbull Debris Basin β Whittier Hill loop from La Serna High School | 29.8Β km | 570Β m | Hard |
| Fullerton Golf Course β Hiltscher Park Trail loop from Sunny Hills High School | 20.0Β km | 200Β m | Moderate |
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48.6km
03:59
1,010m
1,010m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11.0km
00:41
90m
90m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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52.1km
03:29
550m
550m
This Laguna Lake β Four Corners loop from Fullerton offers a dynamic gravel biking experience, weaving through Orange County's diverse landscapes. You'll encounter everything from the serene waters of Laguna Lake to the greenbelts and rolling hills of the West Coyote Hills, often on wide, packed-dirt trails and challenging singletrack. The route provides a fantastic blend of natural beauty and varied terrain, making for an engaging ride that feels like a true escape.
Planning your ride is straightforward, with Laguna Lake Park serving as an excellent starting point, complete with parking, restrooms, and water access. Given the route's difficult rating, covering 32.4 miles (52.1 km) with 1811 feet (552 metres) of elevation gain over approximately 3 hours and 29 minutes, it's best suited for riders with very good fitness and advanced skills. Make sure your gravel, mountain, or touring bike has tires 35mm or larger to handle the mixed and sometimes bumpy surfaces.
What makes this route stand out is its integration into the larger Fullerton Loop, known for its surprising amount of singletrack, and its connection to other trails like the Nora Kuttner Trail, which can offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and even downtown Los Angeles. This loop is a prime example of the challenging and rewarding gravel biking routes available in Orange County, providing a unique blend of urban and natural exploration.
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11.9km
01:01
250m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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29.8km
02:18
570m
570m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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20.0km
01:11
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This is the intersection of five trails: Raptor Ridge Trail, North Ridge Trail, Bovinian Delight Trail or Telegraph Canyon Road. There are also some boards with information about the trails and a restroom.
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The Brea Dam Trail is a short but scenic path located near the Brea Dam. It connects to other nearby trails, such as the Juanita Cooke Trail and Hiltscher Park Trail, making it easy to extend the ride. The surface is dirt, and the views of the dam area are great. There will be some urban noise and occasional wildlife sightings.
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The Fullerton Golf Course has 18 holes and spans 125 acres.
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Ride through Turnbull Canyon and be rewarded with stunning views of Los Angeles County and surround yourself with a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The road climbs with an average gradient of 5.2%, gaining 775 feet in elevation and peaking at 1,161 feet. Be cautious of fast-driving vehicles on the winding roads.
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Climb up into the picturesque and rural community of La Habra Heights, known for large properties, many of which allow for agricultural activities such as horse keeping and avocado farming. The area has fantastic views that reach as far as the ocean, and on a clear day, Catalina Island is visible.
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be cautious, lots of young fast and furious wannabe racers out on the canyon at all hours of the day. listen to your surroundings. be safe
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As you bike near Turnbull Debris Basin, observe its crucial function in storing runoff and sediment, acting as a safeguard against downstream flooding and sedimentation, and protecting human life and property. Positioned along the canyon road en route to the Turnbull Canyon Trailhead, it plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks downstream, ensuring community safety.
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There are over 10 gravel bike trails available around La Mirada, offering a diverse range of experiences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 9 reviews.
Gravel biking around La Mirada offers a varied landscape, from rolling hills and green spaces to natural creek areas. You'll encounter a mix of paved sections, unpaved dirt paths, and fire roads. Nearby canyons like Turnbull Canyon provide challenging climbs and panoramic views, while river trails offer dedicated pathways along scenic bluffs.
Thanks to the mild Southern California climate, gravel biking in La Mirada is enjoyable year-round. While summer can be warm, the cooler months from fall through spring offer particularly pleasant conditions for exploring the trails.
Yes, La Mirada offers several easy routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Laguna Lake β Laguna Lake loop from Sunny Hills High School is an easy 8.4-mile trail through local parkland, perfect for a relaxed ride. Another easy option is the Laguna Lake β Brea Dam Trail loop from Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve, which is just over 6 miles.
Absolutely. Many of the easier routes through local parks and along creek areas are suitable for families. Places like Creek Park and La Mirada Community Regional Park offer peaceful settings with varied surfaces that can be explored on a gravel bike, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Yes, many of the gravel bike trails around La Mirada are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Fullerton Loop Trail β Brea Dam loop from Fullerton and the challenging Turnbull Debris Basin β Turnbull Canyon loop from La Serna High School.
While gravel biking, you can explore several interesting natural features and attractions. Turnbull Canyon offers panoramic views of Los Angeles County. The San Gabriel River Trail provides scenic views, especially of the San Gabriel Mountains. You might also encounter Laguna Lake and the Brea Dam. For more information on local parks, visit the La Mirada Community Regional Park website.
The San Gabriel River Trail offers a varied experience. While the initial 27 miles from the west are mostly paved, the trail transitions to more rocky, off-road terrain further inland, making it suitable for gravel bikes in those sections. It features packed gravel sections along scenic bluffs and provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Yes, experienced riders seeking a challenge will enjoy routes like the Turnbull Debris Basin β Turnbull Canyon loop from La Serna High School. This difficult 30.2-mile path includes significant elevation gain through Turnbull Canyon, offering a robust workout and stunning panoramic views.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from serene park trails to challenging canyon climbs, and the blend of natural beauty with accessible routes. The ability to combine paved roads with unpaved dirt paths and fire roads is a frequently highlighted aspect.
Yes, areas like Creek Park, La Mirada Community Regional Park, and sections of the San Gabriel River Trail offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. Along the river trail, you might spot various water birds, while park areas can be home to smaller mammals and diverse bird species.
Parking is generally available at trailheads and public parks that serve as starting points for many routes. For example, routes often start near high schools or regional parks like La Mirada Community Regional Park, which typically have parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for recommended parking locations.
Many multi-use trails and park areas in La Mirada are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. However, specific regulations can vary by park or trail section. It's advisable to check local signage or park rules for the particular trail you plan to ride with your dog.


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