The best gravel rides in South Hills Wilderness Area

There are 5 gravel bike routes available in the South Hills Wilderness Area, offering diverse experiences through rolling hills and canyons.

The best times to visit are typically winter or early spring. During these seasons, the hills are green, temperatures are pleasant, and wildflowers are often in bloom, providing clear views of distant mountains.

You can expect a semi-wilderness landscape with rolling hills and canyons. The terrain features diverse plant communities like chaparral, coastal sage-scrub, and Southern Oak Woodland. The hills rise significantly, shaped by unique Glendora Volcanics rocks.

Most of the routes in the South Hills Wilderness Area are rated as difficult, with 4 out of 5 routes falling into this category. There is one route rated as moderate, but no easy routes are listed, suggesting the area is best suited for experienced riders.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the San Gabriel Canyon loop and the Glendora Ridge Road to Mount Baldy Village loop are popular circular options, offering extensive rides through the region.

Parking and trailhead access are available from South Hills Park on Mauna Loa Avenue or under the 210 Freeway on Bonnie Cove. Trail maps are also available at the Community Services Office.

The ridge trails, particularly the South Hills Backbone Trail, offer extensive 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding city and glistening hilltops. Some trails also provide scenic views over the valley.

The area is rich in diverse plant life, including chaparral, coastal sage-scrub, and Southern Oak Woodland with Coast Live Oak and California Walnut trees. In spring, you might spot wildflowers like Angel Gilia and Red Maids. Geologically, you can observe horizontal layers of limestone and nearly vertical layers near the South Hills Motorway.

Given that most routes are rated as difficult and feature significant elevation gain, the gravel bike trails in the South Hills Wilderness Area are generally more suited for experienced riders rather than young families or beginners.

The South Hills Wilderness Area features multi-use trails that accommodate hikers, equestrians, and cyclists. While specific dog regulations are not detailed, it is common for multi-use wilderness trails in the region to allow dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.

As a wilderness area, the South Hills typically supports local wildlife. While specific species are not detailed, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and respect the natural habitat.

The region research primarily highlights accessibility by car, with parking available at South Hills Park and Bonnie Cove. Public transport options directly to the trailheads are not explicitly mentioned, so driving is likely the most convenient way to access the area.

For a challenging ride, consider the Newman Point Overlook – Little Dalton Debris Basin loop from Azusa Downtown. This 29.9-mile (48.2 km) trail is rated difficult, features over 1000 meters of elevation gain, and offers varied terrain with views over the valley.