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Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Bike Bridge loop from Lakewood Boulevard

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Bike Bridge loop from Lakewood Boulevard

Moderate

3.1

(19)

riders

Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Bike Bridge loop from Lakewood Boulevard

02:33

42.7km

70m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 40 m for 11 m

After 42.6 km for 12 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

14.3 km

Pio Pico State Historic Park

Highlight • Historical Site

Built in 1848 by Pico, the last governor of Mexican California, explore the restored adobe home, furnished with period pieces, offering a glimpse into Pico's life and 19th-century California living.

Tip by

18.1 km

Flash-flood prevention dam system to slow down and hold back sudden flows of water and mud after heavy rain or snowfall in the upstream watershed. Meanwhile millions have moved into the landscape that would otherwise flood once every few years or decades.

Tip by

19.7 km

Dragon Playground at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

Highlight • Rest Area

This large recreation park has several lakes for boating and fishing, bike trails which double up as great running loops with lakeside views. It also hosts the American Military Museum, a nature center and more. There is over 1500 acres to explore and what better way to see it than by running round most if not all of it.

Tip by

21.3 km

Bosque del Rio Hondo

Highlight • Forest

Bosque del Rio Hondo, which is Spanish for “Forest of the Deep River, is a small quaint green area just off from Whittier Arrows lakes & Recreation Area. It is also abundant with wildlife and used by the public for picnics, biking and hiking because it provides access to the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River bicycle paths.

Tip by

30.0 km

Rio Hondo Bikeway

Highlight • Cycleway

Excellent paved dedicated bike trails along Rio Hondo, a safe car-free connection through the otherwise wall-to-wall urban landscape.

Tip by

34.0 km

Rio Hondo Bike Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

The section north-west of here is blessed with the paved Rio hondo bikeway on both sides of the river channel. One bridge at each end of the parallel section helps connect to the other side to continue riding along the river. To the south this is the East bank, to the North-East it is on the North-West bank of the river. If you pass the bridge into the dead-end section you will notice it thanks to the homeless encampment getting denser and eventually closing off the trail ...

Tip by

37.0 km

E-Imperial Bridge connecting LA River and Rio Hondo bikeways

Highlight • Bridge

Strategic connection between these two long distance bikeways: Follow the ramps up from either bike trail to get on the bridge at the confluence of the Rio Hondo and the Los Angeles River. Both rivers are canalized and have excellent dedicated bike trails that form the best, safest bike routes without car traffic.

Tip by

42.7 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

23.5 km

10.9 km

3.35 km

2.50 km

1.67 km

594 m

138 m

Surfaces

32.0 km

8.18 km

1.66 km

748 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Monday 13 July

29°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Description

If you're looking for a refreshing escape from urban sprawl without leaving the city, the Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Bike Bridge loop from Lakewood Boulevard is a solid choice. This moderate touring cycling route covers 26.5 miles (42.7 km) with a gentle 229 feet (70 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 33 minutes to complete. It's perfect for cyclists seeking a blend of nature and accessible urban paths, offering a rewarding ride without being overly strenuous.

What to expect on Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Bike Bridge loop from Lakewood Boulevard

Expect a diverse ride as you pedal along the Rio Hondo channel, where sections of lush riparian wetlands offer a welcome green contrast to the urban surroundings. The Bosque del Rio Hondo, meaning 'Forest of the Deep River,' is a true highlight, teeming with wildlife like herons, ducks, and turtles. You'll pass by areas like 'Marrano Beach' and enjoy views near the El Monte Airport, all while navigating mostly paved, flat terrain. While generally easy, be mindful of occasional bumps and debris; this route is best for cyclists who appreciate a mix of natural beauty and urban convenience.

Planning your visit

This loop is accessible year-round, making it a reliable option whenever you're ready to ride. You can easily reach the starting point from Lakewood Boulevard, and public transport options are available for convenient access. Amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are available at various points along the trail, and leashed dogs are permitted. While the Rio Hondo is a seasonal river, always exercise caution near the channel due to potentially slippery sides.

Trail details

Distance: 26.5 miles (42.7 km)
Elevation gain: 229 feet (70 metres)
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 2 hours and 33 minutes

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Bosque del Rio Hondo – Rio Hondo Bike Bridge loop from Lakewood Boulevard

Pio Pico State Historic Park

San Gabriel River Dam

Dragon Playground at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area

Bosque del Rio Hondo

Rio Hondo Bikeway

Rio Hondo Bike Bridge

E-Imperial Bridge connecting LA River and Rio Hondo bikeways

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