San Gabriel Canyon Road loop from Lario Staging Area

The loop typically starts from the Lario Staging Area, which offers convenient parking and serves as a direct link to the San Gabriel River Trail. It's a popular and accessible starting point for cyclists.

The route primarily features a smooth paved road that winds through the historic canyon. You'll encounter rolling hills and significant climbs, with some sections reaching an 8% grade. While mostly well-paved, it demands good to very good fitness due to the steady inclines.

This specific loop, covering about 60.5 km (37.6 miles) with 1,320 meters (4,330 feet) of elevation gain, generally takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete for a cyclist with very good fitness. Your actual time may vary based on your pace and stops.

You'll be treated to picturesque views of both the Morris and San Gabriel Reservoirs, with rolling hills and peaks. Notable highlights include the San Gabriel Canyon Road Scenic View and the View of Morris Reservoir from Newman Point. The route also passes through the scenic Angeles National Forest, with a running creek adding to the natural beauty.

The San Gabriel Canyon Road loop is a year-round cycling destination due to Southern California's consistent sunny weather. However, higher elevations may experience occasional snowfall in winter. Weekends can be busy with traffic, especially in the section before East Fork, so consider riding on weekdays for a quieter experience.

Generally, no specific permits are required for road cycling on the main paved roads like San Gabriel Canyon Road within the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Angeles National Forest or San Gabriel Mountains National Monument websites for any updated regulations or Adventure Pass requirements for parking in certain areas, though the Lario Staging Area typically does not require one.

This route is primarily a road cycling loop on paved roads. While dogs are generally allowed in the Angeles National Forest on leash, bringing a dog on a challenging road cycling route like this is not typically recommended or practical for their safety and yours. It's best suited for human cyclists.

No, this loop is generally considered a 'difficult' road ride requiring 'very good fitness.' It involves significant elevation gain and steady inclines, making it challenging for beginners. More experienced cyclists looking for a demanding ride will find it rewarding.

Yes, the Lario Staging Area is a key access point to the End of San Gabriel River Bike Path. The route itself incorporates sections of the San Gabriel River Greenway and the San Gabriel River Bike Path, offering connections to a broader network of trails.

Absolutely. San Gabriel Canyon Road (Highway 39) provides access to other key cycling areas like Crystal Lake Road and Glendora Mountain Road (GMR). You can extend your ride to include the challenging climb up to Crystal Lake (22.6 miles, 4,640 feet elevation gain) or combine it with a loop incorporating Mt. Baldy for an even more demanding 105 km (65 mile) ride with 2,680 meters (8,790 feet) of elevation gain.

Given the challenging nature and length of the ride, you should bring plenty of water, energy snacks, a repair kit (spare tube, pump, tire levers), appropriate cycling attire, sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses), and a helmet. A fully charged phone and a map or GPS device are also highly recommended, as services can be sparse along the canyon road.